Terri witnesses ongoing legacy of apartheid

Now that our time here in Cape Town is coming to an end I have been thinking a lot about what is to come for the rest of my time at Uconn and then for the rest of my life.  I think over and over again about the things I have learned and how to change them from thoughts to actions.  I have seen the growth of every person on this program because of the conversations we have.  I know we will all do a great job next year during out workshops while teaching other Uconn students some of the things we have learned here.

While writing Marita’s final response paper I added an experience from my activist project and felt that I would love to share it with more people than just Marita and what better way to do that than to add it to my blog:

My activist project was a lot of fun.  It was the one time I was able to have a more personal relationship with the black community while at Maitland Cottage.  I also love medicine and learning about different conditions so I thoroughly enjoyed going in every Friday.  There were a lot of things I was able to learn from a medical level to a communal level. There was one specific thing that happened during my activist project that played with my emotions and has repeated in my head multiple times.  I had to ask a grandmother of one of the children to sign consent for her granddaughter to get medical attention.  First of all this grandmother had a very hard time understanding my English but the sad part was watching her actually sign the form.  All she wrote was “Flynn”, all in manuscript, she did not hold the pen correctly, and it took her an exceptionally long time to sign her name.  If I had not seen it written with my own eyes I would have thought a six year old who had just learned how to write her last name had wrote it.  At that moment all I could think about was Apartheid and the struggle the black community had to go through to get proper education.  I do not think this woman has a learning disability, I think the oppression she went through while growing up has prevented her to learn how to do something that we consider to be so simple, signing our names.  The Sharpville Massacre was all I could think about for the rest of the day.  I couldn’t help but think what this woman must have gone through as a child in school.  While at the age that most of us are having a good time at school, making friends, and learning from a teacher we speak the same language as and understand; children during Apartheid were struggling to get a proper education.  This was just another way the Apartheid government was able to oppress the black community.  If they couldn’t learn, they couldn’t be educated enough to get jobs and therefore make money.  Without proper education they were not educated enough to understand politics and know that their human rights were being torn away from them.  Many people think that since apartheid has ended so has the oppression and abuse but I have seen with my own eyes the consequences of the actions made by the Apartheid government.  Although little things have happened, it will take a lot more effort for equality to be reached.  I hope that day will come soon so the suffering of so many will come to an end.

Terri on learning examples to live by

Our time here in Cape Town is coming to an end and I cannot believe it.  It seems like we were just meeting each other and getting off the plane to begin this amazing journey.  Now we have been here for 3 months and have gotten to know each other better than I could have ever expected.  I have met so many great people here in Cape Town and many of them have touched my life in so many ways that I know I will remember them forever. 

Last night a good friend of ours Abongile (Bongi) came over for the night!  He is one of the most amazing men I have ever met.  I could not have asked to meet a better person while here in South Africa.  Bongi loves kids and we all love talking to him about his soccer team and the things he wants to do to help them.  He came out with us last night and we had a great time.  He definitely showed all of us up on the dance floor, but that was expected.  I hope he had as good of a time out with us as we did with him.  I think I can speak for everyone when I say his presence made our night!

On Sunday a couple of us went on a hike along with some friends we have met here. Koko, Lolly, and Mikhululi.  It was a great time and a good way to get to know some of the people from South Africa.  Not only was it a good way to spend time together but we also got to see the city from a different side and it was beautiful (of course).  We ate lunch in a small indent in the mountain, and got to view the city side of the mountain and the water side.  Like Bongi; Koko, Lolli, and Mihululi are all amazing people.  They seem to love being around us, which is great for us because we love hanging out with them too.  I can honestly say that Mikhululi is one of if not the sweetest person I have ever met.  He is always so happy to come over and so grateful when we invite him to hike with us or come to our braais.  He wrote one of the nicest thank you letters to Julian that made me want to cry.  I wish everyone in the world could be as happy and grateful all the time like these people are.  They are definitely examples to live by. 

I am still learning more and more everyday at my internship and still loving every second of it.  The doctors have been giving me more responsibility and trusting me to do more things.  Last week they taught me how to suture and allowed me to suture one of the incisions after surgery; it was awesome!  There is a new intern from Holland who joined me this past week and will be at Maitland until I leave.  It is nice having someone else there who is learning the same things that I am.  However, his presence has also made me realize how much I have learned the past couple months.  When I first arrived at my internship I knew very little about medicine or orthopedics.  Now I am explaining different diagnoses and procedures to new interns.  I guess I knew I was learning a lot but it didn’t hit me until this past week. 

