Africa Impact essay
I remember the exact moment when I finally worked up the strength to look at the itinerary, the description of what my life would be for the next three weeks. A sheet of paper filled with the activities I would participate in, the people I would make lifelong connections with, the communities our program would serve, and the places I would be traveling through. I read each sentence, my heart beating faster in anticipation. With every sentence I read, my self-doubt grew stronger. It was the night before my departure to South Africa when I came to the harsh realization, seemingly honest at the time, that this was not possible, that I could not do it, that I was not capable.
Throughout the first couple of days, the fear and doubt remained trapped in my mind, not knowing anyone, cold, scared, and missing home. Then, I slowly began to make friends, I began to participate and loosen up, and before I knew it, my mind was free. Our days were packed with activities, providing our service to nearby communities, learning and listening to locals. But it was not the activities and packed days that impacted me, it was the free time we had to ourselves. One day I decided to stray off from everyone, in search of some alone time, to think about where I was and just take a minute to appreciate everything surrounding me, metaphorically and physically. I remember this moment exactly. Standing on a field far from the campsite, nobody around. Looking at such an incredible view, it took my breath away literally. I closed my eyes, and listened to pure nature, silence, the only noises as natural as the earth itself. At this moment, I felt such a strong connection to myself, I was hit with so much emotion, relief, incomprehensible happiness, disbelief. I had finally found what I had been searching for my entire life. I had finally found my true self.
Before Africa, I was in the mix of kids overwhelmed with fear of an unknown future. The kids that are losing hope, lacking confidence, and putting limits on their dreams. Although I am still concerned about the future, I have become my own separate person, someone who has gained the strength to trust myself and the risks I decide to take. Africa made a huge impact on my life, but not in the way many people would think. A couple months before departing to a place that would change my life, I was presented with the choice to either go spend three weeks in South Africa, or study abroad for half of my senior year in France. To be completely honest, I did not know the magnitude of my choices, I did not know what the difference would be, the impact each would create. At the time, I did not know if the choice to go to South Africa was correct. As the months built up closer and closer, fear and anticipation became all encompassing. In the absence of my confidence, I persevered.
I will carry this with me for the rest of my life. I will continue to take risks and trust this new person I have become. I will never forget this trip; I will never forget that moment. I may forget some people's names, I may forget some information I learned, I may even forget some activities I did, but I will never forget the moment I was hit with strength and courage. The moment my outlook changed. The moment I became my own person.
