Erica sees Cape Town in her future!

It has been about a month now and I cannot stop thinking about Cape Town. In everything that I do here in the states I always reflect back to Cape Town and what I would be doing. Being back home is a great feeling and I realized how much I miss my family.  My first week back home was really hectic because I was preparing for graduation and meeting with friends and family members. I spent the weekend at Storrs with my friend Sharielle (who participated in this program last year), Sophia (my roommate from last semester), and Brittany.  

Being back home is a little overwhelming because everyone wants to know about my trip, but I find it hard to explain my experiences. Some of my experiences are complex and not everyone would understand. I just want my friends and family members to go to South Africa and create their own experience.

While being here I have kept in contact with some students, teachers, and friends that I have made in Cape Town.  Many people are asking me “So Erica would you go back to Cape Town”? Without any hesitation my answer is YES!

Recently, an individual asked me “What is my great accomplishment?” and I was proud to say that I just graduated from the University of Connecticut. It has been four challenging, but great years that have impacted me in many ways. Spending my last semester in Cape Town is one of the best decisions I have made. I am excited to see what my future entails, and trust me Cape Town is definitely in my future.

Erica with her parents following her graduation.

Erica saying "see you later!"

Our flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg would depart at 5 and our final house meeting was to take place at about 1 p.m. Waking up Monday morning the only thing I wanted to do before I left Cape Town was to ride a mini bus. I boarded a mini bus across the Red Cross Hospital going into town.  As the music was blasting I looked out the window soaking in my last day in Cape Town reflecting on everything I have done and experienced during my trip.  I began to think about how Cape Town has given me the opportunity to experience certain events for the first time.  For the first time I went hiking and hiked Lions Head for the sunset and the rising of the moon.  I bungy jumped off of the highest commercial Bungy bridge in the world (708 feet).  Because of my internship I was able to teach classes for the first time to amazing students. I was able to live in a house with 16 co-educators and was that an interesting experience.  In all, I am forever grateful to Cape Town for my experience. So as I get ready to leave Cape Town and return home I would like to think that this is not a good bye, but a see you later!

Erica

Erica's learning and growing as she rides

Becky, Kimmi, Kelsey, Erica: Sunset at Lion's Head

Mowbray-Kaap, Mitchells Plain, Athlone, Cape Town, Manenburg, Hiedeveld” As I walk the busy streets of Cape Town, these are some of the areas that mini-bus taxis hawkers yell out.  On our security briefing at the council and officer was telling us how unsafe we might be if we rode mini-bus taxis. On my way to and from my internship located in Bridgetown, Dan and I take mini-bus taxi right across the Red Cross Hospital.  I see over ten mini-buses pass by before I can get on the Heideveld mini-bus taxi.  There are days the taxi is so full that the driver or hawker finds areas that as a passenger one would never think of, and other times the taxi has few passengers.  There is music playing on the highest volume, people talking/catching up on latest gossip, and of course I am able to see and look at my surroundings.  I absolutely love riding mini buses because it gives me the opportunity at times to be uncomfortable, but at the same time I am given the chance to be immersed into a different way of life.  I am able to see people interact in their comfort zones.  I also interact with the passengers and get to learn so many things about the country and them.

There is a reason why I am talking about the mini-bus taxi, not only do I enjoy riding them, it is symbolic to me.  The mini-bus taxi can represent so many things to me in my life. At times it stands for organizations that I may be part of in the future. It also represents different communities or countries that I may go into and visit. I need to be willing to go into these places no matter how uncomfortable I can be with an open mind and prepared to learn everything that I can about their culture and way of life.  In the end if I look at situations with an open mind I will be able to go so far in life. So today I would like to thank South Africa for the  simplest mode of transport that is helping me grow: mini-bus taxis.

Erica: Cape Town has opened doors

Erica & Brittany on their way to chuch

Every weekend I have spent in Cape Town has been nothing but amazing and wonderful.  As a Seventh-day Adventist, every Sabbath I go to church with Brittany. We have been able to attend various churches within Cape Town, which include Athlone SDA (Cape Flats), SDASM(at the University of Cape Town), and Langa (township). This upcoming Sabbath we will be attending Riverside SDA in Athlone. Attending Athlone SDA and SDASM has given me the opportunity of meeting amazing and life-changing people.  I have met people who are passionate in what there are studying. I have also met people who make me feel comfortable and always put a smile on my face.  Most important I have met people who believe the same beliefs I do, and it makes a big difference. It is very encouraging as well.  So I can say that I have formed church family here.