Terri's amazing excursion

Last week in Johannesburg and at Kruger was amazing! We did so many different things and I learned more in the couple days of museums and tours than I ever could have imagined.  We did so many different things including going to tours of Sharpeville, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg prison, Constitutional Court, Apartheid Museum, Hector Pieterson Museum, and we went to the Mandela House. 

The tours definitely proved the extent of violence during apartheid.  Sharpeville and murder of Hector Pieterson are two well-known events that occurred in apartheid that lead some South Africans and the world to realize how horrible apartheid was.  On March 21, 1960 a large group of South Africans protested outside the Sharpeville Police Station without their picture ID that stated their classification.  All black and coloured citizens were required to carry these passes with them at all times.  If they were ever found without the passes they were most likely arrested.  When the police noticed the large crowd they grabbed their firearms began to shoot.  Some police drove on vehicles that looked similar to military tanks while shooting.  In the end 69 people were killed and many more were injured.  We were told that most of these people were shot in the backs as they were running away from the police.  Later that day we went to the cemetery where all 69 people were buried.  We walked down the row in silence and aw.  I don’t think the horror of that day hit us until we actually saw the 69 tombstones lined up.  I instantly noticed the ages on the stones, the youngest was 12.  I couldn’t believe that a 12 year old was involved in this protest.  I find it amazing that during this time even 12 year old kids understood that they were being treated poorly and were willing to risk their lives for their rights.  While in America today it’s hard to get anyone to protest their rights.

Hector Pieterson was a 13 year old boy who was killed by police during the Soweto uprisings.  Students were protesting the change of both English and Afrikaans being taught to them in school.  Most children did not speak Afrikaans, it was just another way of the Apartheid government oppressing the black community.  If they did not understand what was being taught to them they would not be able to learn and in affect would have fewer chances of getting jobs and living successful lives.  The police again began to shoot at the crowd in order to end the protest.  It was mind boggling to hear that a young boy was killed because he and others wanted to learn in a language they actually understood.

One of my favorite parts of this trip was the Apartheid Museum.  At the beginning of our tour we were given cards, each of which had either “white” or “black” on the back.  We walked through to see what it was like to have real ID cards during this time.  The museum had many pictures and information on events that occurred throughout apartheid.  The things that I remember most are the short films we saw that showed us real footage of what it was like during this time. We saw a lot of the police violence on black people.  This violence included punching, hitting, kicking, beating with guns, and throwing people to the ground, and having their dogs bite at them.  I was in tears within a couple seconds of watching one of the films.  They were horrible, it broke my heart to see that people were treated in this way all because they were standing up for their human rights.  Another part of the museum I enjoyed was the section dedicated to Mandela.  It was amazing to see all the things he accomplished in this life.  There was a lot of live footage of him once he was elected president, people he met, and video of how ecstatic many South Africans were when Apartheid ended.  It made me feel that there is hope for the world to end racial violence.

We then went to Kruger National Park where we did many guided tours of the park.  We went on 2 game drives and one walk.  They were all amazing.  The guides were great people.  It was amazing how much they knew about every animal.  Some of the animals I saw were giraffes, elephants, buffalo, impalas, rhinos, owls, and a lion.  They were all so amazing to see.  My favorite was definitely the lion because it got so close to us and it was one animal I was worried we would not see.  I did not see a leopard but saw enough of the other animals to make up for it.  All in all the trip was an amazing learning experience!

Terri wanting to stop time

Sharielle, Dana, Abongile, Terri, Nicole, Amanda

I cannot believe that our spring break trip is finally here. I remember when I first got accepted into the program I was so excited to not only come to Cape Town and start my internship but also for our spring break trip to Johannesburg and Kruger.  The time is finally here and we leave tomorrow, I cannot believe it! Our time in Cape Town if flying by and I don’t think anyone expected it to go so fast.  I wish I could stop time right now and just live in the moment in this beautiful place.  I cannot wait to get to Johannesburg and go to all the museums and other activities we have planned while on our trip.  From what I can see it will be an amazing trip and awesome learning experience.

