Tekowa eager to do work she's passionate about

As I think about my acceptance to the 2013 Cape Town Study Abroad program the only word I can think of to describe how I feel is excited. I am excited to live in Cape Town rather than just visit. I have been to Cape Town a few times before but I think that living and working with the people, and being more a part of the community will give me such a different perspective than I have had before. I was also much younger when I was in Cape Town previously (the first time being when I was about 8 and the last when I was 13/14), so going now that I have a little more life experience, and more direction and purpose in my life will be a completely different experience. I’m excited to view South Africa through fresh eyes. I’m definitely feeling very eager to go and do work that I am passionate about. I think that’s what makes this opportunity so amazing. We’re not just going to attend a university in a different country but we’re actually working within the community, using what we learn in the classroom, and making a difference in people’s lives. I assume that we’re all participating in this program because we all want to impact people in a positive way and I can’t help but look forward to spending the semester with people with similar goals. I have to say that the thing I’m most excited about is just learning from others and this experience. I firmly believe that we have something to learn from everyone and everything. I just look forward to learning from the people of Cape Town, my fellow program participants, my internship, our classes, and just be a student of life. Although its very easy to get caught up in daydreams of next semester, I am trying to let go of any expectations so I can keep my mind and heart open to whatever may come and everything the spring semester has in store for me. Lastly, I can’t help but feel a little overwhelmed, but in a good way. I really feel incredibly blessed to be in a position to even participate in this. At a time where a college education seems to be reserved for the privileged, I feel so lucky to not only be getting my education but to be able to travel while I do so. I’m not naïve to how fortunate I’ve been, and because of the circumstances that have lead me here, I cherish this opportunity and hope to make and get the most out of it as I can.