Yesterday in Maritia’s class we started our discussion with everyone sharing what would be their biggest challenge going back home. My response was “I don’t want to go home yet” and there are so many reasons. I have fallen in love with this program and it has set out to complete all its goals. As I sit and think to myself I haven’t made a difference here, but Cape Town has made a difference in me.  Cape Town is preparing me for the challenges that I will face when I return to the states. Cape Town is also preparing me to engage in programs where I can provide any form of aid. Being here in Cape Town and at my internship has given me the chance to reflect and do research in the field that I would like to go into for my masters and hopefully my Doctorate degree. Cape Town has opened so many doors for me mentally. I am no longer stuck to one plan, but multiple ones.

Yes it is true I do not want to come back home yet, but I have a loving family who is waiting to embrace me with love, kisses, and hugs. I have a best friend to go back home to, who will be running a 13.1 marathon for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (I’m going to be there to support her). I have an undergraduate diploma to receive. I’m graduating in about a month!! I also have a church back home to go to. I miss my church family, and I am so thankful for all their support and prayers. 

Yes I will miss Cape Town there is no doubt in my mind. I am indebted to this beautiful place that has changed my outlook on life. This place has given me the opportunity to be hopeful and to dream. After this trip I am looking forward to a positive future with challenges of course.

Erica: encouraged to follow up on what she has seen and heard

                                                                  Game Drive: Rebecca, Brandi, Erica, Brittany, Nellie at Kruger National Park

How many people get to say “I saw the Big Five within two days at Kruger National Park”?  I am very fortunate to be able to say this exact statement!  This past week Uconn in Cape Town 2012 spent five days in Johannesburg (“Jozzie”) and two days at Kruger National Park located in the province of Mpumalanga. During our stay in Johannesburg we were given the opportunity to visit the Hector Pietersen Museum, Apartheid Museum, Sharpeville Human Rights Center, Constitution Hill and Old Johannesburg Prison., and the Johannesburg Development Agency.  All of these places were very informative and has encouraged me to follow up on what I briefly saw and heard. 
            

As much as I enjoyed my time in Johannesburg two events that stood out to me the most was the musical: Scenes from Soweto and the Old Johannesburg Prison. The musical Scenes from Soweto was performed at the Old Mutual Theatre on the Square.  This musical took its audience on a journey of a typical day and life in Soweto.  The musical was humorous and enjoyable. I absolutely fell in love with the music.
             

Old Johannesburg Prison.

Later that week we went to  Constitution Hill and Old Johannesburg Prison. The prison stood out to me the most because the facility was kept to its original state. Every room I went into, I felt as if I was actually there when inmates were imprisoned. I am currently reading The Number by Jonny Steinberg. This book recounts an ex-gang member search for his identity within the prison gangs and outside prison in society. This book provides a lot of historical information regarding the foundation of prison gangs, the apartheid struggle, and transformations Cape Town went through with the creation of townships in the Cape Flats.  Our tour guide for the Old Johannesburg Prison talked about the influence gangs had in the prisons, and I was enticed to ask him more about the gangs.  He went on to explain to me the gangs that had the most power in the prison.  I mentioned to him that I was reading The Number  and the conversation became more interesting. We talked about the leader of a bandit group called Nongoloza who was an inmate in the prison. All this information made me ecstatic and want to do more research on gangs in and out prisons!

Kelsey & Erica at Skukuza Lodge

Early Thursday morning we left for Kruger National Park.  Our group stayed in Skukuza Lodge, which is the largest campsite in Kruger.  We lived in beautiful bungalows (three persons per room) with straw rooftops. After our two game drives (afternoon and morning) we were given the opportunity to individually chose to do another game drive or a game walk.  During the first two game drives I was able to see three of the Big 5: African elephants, a lion, and rhinos.  I decided to do another game drive with Rina and Kenzie.  The game was definitely worth it because I was able to see two leopards! As we were departing the park for Johannesburg our driver spotted two buffalos, which completed the BIG 5! So there you have it nothing will ever beat spring break 2012.