Not only am I excited to get to Johannesburg and go to Kruger but I am also excited about the last half of the time that we have here.  I think I am now completely comfortable with Cape Town and think the experience here can only get better.  I have notice that the people here seem to be getting a lot more comfortable with us also.  This may be because we are more calm while out and not traveling in such large groups but I have been talking to a lot more native people the past couple weeks.  Meeting South Africans was one of my goals so I am very happy that this goal is finally being fulfilled.  The people of South Africa have so much to teach us and I am so happy that I am given the chance to learn from them.  

For Terri it's getting better every day

The experience in Cape Town is getting better and better every day. I cannot believe that it is almost half way over.  I would love for time to stop right now!  This past weekend was filled with fun activities.  On Saturday we attended breakfast at the Biscuit Mill.  Then went to the Gay Pride Parade.  It was so inspiriting to see the LGBQ community in their comfort zone.  I felt so welcomed and proud to have been able to be part of the ally community that supports gay rights.  I also liked seeing all the different ways that the floats, attire, and songs were supporting gay rights.  There were different groups wearing tee shirts supporting anti-homophobic violence.  I do not support any type of violence against any person so these shirts stuck out to me.  I enjoyed seeing how the people of this culture express themselves while in there comfort zone.  There were many people dressed in drag or other creative outfits.  .  After the parade we attended a dance competition that Vernon’s son Tiro was a part of.  It was amazing! I have never seen so much variety of talent in one night.  The competitors were of all ages but all were equally amazing.  I think I can speak for everyone who attended and say that the dancers were crazy good and inspiring to all of us.

We also had a get together with some of the members of our Human Rights weekend on Sunday at Mzoli’s.  I had heard a lot about Mzoli’s but did not picture it to be how it was.  I loved the food, the atmosphere, and the people.  Everyone was very welcoming and looked to be having such a good time.  The place was packed with people having a good time and hanging out with friends.  It was definitely one of my favorite things we have done here and I will 100% make sure to go back.  

Terri meeting new people, doing amazing things

Kayla, Terri, Susie

I am falling more in love with the city of Cape Town everyday.  Today, me, Kayla, Julian, Nicole and two of our new friends from Cape Town went on a trip around the cape to go cliff jumping into water.  We had a blast!  Going around the cape with people who have lived here their whole lives was an experience in itself.  We were able to hear about different activities that we would not have known about from a travel booklet or guide.  We learned different sayings that young people our age use in Cape Town although it took some trial and error to learn when to actually use them.  I now understand why Ben and Marita have told us to meet new people.  The people here who are our age are like people from America but still so different.  I loved getting to hang out with them and do something that without meeting them probably would not have known was possible.  It was a very fun and exciting day.

My internship is still so amazing.  I have been volunteering to go in on Fridays and help with the Club Foot Clinic where many parents come with their infants to have their feet casted to correct their club feet.  As of this past Friday I have officially applied my first cast! I am so fortunate to have been placed at Maitland Cottage. The doctors are amazing and so happy to teach me as much as they can.  I would never be given the same opportunities or responsibilities at a medical internship in the states.  I am so grateful that I have been given such an opportunity to learn so much about things that I love and plan to do for the rest of my life.  I am still watching and assisting in different surgeries and learning more that I ever could imagine about the human body. 

The Lion’s Head Hike was beautiful! We went on Thursday to watch the sunset and then see the moon on the other side of the cape.  Seeing the city lit up at night was one of my favorite experiences here.  I am so happy that I was able to share that experience with such amazing people.  There are so many beautiful things to do in Cape Town and I am determined to do as many of them as possible.  Next weekend is our human rights weekend that we are all looking forward to.  I’m very excited to meet other students from South Africa and other counties in Africa.  I am sure it will be an amazing learning experience and great time.  

Terri's falling in love with Cape Town.

It is unbelievable that we have already been in Cape Town for over 3 weeks.  I feel like it was yesterday that we arrived and began this amazing adventure. I have learned more than I could imagine in such a short time and am falling in love with this beautiful city.

We all started our internships last week and I am so happy to see how much everyone loves their placements.  I could not ask for a better internship than the one I was placed in, it is perfect for me! I am at Maitland Cottage Home for physically disabled children where I have been hanging out with the kids; helping them with puzzles, games, and their homework.  I have also had the opportunity to watch 4 different orthopedic surgeries.  Surprisingly the first day I was there I was able to watch 2 surgeries which is more than I ever could have expected.  The doctors are unbelievable and so helpful and willing to teach me as much as they possibly can.  This past Friday I attended a clinic for the casting of children with Club Foot.  I was able to assist the doctors in casting by helping to hold the child’s legs and feet.  I can’t even put into words the feeling I get when I see the children smile.  Knowing that I have been given the opportunity to help make their lives a little better is unreal.  I absolutely love my internship and cannot wait to get back to the hospital tomorrow and learn as much as possible about orthopedics. 

