Taking time to reflect on a truly eye-opening trip, it is difficult to pinpoint specific instances that stood out to me most prominently. Coming into South Africa, I had no expectations about the change I would make or the impact I would have on these kids. I began the experience with a broad-minded, yet embracing, approach knowing that I would be involved in a completely unfamiliar setting, full of new faces and an entirely different culture that I had to adapt to. At face value, this is an extremely intimidating idea—one that left me skeptical of my ability to form meaningful relationships to create a true influence.
From the get-go of the program, Shane, our program’s van driver, drastically altered my perspective on how to view the situation I found myself in. Originally from South Africa, he became a reliable source of support when I found it tough to connect with the youth when working with them the first couple times. Looking, sounding, and acting different from people they have known all their lives, a superficial layer of shyness needed to be broken to develop the deep-rooted bonds we intended to make. Shane’s encouragement and ability to simply play with the kids and meet them at their level was palpable, and after observing these interactions, I began to replicate them myself. What he taught me I will never forget.
Because even in the most foreign spaces and under the most vulnerable naivety, connecting with people is so much more elementary than it seems. I felt this drive to force commonalities with these kids, when in reality, getting to know someone does not have to be so complex. Humans are relatable, no matter how diverse a pair may seem.
Engaging in simple acts of entertainment that so many of us like, such as kicking a ball around or playing rock paper scissors, became the most accessible way to get to know who we were working with and the values that they held. This method is how I uncovered the personalities of those who seemed so different, yet at heart, shared similar interests. This concept has unlocked the opportunity for me to tactically habituate and care strongly for others, whether in a new service program or in my daily life.
What highlights as the most meaningful aspect of this program was the simple act of putting a smile on the faces of the kids we worked with, as well as the broader community. In particular, I met a child we referred to as Mbappe, a name he earned by giving his all on the soccer field. Though not the most talented athlete on the pitch, his effort and positivity flourished despite the absence of the simple resources and privileges that we have grown accustomed to in America. Mbappe would show up every day with the same clothes, occasionally barefoot, yet would continue to invoke amazement with his bright smile and sheer excitement when we rolled in with our GVI van. Every morning became a humbling moment as he taught me to appreciate every aspect of life for how it comes and to make each day count. He taught me that the unfairness we perceive of life is simply a mindset and that each second we have is a gift. Although I had no specific expectations, I knew from our pre-program training meetings that my goal was to promote optimism and learning, and I have never seen anyone embody these values as profoundly as Mbappe. The feeling I got from providing a safe and enlightening experience for these youth was, without a doubt, the most rewarding aspect of the engagement. I am a firm believer that it is not what one says or does, but how you make someone feel that is most important, and to come back from South Africa and be able to say that I had fulfilled this achievement while learning myself, is what brings me immense joy.
Returning from this trip, my perspective on volunteer service has transformed. I believe everyone who has a chance to be a part of something bigger than themselves should capitalize on that opportunity. Not only are you bringing support and resources to an area, but you also benefit by gaining cultural awareness, learning how to interact with various backgrounds, and most importantly, forming lasting relationships that mutually benefit both parties in the long run.
The most heartfelt take-home I experienced in this regard was the fact that no single person in our group “took the jersey off.” There was an instant connection as soon as we arrived in Cape Town, we were a team unifying toward one goal, and that is why I believe the metaphor is so fitting. Every day, we would show up to the EDC classrooms and sports camps, collaborating to maximize the balance between a fun and productive learning environment for the youth. Never did we forget who we represent, and this goes beyond Duke University. We reflected on our families, and I know my grandparents, who were immigrants from Greece during World War II, would be so proud to witness the work I had done to make this world a better place. Ultimately, this service becomes so much more than about oneself—it revolves around the enduring imprint that can be made on people, places, and things, all in the eyes of the good of others.