Erica on reaching for goals

Erica making it to the top

During my time here in Cape Town, I have been avoiding an activity that many people here on the trip enjoy. This activity is hiking! Every time I heard people from the group organizing hikes I would tell them to count me out, but this past weekend was different.

There is a tradition here in Cape Town that many tourist take part in which is to hike Lion’s Head every full moon.  As a group we left the house at about 5 p.m. in hopes of beating rush hour. As we approached the bottom of Lion’s Head, I noticed that there was going to be many people hiking as well.  I stayed with a small group, which consisted of Kimmie, Kelsey, and I.  I truly appreciated hiking with them because they were very encouraging and supportive.  There were many times I wanted to give up and wait for everyone at the bottom of the hill, but they continually pushed me to keep going. That push was definitely worth it because what I witnessed on top of that mountain I shall never forget.

What made this day even better is that it was Ryan’s birthday. As soon as the sunset, we went to the opposite side of Lion’s Head to watch the moon rise. As we sat there the group began to sing happy birthday to Ryan and everyone else on top of the mountain joined in.

As I take time to look back at the hike, I find it symbolic to my life.  There are many times in life and I am sure for others that we want to give up or doubt certain goals we want to accomplish. In the end it is worth continuing, because goals can become life changing and a significant part of life.

Viewing the sunset from Lion's Head

Erica: approaching the half way mark

Erica receives her certificate at the
Human Rights Training Weekend

I am one and half months into my trip in South Africa, which means I only have two months left in this beautiful country (I wish there was more time). I have been given the opportunity to participate in many events and one of them being the Human Rights weekend. Just like many of my co-educators who have blogged thus far, the Human Rights weekend was very insightful.  I have learned so many new ideas and concepts from this weekend, but what was important and valuable to me is the fact that I can facilitate a Human Rights workshop anywhere I go. It can be in a group of 15 people or speaking to people at home.

As I have mentioned in my previous blogs I absolutely love waking up every morning I know I will be at my internship. Every day I go I have different experiences.  On Wednesday our school began the intervention program.  Intervention is a program where students get extra help on subjects they are falling behind in. This program takes place during the last period of school.  Dan and I worked with the grades 6 and 7 with reading and writing. I enjoyed helping the students with their work, and I loved the expression on their faces when they completed their work or got a correct answer.

Hopefully within the next three weeks, I will be going on Chisana tour. This tour was created by Bradley Naidoo who was an ex gang member.  The purpose of this tour is to create exposure to the lifestyle, history, and the lives of individuals living the Cape Flats regarding gangs. Their goal is to create an opportunity for “people to meet and come together and share an uncommon and completely diverse culture and lifestyle”(Chisana tours).  I am very excited to go on this tour because gang activity and its relations to communities is a subject that I would love to do research on.

Erica facing challenges

Erica Teaching

As I sit here and reflect about my past month in Cape Town, I think about how blessed I am to be here.  In just a month I know what I want to do with my future. In just a month I have had encounters that many people may never be able to experience as a foreigner in Cape Town. In just a month I have met some of the most amazing and passionate people in my whole life. In just a month I’ve been able to grow and better understand myself.

As I find myself growing here I have come across many challenges, just like many of my co-educators. From time to time I get home sick and I just miss my family! I miss being able to just call my mom, sister, or best friend when I feel down or want to share a story.  There are times I find it hard living in a house with 16 other students, because sometimes I like to be alone and collect my thoughts (don't get me wrong I love being around my co-educators). At times I struggle with my identity here in Cape Town.  

Among different groups I am considered someone else.  I am black, coloured, a Rastafarian, or American.  Back in the states I am just black or Haitian-American or should I say a “minority”. Being here has definitely made me more aware of the social construction of race, and the damage it does to a country and the world. Everyday I go to my internship there is a challenge, whether a student is hungry and does not know where his/her next meal is coming from or students who have low literacy rates or students who are in gangs not by choice but for safety. I have not been here for a long time, but as the days go by I constantly see the similarities between South Africa and the United States regarding education, housing, the police system and much more.