Yesterday a large group of us climbed Table Mountain.  Although is was very difficult at times I feel so accomplished when I look at the mountain now and know that my roommates and I climbed all the way to the very top of it.  The experience was unbelievable and so much fun.  We took tons of pictures of the gorgeous scenery and were able to see the entire city of Cape Town.  One of my favorite parts of being on the top of the mountain was pointing out all the places we have already been to. It seems impossible that we have already done all the things we have in such a short period of time.   While looking down on the city we say Signal Hill and were reminiscing about how awesome we thought the city looked from on top of the hill.  However, Signal Hill looked so small from the top of Table Mountain and the view was even more amazing. 

Our classes have started off very well. We are learning so much about South Africa in Vincent’s class, discrimination and racism in Marita’s class, and ourselves and classmates in Vernon’s class.  I know theses classes will change me as a person and I am eager to find out how.  I have never took more time to analyze my own life, listen to others speak about challenges in their lives, or take a step back and try to imagine how I would feel in someone else’s shoes.  This experience is one of a kind and I am so happy to be sharing it with all the amazing people here with me.    

Terri reflects on one of the most educational weeks

Terri overlooking the beautiful city

My first impression of Cape Town was very different than what I had expected.  I had no idea the city was as beautiful as it is and am not surprised that it is on the top cities one must see in a lifetime list.  The weather, Table Mountain, and the city in general are absolutely gorgeous.  On the other hand, after seeing the townships I realized that although I have always known there was a lot of poverty in the world I never knew the extent of it. It breaks my heart every time we drive by the townships and I have to see how some people must live their lives on a day to day basis.

Orientation week has been one of the most educational weeks of my life.  Not only have I learned a lot about South Africa as a country but I have also learned about the people of Cape Town, the history of the country, the world, and myself.  I thing the part of orientation that has affected me the most was the township tour and the Baptist Church experience.  The tour put the truth about poverty and the affects of Apartheid right in front of our faces.  Nothing was hidden and we were able to see with our own eyes how people who were classified black and coloured live differently from one another and from whites of South Africa.  As a medical student I could not stop thinking about sanitation and how the life styles of these people must impact their health and well-being.  It was heart breaking to see children walking around barefoot, people hanging clothes that they had just washed in large buckets, and the size and conditions of their homes.  All of these things made me realize how lucky I am and that at times I take the privileges I have for granted. 

The visit to the Baptist Church was an unforgettable experience.  Although I could not understand most of what was said I was able to feel the spirit of the church and because of that was able to understand what the people where saying.  I have never been so touched in such a short period of time.  Before this experience I never could imagine being brought to tears because of songs and emotions of a language I do not understand.  Its blows my mind that these people who live in the conditions they do and have to face the challenges of poverty, HIV/AIDS, other diseases, and racism can have so much faith and spirit. 

The internship visits was also very educational.  I learned more about the country and people at all the internship I attended and look forward to hearing everyone’s stories about their days at work.   I am especially excited for my internship which will be working at Maitland Cottage Hospital for physically impaired children.  We are all extremely lucky to have been selected for a program that is run by people like Vernon and Marita who care so much about each and every one of our individual needs. I love orthopedics and am so happy that Vernon was able to get me an internship working in that field. I cannot wait for Monday to start my internship and learn more about everyone else’s! 

Terri can't wait

I was very excited to be accepted into the program and cannot wait to get to South Africa.  The aspect of this program that excites me the most is the opportunity to learn the culture and societal differences between South Africa and America.  I am very interested in having a first hand experience of the life of South African citizens, the differences in government, and the culture.  I would be eager to meet South African natives and students to get a better understanding of the world around me. The things I would experience and learn while in Cape Town are things I will learn from and carry with me for the rest of my life.

I cannot wait to get to know all the Uconn students who will be going to South Africa along with me. Living with such a large group of people is a challenge that I am excited for and eager to overcome. I plan to work in a hospital while in Africa in order to prepare myself for a career as a Physicians Assistant. I am excited for every aspect of the trip and cannot wait to have the most amazing experience while there.