Tonight during our “last supper”, I asked everyone to write one thing they are grateful for on this trip. The idea is a spin-off of my original blog post—which I’ll be posting later (ssh, it’s a secret)—and I thought it to be only fitting that we all get a chance to reflect on the past 6 weeks and speak our hearts out. Here’s what everyone said:
I’m grateful to have gotten to spend time with such a great group of people. I’m gonna miss everyone! – Noemi
I’m grateful for the people we met through our excursions and documentaries and for the chance to explore cinematography. – Isa
I am grateful for the bonding during dinners. All the laughs and conversations that I’ll remember forever. – Char
The opportunity to think and be challenged in different ways. I have grown so much as a person. – Drew
I am grateful to have had the chance to wake up everyday full of wonder, inspirational, and curiosity as we explored this beautiful City of Gold. It would not have been the same without the incredible people I was surrounded by every second. – Manu
I’m grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime, life-changing, awe-inspiring, toe-curling experience. This class changed me academically, emotionally, and physically (my hair turned orange). – John
To interact with people who really listen, who are open to new experiences, and who care deeply about making a difference in the world. – Jaime
I’m grateful for the way this class has shaped how I see global health, film, history, and humanity at large. it has taught me how each and every place I experience broadens the way I exist in the world and this experience has changed me for the better. – Ethelia
I’m grateful for all of the people we’ve had the privilege of meeting these past few weeks. The CHWs have taught me so much about love, courage, and vulnerability, and I will remember our time with them for a lifetime. This place and these people have made this experience so special, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have had the chance to meet all of you <3 -Sophia
I’m grateful for all these new experiences! Some days I could not believe that all this was real. This country has left such a profound impact on my life, but something I’ll never forget is the feelings of love and belonging that I feel whenever I’m in the presence of my VAGH family!! – Iana
I’m grateful for the people!!! My fellow students, the Big Five, Rivonia Premiere Lodge staff, the Community Health Workers — so many beautiful people who’ve inspired me in so many ways! – Eliana
I’m grateful for another amazing and successful summer programme! Especially since we had a few stumbling blocks at the beginning. I’m grateful for the safari experience with everyone and being able to experience moments and parts of SA through new eyes! – Delicia
I’m grateful for this group of students who have embraced adventure, who exhibit consistent compassion and camaraderie and steadfastly support each other. They also pushed themselves to excel and inspired me to be better as an instructor and a person. – Paul
I’m grateful for the trust the students have placed in me throughout the summer, and their ability to overcome any obstacle that has been thrown at them. They have pushed me to be a better professor and deepen my understanding of what it means to teach. – Jonathan
