Harvey Scholar Travels - Matthew D. in South Africa

This past spring semester, I was fortunate enough to study abroad in Cape Town, South Africa because of the Harvey Scholarship. It was my first time out of America, so I had no idea what to expect; I knew of South Africa only from talks about apartheid and Nelson Mandela in old high school courses. Because of this, I chose South Africa in order to be exposed to a different culture and lifestyle than I was familiar with in the United States. While I had no clue as to what expect, I never could have imagined the cultural experience, lifelong friendships and unbelievable adventures that I experienced Cape Town. Between learning the Afrikaans Sokkie dance near the vineyards of Stellenbosch, driving a four wheel, massive truck in the deserts of Namibia, and bungie jumping off Bloukrans Bridge along the Garden Route, I had the adventure of a lifetime. I will always remember the elephant that snorted and reared its head at us during a self-guided safari in Kruger National Park and the exhaustion of hiking Devil’s Peak, the mountain overlooking Cape Town. But even more than these adventures, I was able to experience the culture of South Africa in such a deeper sense that I ever could during a visit. During the first week at the university, we witnessed a #RhodesMustFall protest in which University of Cape Town students protested over housing and racial issues. I learned that South Africa is still overcoming racial barriers, and is struggling to lessen broad economic gaps caused by apartheid. As part of the Harvey Scholar “Pay it Forward” mentality, I volunteered with SHAWCO, an organization that tutors young students in South African townships. It was not always the easiest at times because of the language barrier, but I have such hope for the students I worked with, as they constantly sought to further expand their education. Despite the poverty and inequality still all too present, I have hope for South Africa because I met some of the most incredible people during my time there. South Africa is a beautiful county and I hope that it can continue to overcome its difficult past and head towards a brighter future.

The Harvey Scholarship allowed me to have an experience beyond my wildest dreams. Being at UCT was surreal, and I made lifelong friends that I cannot wait to see again, and I still keep in contact with now (shout out to the Gorgeous Guys)! Now that I am back in the United States, I am taking time to process everything that I experienced. Simple words cannot explain the experience fully. I mean, how can you explain karaoke nights with friends that were sung in five different languages? I cannot thank Hugh and Michelle and the Harvey Scholarship enough for making this experience possible. It was truly a life-changing experience that I recommend for anyone blessed enough to have the opportunity to pursue.