By Shareka Brown
Director, TRIO Student Support Services
It’s been two months since my study abroad experience in Cape Town, South Africa. And what an experience it was. I’ve tried to find an adjective to place before the word experience, but each time I write one down I erase it. Mainly because there is no single adjective to describe the type of experience I had in Cape Town, South Africa. You often hear people refer to studying abroad as a “life changing experience”. This may be true for many, but not for me. I feel as if I came to South Africa with a deep understanding of myself. This being my first study abroad experience as an adult has been something very different. I was able to experience this with two TRIO Student Support Services scholars. We were able to connect outside of the educational realm and develop a deeper relationship with one another, which will last a lifetime.
As a first generation, low economic student during my undergraduate educational journey, I was afforded many opportunities; and studying abroad was one of them. Studying abroad has taught me to be appreciative. I’ve always appreciated what has been given to me, but studying abroad has given this concept greater significance. While in South Africa, I had the chance to interact with individuals of many different nationalities, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The world that immediately comes to mind for me is refreshing. Being in Cape Town, South Africa and engulfing myself in the service learning experience was refreshing. Growing up in East Winston-Salem surrounded by violence and drugs would make one feel as if they are not deserving of higher education, let alone international education. Many first-generation, low economic college students may be feeling the same way. Yet, here I am 47 years later, experiencing incredible transformation and growth.
South Africa had many effects on me as a person. I gained a sense of self-independence, because it allowed me the opportunity to focus on me. I am always taking care of others, and doing for others. This gave me a chance to do what I wanted to do to make me happy. I learned to embrace other cultures and learn from people different from me. I saw parts of South Africa that history books, and television will never be able to depict. I developed a thirst for knowledge about Cape Town, South Africa and how I can make an impact. This experience allowed me to grow spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually that will positively impact my own life and the lives of others that I interact with. The fourteen days I spent has allowed me to come back to my career life and evaluate changes that I can make to be impactful in the lives of the TRIO Student Support Services program and the Davidson-Davie Community College community. It has helped with my ability to relate to others and strengthen my skills that can be used to make me a better employee.
When I reflect on all I gained as an adult studying abroad, my reflection is much different from 1995-1997. I have truly gained a new perspective on life, became more global minded, got out of my comfort zone, got to know myself better, and made life-long, unforgettable memories. But most of all I developed a new sense of independence, which allows me to be open-minded, not wait for others to do things with me or for me, or worry about missing out on what’s going on back home. Get out there and leave your comfort zone to experience freedom and independence that will make you realize how much beauty there really is in this world. Then bring that experience back to all your family and friends to make a greater impact.
My experience is still filled with so many mixed emotions, but I feel a great sense of gratitude and appreciation for being given the opportunity. I want to thank the Davidson-Davie Community College International Education and Senior Leadership for affording me the opportunity to represent the college in Cape Town, South Africa.
