students are amazing!

Here is a group shot of all the kick ass people I get to spend the next 3 weeks with.

Hope you enjoy!

The power of discusiion can be competely encompassing. Last night we all stayed up until 3:30 just discussing the meaning of leadership, social change, society and education.  Obviously a little wine and drinks can really enhance conversations, but none the less they are some of the most fun times to be had! I truly thank Laurie for her perspectives that she shared with me and her global view, as it is different then my own.  Laurie has been lucky enough to travel as well and has fascinating ideas a values as a result of it....

Understanding South Africa can be a complex and difficult task. Particularly making sense of Apartheid and what that actually means.  We were fortunate to have a guest lecture in the morning for UTC to give us a fairly brief run down of the contents of South Africa's history. 

What is Apartheid? 

Beyond segregation and exile, it was a divided country and split of the majority into different minorities...so to speak.  It also was a split country of urban and rural which translates into white and black and beyond that it was more then racialism, but also trabalism.  In my mind more then anything this was a country that did not have a stable government or way to control power, and the only way to make things seem "right" or handle the stress of becoming a active society was by breaking it down and complete division.

With Apartheid being such a recent way of living, it is hard to wrap our minds around the fresh wounds it has left of the country of South Africa. Around the late 1980's and early 1990's Apartheid was no longer able to exist (legally) but the after taste is a nasty reality that still creeps around. 

Our lecture was amazing and insightful, but hearing first hand experiences can be the most moving.  In the afternoon we went to the District 6 museum and listened to a mans story and first hand historical perspective. He said something that still resinates...." We all bleed the same color red so why should people be treated differently because of the outer layer of skin one has.  Until we bleed different colors we all should be equal and it can be as simple as that." This guide had a dry sense of humor and lived first hand the horrors of Apartheid, and I believe that listening to these experiences will help us all to have a wider global perspective and understanding of what it truly means. 

I am beginning to understand that we are not primarily here to help fix whatever it may be we think needs fixing, but rater serve.  As of now being able to serve is being able to be an active listener.  Sometimes is it better to just hold your mouth tight and let others tell their story, and in turn realities can be released and ideas can be created. 

Today was the first day that I was not happy about me graduating from school.  I love the fact that I can be around educated and thriving students with different ideas and common goals.  I love being able to travel with young people and learn what the classroom can teach.  I am certain that this group of students that I am with will do big things in life and I can't wait to see the outcomes that SOuth Africa will produce!

peace for now