This post is going to be really sappy. Sorry in advance!
I came to South Africa feeling awful about myself. I think so much went into the destruction of my self-esteem, but for reasons I do not have the typing energy to get into, my junior year was a shitshow. I spent the majority of my waking hours in the library, experienced rejections and failures, and dedicated so much time and energy to pursuits outside of my own self.
When I came to South Africa, I felt almost like a bandit, escaping both Yale and the US. All I knew was that I wanted to leave, and I knew what to expect. A new country, sights to see, maybe cool people to meet? But forming friendships was at the bottom of my list of priorities. I have enough! Or, that’s what I thought.
You all have taught me so much, but each and every one of y’all is so admirable to me. I am so blessed that I got to spend 6 weeks with you all. I truly could not have asked for a better cohort. Anyways, everytime I leave a place I get very nostalgic and sappy. So I have written things I admire about each of you.
Elon, I remember one time we were talking to someone, and you said you thought I was wise. Wiser than you. And yet, I feel like I have learned so much from you. Our late-night conversations, filled with so much laughter, have imbued me with so much wisdom. There is so much I admire about you. How brilliant you are, but that’s a given. How funny you are. Your quiet confidence. How you seek to listen before you speak. Your curiosity about the world around you. Your passion for community-building. Like, guys, this girl brought ARSEMA THOMAS to our school. Though you are younger than me (lmfao you being 19 sends me), you are wise beyond your years. At some point during this program, I remember texting ushuu “this girl literally feels like a sister to me.” You’re literally my sister. I’m so happy we were roommates this summer.
Evie, I had so much trouble writing your blurb because you’re literally a kaleidoscope. I once told you as a joke that I’ve never met anybody like you, but it actually wasn’t a joke — I HAVEN’T! There are so many different sides of you that I’ve been so lucky to get to know. The trivia ICON, the bear-hugger, the editing whiz, the kind ear, the silly SILLY girl. THE SAVANT!!! You’re such a dynamic person, and you bring such an indescribable, warm energy to every interaction you have with people. I am so happy to have met you, and I’m so happy to call you my friend.
Anika, I have grown surprised at how much we have in common, namely in our love for A Little Life (painful book. Wow) and our extemporaneous speaking stints in high school (girl you should’ve done international). You have such an expansive mind. I don’t just mean that because you got the **highest score on the VAGH final** because yeah, you’re smart. But I mean your willingness to connect with people, your curiosity about the world around you, your quiet humor (actually the funniest person in our program, don’t @ me), your voracious appetite for books and films, your ICONIC side eye. And yet you are so humble. Humility is such a gift, but you have so much to offer every single community you are apart of. I can’t wait to see you grow into that.
Asia, you have surprised me immensely. When I found out you were doing this program, I was SO EXCITED. We knew each other in passing, but other than that, I didn’t know much about you. I have found your openness to be such a kindness. You are so witty, and yet also empathetic. You light up every room you enter, which is why I find myself always saying “Asia you need to met _____!” You’re magnetic! I am so happy someone as brilliant and kind as you is going to be a future PHLA (public health leader of America). There is hope for the world, alas!! I cannot wait for Froco training together queen.
Sofia, you are the literal human embodiment of joy from Inside Out. Your laugh sounds like twinkling bells and your smile is so starry. Your friendship is such a gift to those that have had the privilege to experience it. The thing I admire most about you is how you lay it all out on the table, for everyone. You are so pure in intention and have such a beautiful way of looking at the world. Never ever change, please!
Yusuf, I know I give you a hard time, but you are truly a standup guy. You are so thoughtful in the things you say, but you are also quite radiant. Your ability to connect with people in less than a minute, to make it so clear your intentions in everything you do, makes you a natural-born leader (the boss, if you will. Pain). I am so happy to know that you, your big brain and even bigger heart, are going into medicine. You’re going to touch so many lives.
Georgie, I am so thankful I got to help out with the lighting during your interview. It was painful holding up that silk, but I found myself ENAMORED by your ability to breathe life into the stories you tell. You are so charismatic and you draw people in. Despite being a #naughtygirl, you are a STAR. Truly. You have such a unique and insane way of connecting to people through language and humor, and this is going to take you so far in life.
Ben, I have grown to love our 1-1 conversations. Your wittiness, conscientiousness, silliness. But also your drive. You are so intrinsically motivated, and it is apparent to me that this is a skill you’ve honed in yourself. I look up to your ability to take this drive and focus it into all that you do, but I also look up to how observant you are. You notice the little things. When someone is uncomfortable, when someone is passionate about something, a little quip I make. Your mind moves a mile a minute, but when I’m talking to you, I always feel so at peace.
Antonia, I find you to be the most adorable person EVER. You are effortlessly funny and confident, and you stand your ground. I don’t know how, but you are unabashedly yourself. I cannot wait to witness the ways in which you grow into yourself in your time at Yale. You are truly an incredible person and I am so happy to call you my friend.
Emma, gosh are you ACTIVE! I talked a bit about what this word means to me in my previous blog post, but I’ll elaborate a bit more here. “Active” is a word I’ve heard in my family to compliment someone, usually a young person, who is so eager to do, learn, and help. You are such a ball of energy, and it has been so amazing to see how you bring this energy into so many spaces in your life. Whether it’s our weekly assignment, conversations, or a dance performance in KaShoba, you’re actually dynamite. Consistent dynamite. I love it.
The kindness you all have shown to me this summer has meant the world. That you bright, amazing, kind, and intelligent individuals have been willing to be friends with me has built me up so much. Thank you guys so much. South Africa has been so special with y’all here.
