Katherine's growing awareness and appreciation

Katherine's new perspective on the world

This study abroad program is very much human rights oriented. And while that was one of the many reasons I was drawn to this program, as a business major I was afraid I was going to feel out of place on this trip. Unlike many other people participating in this program, because of my major I haven’t taken very many courses on human rights or social justice. In fact, prior to this semester, the extent of courses I’ve taken related to human rights consisted of one woman’s studies course. So when I came into this program, I was afraid I wasn’t going to have much to contribute on the subject. But like we’ve discussed many times throughout the semester, a big part of this program is not about what you can contribute or do to change my surroundings, but rather it’s about learning from my surroundings and experiencing change for myself. And I’ve come to realize that that is exactly what is happening.

Being here in South Africa I’ve come to learn a lot; much more in this one semester than my previous semesters at Uconn. And I think the one greatest thing I’ve gotten out of this trip is a newfound sense of awareness and appreciation. I’ve learned so much about issues surrounding human rights and social justice while being here. And while a good portion of what I am learning comes from the classes I’m taking this semester, so much more of it has come from other outside sources. Just interacting with locals and hearing their stories, their points of view, the issues they are facing, how they live their day-to-day lives, I am constantly soaking up new knowledge. I can see how this has shifted the attitude and perspective on just about everything from the attitudes and perspectives I came here with. Seeing something as simple as Facebook statuses that friends post that while I would have come to find them funny back in January, I now find them disturbing and inconsiderate of others. I see the lack of awareness in other people back home through their points of view, and I am thankful because I know that those are points of views that I had before I left. And had I not done this study abroad program, I would probably still carry those points of view.

One of the greatest things this program will provide for me is a newfound sense of appreciation. I’ve learned to see things through a different perspective because I’ve seen the inequalities faced by many people here that I don’t usually see when I’m home. And as Marita likes to point out, we must first learn to acknowledge our privileges in order to see the true injustice people face. I’ve certainly come to realize the privileges I receive on a day-to-day basis, and as a result, I’ve learned to become more appreciative of the things I have. I know that not everyone is given the opportunities that I am given, and it’s important that I take full opportunity of them. Going into the schools in Mitchell’s Plain, I see how children there are put at a disadvantage to learn. Knowing that I have access to such great educational facilities while most of the world doesn’t, I must take full advantage of that. Taking advantage of opportunities such as this study abroad program allows me to become more aware and in turn a better person. I just hope that I can bring these revelations back home and inspire those around me.