Category Archives: Class of 2017

Armed revolutions. Warlords. Machetes. Bloody competition for scarce resources. AK-47s. Child Soldiers. Widespread corruption. Genocide. As I looked out the window of our international flight onto the Ghanaian runway, a flurry of previously latent internalized perceptions of Africa rose to consciousness. It was not the weeds on the runway that uncovered these thoughts. It was … Continue reading A Black Man Wearing a Beret Continue reading →

One of the biggest themes that this journey has centered around is life in the townships. Throughout our time in … Continue reading →

“At the root of this dilemma is the way we view mental health in this country. Whether an illness affects your heart, your leg or your brain, it’s still an illness, and there should be no distinction.” – Michelle Obama South Africa has taught and has allowed me to experience more things than I could… Continue reading Complexities of Mental Health Continue reading →

This past week our class visited the District Six Museum, while in Cape Town. We also got the opportunity to see a musical called District Six Kanala. These experiences along with other sights hat we visited throughout our time here in South Africa opened my eyes to the things that were happening to such large… Continue reading Home Is Where The Heart Is Continue reading →

During our first couple of days in Cape Town, we were able to go on a bus tour of the … Continue reading →

Before I came to South Africa, my ideas of the places, people, and culture were far different from reality. My growing curiosity began the moment I was accepted to participate in the “Call of South Africa” program this winter term. I desired to firsthand learn more about the lingering affects of apartheid on people of … Continue reading “Challenge to Change” Continue reading →

While many experiences here in South Africa have impacted me, our class’s visit to Langa Township has proved most resonant as we enter our last few days of this adventure. Prior to entering the township, I held many reservations about touring Langa. I feared that our visit would disrupt the lives and routines of its … Continue reading “Unexpected Lessons in Langa” Continue reading →

“It’s nothing personal. That’s just how our economy works” (When Swallows Cry). As I sat watching the play unfold, this line caught my attention. Not only because the context of the scene regarded human trafficking, but because there is truth in these words for the disadvantaged, lower-class in South Africa, particularly the blacks and the … Continue reading The Real Apartheid Economy Continue reading →

Townships I felt uncomfortable upon arriving to the first township tour. I wasn’t sure how to act, or what I should do or say. As an American, we just don’t have anything to which are similar to these communities which lead to me searching for something similar, and in the US that would be a … Continue reading “Townships” Continue reading →

Oppression is a central theme throughout human history, and Apartheid represents a tiny sliver in the endless circle of human conflict. It never ceases to amaze me how rampant oppression is throughout all parts of the world, yet how it is also seemingly unexpected. All oppressors aim to redact the emotional, cognitive, and physical well… Continue reading Apartheid’s Lingering Effects on HIV/AIDS (by Ben Gordon) Continue reading →