Life is about choices.
Last spring I applied for a job with the American Conservation Corps (and got it) out in Estes Park, Colorado, doing trail work in the Rocky Mountains. Upon returning in the fall to Fargo, North Dakota to continue my architectural studies, something was just not sitting right with the current path of life I was taking. Up until the job I wasn't happy with school, and was unwilling to take an alternate route away from the 'standard' course path already set before me. After summers end, I made a choice (more like found the courage) to step back and take some time away from my architectural studies and enroll in some other courses. I had made a promise to my girlfriend late August that I would be somewhere else other than NDSU spring 2011 semester. Since catching the travel bug upon return from a two week vacation in Germany back in 2008, I knew I wanted to study someplace of my choosing during my college years. Here was my opportunity. (As an architecture student, it is difficult to go abroad because of the strict curriculum path that one must pertain to.) Initially my eyes were set on India. However, things got mixed around a bit and rather found myself applying with CIEE, an abroad program at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. (Things go into a bit more detail than this, but this sums up most of it.)
Never in a million years would I have thought that this is where I would be a year ago from now. Ever.
Taking time off of architecture was probably the best thing that I could have done for my own good. Coming here was also one of the best decisions I have made.
I wanted my experience to be real. Thus, I decided last minute to request a host family. The benefits that have reaped from that are too long from this blog post. I know, however, this option has molded me as a stronger individual in terms of awareness, patience, values, and independence. I love my host parents. They have been wonderful to me these last 5 months. I am really going to miss them.
I commuted via train this past semester to class; about a 20 minute ride each way. Public transportation, mostly the train, was my primary way of getting around (aside from Gavin's pick-ups past dark) and was frustrating at times living further away from most other students. (I lived in Plumstead). Looking back, I got to know another area of Cape Town a bit more than most other abroad students. I got to experience commuting to class via public transport, an opportunity I've never had. I felt more like a resident of the city, a college age student who lives at home and commutes to class every day. (This is how most locals here operate). Refining my patience was also part of the deal. (Trains don't always come every 5 or 30 minutes.) I also had Constantia at my fingertips, an excellent area for great runs and splendid views Cape Town.
The University of Cape Town is a highly regarded and looked upon school for academic learning. Writing essays and research papers, something I forgot how to do (I normally don't write essays in architecture school), getting used to an entire new academic system, a vastly different campus vibe, new forms of patience, and a daily routine much different than my life in the states provided great awareness of how people operate differently.
I decided upon arrival I wanted to get involved on campus. I joined men's rowing, the Mountain and Ski Club (MSC), Wine Society, and volunteered with Young in Prison. I took advantage of the opportunities presented to me.
I also did a good deal of traveling. I got to see a nice chunk of South Africa along with a few of the neighboring countries to the north. These times of adventure also taught me a great deal about myself.
If you think about it, it's crazy the significance the choices we make have on our lives; whether they are big or small, conscious or sub-conscious. (On a hike up Lions Head the other day, I ran into a MSC buddy on top whom I also ran into 3 days prior on Table Mountain. Originally I was going to hike up today, rather yesterday.). We are constantly paving new directions for ourselves without necessarily being aware of it all time. Deciding to stay an extra few days in South Africa after the abroad program had officially ended proved wise on my behalf. I feel more prepared to leave now than I would have last Friday. I have given myself a bit of 'me' time here that was necessary. (I'm not suggesting that leaving here won't be difficult, as I'm not a fan of good-byes and there are a lot of things I am going to miss here.) It is sometimes exciting witnessing the outcome of the choices we make. (This is not always true. Like I said, sometimes.) I have lucked out on warmth and sunshine these last few days of mine, unusual for this time of year. I think Cape Town is simply wishing me a hardy send off.
In the moment, I leave in less than 24 hours. Most of my bags are packed, yet none of this feels real to me yet. It's funny how these are reoccurring thoughts from when I was preparing to leave the states back in January. Where has the time gone?
I know it will be an adjustment getting back to life in the states, but I am prepared for it. I will be returning to NDSU in the fall to pick up my architectural studies. I am excited, refreshed, and ready. As for this place, I am leaving with new outlooks, new experiences, new friendships, and new family. I've been lucky. I wouldn't have changed a thing.
Cape Town, It's been real.
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| Lions Head Sunset: 06-13-2011 |
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| University of Cape Town. |
