March 21st and All of its Glory

So today is a big day, and the reasons are fourfold. First off its human rights day in South Africa which is in honor of those who fought for a just and democratic society. It’s a bigger holiday than I expected, there is no class and all the public buildings and banks are closed. The second and third reasons are that it is my half birthday, and that today marks the two month anniversary of coming to Cape Town. Finally, this morning I woke up to an email from the U.S. Bureau of Education saying I was chosen to be a recipient  of the Gilman Scholarship. This scholarship is for study abroad students who demonstrate academic merit, financial need, and promise to do a project within their community relative to their experience abroad. I applied for the scholarship last fall and was put on the wait-list, and in january I was told that the wait period was over and I wouldn’t be receiving the award. I’m not quite sure what happened in between January and now, but I’m so grateful for whatever transpired.

    The idea for this blog actually began with the application for the scholarship. The project I had promised to do is to write about my experience, including the cultural differences and challenges I face along with my day to day activities. Also I will be writing an article summarizing my experience abroad and discussing the culture, politics, hardships, and lifestyle in South Africa, specifically Cape Town. This article will be featured in the Holliston Reporter (thanks Grandpa), and will be sent in to other local newspapers just for kicks. The goal of all of this is to increase international education and encourage students to study abroad, and also inform people of what it is like in South Africa. When I was choosing this program I got countless warnings about how dangerous, unwelcoming, and poverty-struck the country was along with a million other reasons not to study here. Although it's somewhat true, there is so much more to South Africa and I hope to open people's mind and broaden  their knowledge of the country and culture. This is most incredible place I have ever been and I am more amazed everyday. I wouldn't trade this experience for the world.

     I’m really surprised about this opportunity and my blog has varied quite a bit from the original intention, but I’ll get it back on track. If you would like to know more about the scholarship or my project the website for the scholarship is www.iie.org/gilman and I'd be happy to email a copy of the project plans I had sent in for the scholarship

Thanks everyone for reading, I’m excited that this blog is so popular and is now a huge part of my time abroad.

oh, and P.S.  I will be purchasing a camera shortly so I can start to post more pictures. I have so much to show you :)