Disclaimer: this blog post is for the we-will-catch-up-when-we-see-each-other or I-would-rather-tell-you-in-person community, so feel free to skip if you do not struggle with catching up and checking in!
My lips have rehearsed the response, “I will be Johannesburg this summer” for what felt like years but really only since March 14th when I found out about my acceptance to this program. And yet this is a case of practice not making perfect because I am still in disbelief as I sit here in my hotel room, on the halfway mark of the program. Nothing could have prepared me for the joy this trip across the world has brought me (shoutout ISA) in the same way that nothing could have prepared me for getting into Yale. My lack of preparation for the biggest milestones and blessings in my life is a humbling reminder that there is an Author to my story and a Potter to my messy, forgetful & yet infinitely loved clay (shoutout Isaiah 64:8).
Despite parroting this response whenever the typical Yale question, “what are your plans this summer?” came up–I quite frankly had no idea what exactly I would be doing. Before the program’s start date, I called my family and a few close friends to share my nervousness and was met with lots of comfort. I was reminded that I was not going into this program alone but together with family and friends who are eager to hear about my experience. The week of orientation and site-seeing, meeting my classmates and the staff at Rivonia Lodge however quickly brought me a sense of reassurance about the valuable experience my summer would be. I still did not have all the answers but I knew this summer will leave a lasting impression on my life and I could not wait until the program’s end to tell the people I love about it.
Having spent both the summer before my first and second year at Yale in New Haven, this was not my first time being away from home for the summer. However, this is the first summer where I have been intentional about checking in with my family to share my experiences and hear about theirs and it has honestly been one of the biggest joys of my summer.
From hearing about my nervousness before the start of the program to me constantly sending pictures with captions of all that I am seeing and hearing here, I feel like my family is experiencing the program with me. Both of my parents did not go to college in the US and so it is often difficult for me to explain my liberal arts, undergraduate experiences to them. I am not proud to admit that I sometimes find myself not fully elaborating on specific classes or programs I am doing to my parents to avoid the mental labor of explaining myself. However, last semester and especially this summer, I began the habit of going on long tangents until I was sure they understood whenever I was faced with questions. I think my parents are entitled to hearing about the opportunities and experiences I am able to have because of them so I will continue to elaborate and expand on absolutely everything.
One of the biggest things I have learned from my lovely roommate Selihom when overhearing her phone calls with friends and family is the importance of recounting specific details of your day. I have internalized this practice and began to tell my family and friends details I normally would have left out. Oversharing details to the people who know me best has made my experiences richer because I get to reflect about how I have been spending my time and what I have been prioritizing.
While nothing compares to seeing loved ones in person to recount memories and spill tea, I have realized that I do not have to wait until I see them to be able to share milestones and experiences and enjoy life with them. So if you are reading this, go call, text or voice memo your family and friends!
oh my goodness! what a beautiful and refreshing read
as an avid member of the i’ll-tell-you-when-i-see-you community, this greatly motivates me to pick up the phone and call my parents. thanks Elon!