In the beginning of the year, when I moved to the small city
of Bloemfontein, I felt miserable, disappointed and discouraged. I felt that
the universe was playing a sick trick on me by sending me to this rather dull
and boring city.
I felt that Bloemfontein and The University of the
Free-State had absolutely NOTHING to offer me and I was right…I have been
offered nothing but great opportunities of self-growth, learning and leadership
development by this city and this exceptional university.
As I sit here, writing this post, I am overwhelmed with
mixed emotions. I have just returned from one of the greatest adventures of my
life.
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| 2013 F1-Leadership Programme Participants |
A few months ago, I was informed that I was selected into
the First Generation Leadership for Change Programme at the University of the
Free State (UFS). The programme is specifically designed for first-year students who seek to bring their leadership abilities,
global thinking and open-mindedness to bring social change to the university.
Little did I know that this programme would immerse me with
great knowledge, thought provoking ideas and an opportunity to visit the
University of Antwerp and the University of Gent in the beautiful country of
Belgium.
I know that I have not been very consistent in my posts, but
I just had to share this once in a life-time opportunity with you all.
On Saturday, 21 September- 2013, I departed for my first
international trip (a two week adventure in Belgium). I was filled with
excitement, not only because of the fact that I was going abroad but mainly
because I was going abroad with 9 other amazing people.
I was blessed to be placed in a cohort with 8 smart, driven,
opinionated student leaders that would accompany me on my trip! Together, we
were lucky to have an amazing mentor to whip us into shape to becoming great
UFS ambassadors.
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| My Team Belgium Family |
5. The beautiful buildings
Belgium has buildings that are filled with age, character and beauty!
They truly are breath-taking and worth a visit!
4. The food
From Bottomless Ribs to Belgian Waffles! We were
spoilt for choice when it came to culinary indulgence…it is a pity that my
waistline hates me now, but was all worth it!
3. The Bicycles
Bicycles play such a huge role in the lives
of the Belgians…it was really fun to re-live my long lost childhood on a bike! and bump a few Belgians (unintentionally) through the beautiful streets.
2. The Beers and Drinks
I was not much of a beer fan before I left
South Africa, I think this merely because I had not truly tasted good beer! came back to SA a beer lover! absolutely loved it…really missing it- especially the
Kriek!
1. The People
My most favourite thing from Belgium was the students from
both the University of Ghent and Antwerp and their families. I was lucky to
meet amazing, warm-hearted people that welcomed me not only to their beautiful
cities but their homes and lives. Thank you for all the treasured conversations
and laughs! I truly hope that this is
only the beginning of long, meaningful friendships. Thank you all for
everything and missing you already.
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| Friends from the University of Gent |
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| Friends from the University of Antwerp |
This trip has been one of the best experiences of my
life…I wish that everybody could be blessed with such an adventure, even if only
once in a lifetime.
I would like to extend my greatest gratitude to the Universities
of Ghent and Antwerp for welcoming us!
Also, I would like to thank the University of the Free State
and all those involved, for offering me this unforgettable experience. I hope
that I may make you all proud and bring positive social change to our university!
Lastly, I would like to thank Team Belgium! You truly are
all remarkable! It’s funny to think that earlier this year I felt that I would
not make friends here in Bloemfontein…but now I realized that the universe was
waiting for the perfect time to bring you all into my life! Thanks for all the lovely
conversations, the “twerking sessions” and laughs!
As I sit here- I can truly say, that for the first this year….
I am selfishly happy- forgetting all the heartache, sadness and injustices of
the world! I am choosing, for just a short moment, to forget how cruel this world truly is so that I can be happily content.
I pray that you may all allow yourselves
to be truly happy! Be selfish for just a minute to be the happiest you can be!
Remember-
"There is no such thing as happiness; there are only moments of happiness"- [anon;Spanish Proverb]
So, go on! seek those moments and live fully within them! Seek those moments of selfish happiness!
