How we’ve changed

Not even a week. 

Less than seven days separates us from our departures and marks our official goodbyes to Joburg, a city that has become a second home to us. The proximity to our end seems surreal now, especially as I write this final blog post from our homey Lodge. 

Over the past week, I’ve been thinking a lot about what this trip has meant to me – and what it will mean to me once I leave the comforts of Rivonia. The other day, I asked Antonia, 

“Do you think this trip will enter our long-term memories?” I asked this question, which might seem a bit naive, because I can’t believe how quickly five weeks have gone. 

I’m worried that my time here has not imparted to me the kind of profound, introspective changes I imagined an extended stay like this would ignite. 

With the final and group project deadlines around the corner, it’s easy to forget the little moments in these past five weeks that shaped our time in Johannesburg. To remind us of the importance of our work here and to honor the effort we’ve put into this experience, I crystallized the ways some of us have changed for us now. 

Yusuf. Yusuf arrived in Johannesburg with a heavy burden- the weight of many, MANY med school applications. With still a year in New Haven separating him from graduation, the pressure was palpable. The amount of work and responsibility Yusuf had packed with him in Johannesburg was staggering. Now, Yusuf has submitted three med school applications (four more to come tonight). His determination and hard work are truly inspiring.

Seli. Writing about your transformations in Johannesburg almost feels wrong because a person like you should never change. Yet, here you are, having evolved from a future froco to a seasoned advisor. The hours of practice you’ve put in with this cohort sharpen your expertise every day. You’ve become the backbone of our group, offering constant support, advice, and friendship to your 10 classmates. You’ll be my froco forever. 

Ben, Ben, I’m pretty sure you didn’t own a sleeveless Blondie t-shirt before we landed in South Africa. But, each day on this trip, you’ve blossomed into a more confident and adventurous person. Who would have thought we’d see you in the front row of a drag show, being twirled by an old-school Ke$ha track? You’ve continued to push yourself out of your comfort zone throughout this trip. It’s a Ben we never knew, and now it’s a Ben we couldn’t imagine Joburg without.  

Sofia. Sofia turned 20 on this trip! Her transformation is a simple story. 

But… along came Asia! Another budding froco, more than willing to look out for those around her. Seeing your friendship blossom over these past weeks has been heartwarming. A dinner filled without the ringing laughter of Asia and Sofia? No, thank you. You two validate my connection to this program and this place every day. If Sofia and Asia can build this robust and sisterly bond in a few short weeks, it’s a testament to the genuine bonds we’ve all built with our time here.

Though we’re soon leaving Rivonia, Johannesburg has imprinted itself on us in ways we’ll cherish for much longer. I hope the bonds we’ve forged and the accomplishments we’ve achieved will stay with us. Yusuf’s determination, Seli’s support, Ben’s boldness, and the blossoming friendship between Sofia and Asia—all these moments define our journey.

So, regarding my earlier question, yes, Georgie, you will remember this time. Our stories, laughter, and shared understanding will keep this experience alive long after we’ve said our final goodbyes.