Yes I may be facing some challenges, but who doesn’t? I want them to keep coming, because it helps me realize and come to understand the environment I am currently living in, but most of all as I mentioned in the beginning it paves the way for growth as an individual. I hope one day my family and friends will have the opportunity to come to South Africa and experience at least half of what I have and will.

Erica knows she is where she is meant to be

Erica, Alex, Brittany

I have been in Cape Town for four weeks and just completed my second week of my internship and I feel great! I have learned so much about the history of South Africa and the people who live here, in a short amount of time. I am looking forward to learning more throughout the three months I have left here. 

Everyday that I am able to go to my internship (three days a week) is always an experience, because I am able to learn from the students and teachers. I enjoy working and interacting with the students. The students I work with are eager to learn, whether it is about the American culture (which they are fascinated about) or what is planned for class that day.  This week, I was given the opportunity to teach two lessons on my own! At first I was reluctant, because I felt as if I was not ready to teach a class, but the teacher I shadow encouraged me to take the challenge and make the best of it and that is exactly what I did.  

I taught grade 9, and I was not as scared as I thought I would be. What made my day is that all the students enjoyed the class and the activity we did.  Next week I will be working with a teacher to get the intervention program up and running for the students. Intervention is an after school program where students get extra help on subjects they are falling behind in. I am truly looking forward to helping out with this program, because I have noticed many students who are struggling and having a hard time in certain areas of their work, and I cannot wait to help them in any way that I can. Everyday I walk out of my internship I know I am in the right place, and I know for a fact that my future will revolve around this population.

  

As the weekend is coming up I am looking forward to the Sabbath and going to church. I have had nothing but good experiences with visiting churches. Brittany and I have been to two churches so far one in Athlone (coloured community) and another in Langa (a black township). Both services have been nothing but amazing, and the people there are remarkable. I do not have sufficient words to express how wonderful the people here are and the kindness they show us. I love it here and I know this trip is not my last. 

Erica's realization that everyone is looking out for her well being.

As I register all the events that took place during orientation I knew I made the right decision in choosing this specific program.  I have officially been in Cape Town for two weeks and two day, and I am still in love with this city as the first day I arrived.

Last week Tuesday and Wednesday we visited all the internships that the students will participate in.  I enjoyed this portion of orientation because it gave each of us the opportunity to see where my fellow co-educators will be interning and what kind of work they will be doing. I am beyond excited to begin my internship at City Mission Education Services (CMES) with Dan. CMES is an alternative school for students who have been out of school from 6 months to two years. This school is located in Bridgetown, a coloured township. Many of the students at this school have either dropped out of school, have family issues, or have had a troubled past.  The goal of the school is to teach these students valuable skills and give them the opportunity to finish school. What I like the most about this school is that they are taking in young people that society deems as failures and provide them with the message that they are important and valued! Dan and I will be teaching a life skills class and participate in a feeding program in the townships at least once a week.  I promise Vernon is amazing for placing me here, because this is exactly what I want to do, and hopefully I get to work with a similar population in the future. 


Jameson Hall, University of Cape Town

 Last Thursday we started our class at UCT, and I have to say I absolutely love the campus. I am still trying to understand how people get work done on such a beautiful and breathtaking campus! Our first class was: the history and politics of South Africa taught by Vincent Williams. I am still in awe at the fact that he taught a brief history of South Africa from 1652 to present day in about 2 ½ hours. He explained everything in a detailed manner and not once was I confused with the information he provided. 
            

As I mentioned in my previous blog about the people here being friendly and kind, I still feel the same. I truly feel that I am living in a community that I grew up in, because I feel as if everyone is looking out for my well-being, and not once have I felt as if my life was in danger.   A lot of people may think I am crazy but, I enjoy taking the mini-bus taxis (common form of transportation). Not only is it a fun ride, its also an opportunity to meet and interact with locals.


I am looking forward to tomorrow because I am going to a beautiful beach in Muizenberg, where I might go surfing!  Also we are going to a Braai at Vernon’s house. A braai in South Africa is equivalent to a Barbeque in the United States.

