Selfishly Happy

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.

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.

My Team Belgium Family

 My adventure in Belgium was filled with so many “Exceptional Memories”…but since my parents have raised me not to boast, I guess I shall share only my top 5 Favourite things from Belgium.

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.

Friends from the University of Gent

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!