Attending Waterford Kamhlaba UWCSA has helped shape me into the person I am today through coming into contact and sharing ideas, thoughts, dreams with people that normally would be a continent away but are instead sitting next to you in Math class and helping you run workshops. Through building these lifelong friendships I have gained not only an understanding of our differences but an appreciation of them as well. My interests and hobbies became more than a simple afternoon activity as they became opportunities for growth. Whether it was being able to share my South African culture through gumboot dance or engaging in conversations about the future of the African continent at Africa Week or discussing the notion of womanhood at Woman’s Week, being able to hear about everybody’s different but connected stories, it inspired growth within me. Attending a UWC means embracing being pushed beyond your creature comforts and therefore having your horizons widened to a whole new world.
The reason Lewis and Clark stood out for me is because we both value the same thing…community. I believe that instilling a sense of community helps and creates an atmosphere that encourages learning to happen outside the classroom. My interactions with current students have been very pleasant, people always willing to go the extra mile to answer my questions. I hope to work in the arts and Lewis and Clark has provided the best environment I believe for my artistic exploration to be nurtured and guided. I am also looking forward to exploring different courses as I love to learn new things, I am especially excited to learn about sociology and gender studies.
I look forward to making Lewis and Clark my new community.