As we were departing from our last day at Vusa, a staff member who we spent a lot of time with, named Masi, left us with the statement “I am because we are.” He explained this through a metaphor about washing your hands. “You can’t wash one without washing the other. We are not who we are without the help of other people.” That sentiment stuck with me because it reminded me why I was in South Africa in the first place. I wasn’t there to change the world. I was there to be the other hand and to offer support to anyone who needed it.
I am who I am because I’ve been lucky to have grown up surrounded by people who believed in me, and who blessed me with resources that have helped me succeed. While the kids at Vusa are full of joy and surrounded by dedicated coaches and teachers, there are still many areas where support is missing, whether in physical resources, emotional guidance, or access to education. These are all things I now realize I took for granted growing up. After building personal connections with the kids and getting a glimpse into their lives firsthand, I felt an overwhelming desire to empower them in any way I could. I saw so much talent in the kids as they ran, sang, danced, and played soccer and rugby. The thought that they might not reach their full potential because of circumstances beyond their control is heartbreaking. As much as I wished I could change their reality, I focused on helping in the best way I knew how by showing up, connecting, and supporting them however I could.
One moment that really stuck with me was when a few of the young girls were asked why they weren’t joining in on a soccer game. They replied, “Because only boys have muscles.” It broke my heart that these girls had no idea of their potential, simply because no one had validated it yet. It reminded me of myself at their age, how the only reason I started running was because of my dad. In that moment, he was my other hand who helped me see my potential in running. Without him, I probably wouldn’t be running today. It was clear that many of these girls hadn’t received this kind of athletic support from anyone. So, whenever I could, I encouraged them and helped them see what I already saw in them: strength, skill, and potential. Just by noticing their hard work and showing them what they’re capable of, I hope I was able to leave at least one girl feeling empowered.
Whether it’s with sports or any aspect of these kids’ lives, I wanted to share the encouragement I have been given throughout the years. “I am because we are.” I’m not me without my friends and family. I’m not me without the lessons I’ve learned from these joyful, perfect kids I got to spend the past three weeks with. This trip reminded me that the important things in life are so much bigger than myself. Life is meant to be shared, through love, through support, and through lifting each other up. I know firsthand how powerful a support system can be. I’m eager to carry this experience with me beyond these incredible three weeks in Cape Town, and to live a life centered around empowerment, service, and supporting others.