10 Days

As our departure date rushes closer, I find myself awash with emotions, most of which end up as “excitement!”. After passing by a poster in my faculty and thinking “That looks like a good idea.” and rushing home to fill out an online application, the process which began a few months ago is now reaching its most exciting point. I never for a minute thought I’d be about to board a flight to Washington D.C. to gain exposure to a field of my own interest, to be a part of an incredible team of individuals whose different strengths can only help to build upon my own, to have the opportunity to meet some truly incredible game-changers in the South African as well as global context. From completing the online application for SAWIP, to attending the interview, to the final selection camp, at no point did I fully comprehend what I was getting myself into, or expect to be where I am now. What started out as an impulse has now become central in my life at the moment, an interesting case study in how little ripples can have massive consequences.

I’ve listened to our very helpful alumni, I’ve read up on what I’ll be doing, I’ve even studied abroad in the United States before, and yet I still feel like I am about to plunge over a waterfall into the completely unknown. Honestly, I have no idea what to expect from the whole experience, although I am certain everything is going to fly by even faster than it has thusfar.

With this in mind, all I can do is create expectations of myself, and how I hope I will respond to what I will be exposed to. First and foremost, I plan to always bear in mind that I am representing South Africa wherever I go, professionally or informally. This needn’t be a constricting factor, but rather something which gives me confidence in what we as a team have to offer the world as South Africans. I hope to always have an open mind, to always be ready to take on new perspectives and experiences. I hope to be acutely aware of how little time I will actually have in the United States and to make the most of it while I am there. I hope to be able to give back as much as possible to my hosts, my supervisors, and whoever I meet there. And above all, I want whatever I learn over the course of this experience to make me a more effective active South African citizen upon my return. There is just so much work to be done, and I want this experience to make me better prepared for the work that needs to be done.

I really don’t know what to expect, I just hope I am able to make the very most of it. Looking at the makeup of the team I will be surrounded by, I have to say I’m feeling pretty confident. Kwadwo will be a voice of reason and pure classy presence wherever we go. Edyth will always be the voice of integrity, and good humour. Jason is someone who is able to look beyond a situation and provide a fresh and honest perspective. Makhosazana is someone I can count on to keep a level head, to be reasonable, and to know how to respond to any given situation. Thamsanqua, always so well prepared, if I’m ever being lazy I know Thammy will know everything there is to know. Saif, my international relations counterpart, I am confident will make an incredible impression in the Senate with his insight and knowledge. Alli likewise in Congress, is one whose integrity and belief will shine through for us. Parveen’s innovative thinking and directness is certain to get us out of a tight spot. Carel’s wealth of knowledge and experience is likewise going to be a valuable resource we will all be calling upon over our time in Washington D.C. (and New York!). Nondu’s warmth of soul, swag, and lovely supportive good nature is something I am sure we will also be in need of when the stresses of our day to day activities get to us. Kgotsi is another genius in our group (there appear to be many) whose critical insight, good humour, and confidence is something I can see myself rallying behind. Speaking of geniuses, we have Shannon, another person I can rely on to not only present incredible knowledge in his field but also someone who everyone is able to warm to within minutes. Phiwe also, a brother to us all who will not only provide alternative perspectives to any debate but will also light up the room (or know where to go) when most of us are turning into stress-balls. And Zola, another team-member whose integrity and warmth of spirit will be invaluable when we all become overwhelmed, here is someone I have complete confidence in. Together, we make a team I am extremely honoured to be a part of. Viva SAWIP 2012!