Drumming session at Gugu's Thebe Arts & Cultural Centre in Langa
(front row) Brandi, Kristin, ?, Maria, Brittany, Beck, Theresa, Sam, Erica
(back row) Kelsey, teach, Michael, Mackenzi

Erica's found a community she has always dreamed of

Erica arriving at CPT airport

I have only been in Cape Town for about 6 days, and I am quickly falling in love with this beautiful and amazing city!  The 17 hours flight was worth the trip, and I would fly it any time.  I still can’t believe that I am actually here in Cape Town. The past five days have been filled with knowledge that I have gained from the history of South Africa and sight seeing. The landscape, mountains, and beaches are just breathtaking, I promise details or pictures will not do this country justice. I am still trying to soak in everything that I have seen thus far, and I am excited for what is to come.  I have to mention that the food in Cape Town is amazing! I can eat this food forever, I am afraid for my family and loved ones because I just might live here not only for the food the wonderful people. The people here are genuinely friendly and kind, I feel as if I am in a community that I have always dreamed of living in. 

We have been to Boulder’s beach, The Cape of Good Hope, Signal Hill, and Hout Bay. All of these places have been mind-blowing.  We went to a jazz restaurant called Swingers. The musicians were incredible; they were so passionate when playing.  I can not wait to go to another jazz restaurant called Blue Chip, because I am in the mood to see and listen to pure talent!

Monday night jazz with amazing musicians:  Darren English on horns, Alvin Dyers on guitar, Denver Furnes on drums, Nic Williams on keyboard, & Alistair Andrews on bass

I have a passion for history and I love learning about different cultures and how they impact society. I must say what I enjoyed the most were the two museums we visited. On Tuesday (1/17) we went to the District 6 museum.  I learned a lot of new information regarding the impact apartheid had on its residents. The people living in District 6  (an area mostly inhabited by Coloured persons) were displaced and put into different townships. Our tour guide stressed that apartheid divided communities and their culture.  People of color had to deal with the concept that because of the color of their skin, laws and society changed for the worst.  During the exhibition I was reminded of the violent history of America regarding racism.  I was also reminded of the history of America regarding slavery when we went to the slave lodge on Wednesday (1/18).  At the slave lodge I was taken aback about the fact that I was standing in the courtyard where slaves washed clothes and cooked food hundreds of years ago. We also went to the church where many salves were baptized. After leaving this exhibition it made me question who I was and what is my identity. This exhibition has encouraged me to look into the history of my ancestors and do further research as to where I come from.  Today we will be visiting Robben Island, and I am excited to learn more about the history of apartheid and the impact it has had on the South African culture.  I am having a hard time understanding the whole concept of race in South Africa, but as time goes by I am positive I will learn a lot of information that will be helpful.

I am eager to see what the next three months in a half have in store for me!

Erica eager to see what comes next!

Erica's Intro

Hi my name is Erica Laguerre and I am currently a senior  at University of Connecticut majoring in Urban and Community Studies with a concentration in African American Studies.  I must admit applying and being accepted to UConn in Cape Town has been a very exciting experience.  The two individuals who have encouraged me to apply to this program was my mother and a good friend who participated in this program last spring. I have heard nothing but great things about this specific program, and I am more than ready to create my own experiences. I chose this specific program because it differs from all the others that are provided. This program has a focus on Human Rights and offers an internship, and I could not have ask for more. 

I am looking forward to being immersed into the South African culture, and seeking to learn about its history of apartheid.  What I am looking forward to the most is the fact that I am able to participate in an internship where I can gain so many skills that will benefit me in the future. 

I am a little nervous going to Cape Town, because I am a shy person, but at the same time I am excited because I can definitely see myself growing as an individual on this trip. This program will give me the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, meet new people, participate in activities and get involved in community other than my own. 

I know for a fact that I will miss my family and friends dearly, and I will do my best to stay in contact with them all! I am ecstatic to get on the plane despite the fact that I will have a mixture of emotions, but most of all excitement knowing that I will soon be in Cape Town in less than a week!!!! I am looking forward to one of the best experiences of my lifetime!