A Step Across The World

Alyssa Lem
Nursing Major
Public Health and Healthcare Systems in South Africa, Summer I 2017

Studying abroad quickly became one of the most savored memories at my time at WMU, so much so, that I decided to study abroad twice. My first trip was to Italy in 2015, one of the greatest experiences seeing art, history, and eating at the country most known for delicious food. But this trip, to South Africa in the summer of 2017, was the most impactful for me. Experiencing new cultures is a part of who I am. As the professor, Dr. Bensley explained, we are no longer part of one culture. The other students and I have experienced a whole new culture that seems to be a world away. Without writing an entire novel regarding the trip to South Africa, I have narrowed it down to three things. Three things that spoke the most to me during this trip and that will forever change my practice as a healthcare professional, an educated woman, a forever learner, and appreciator of each and every culture that exists.

The first and perhaps most impactful was the simple word learned, “Ubuntu.” Ubuntu is an ancient South African word that the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University inhabited as their own. It means, “I am who I am because of who we all are,” in the words of one of a dear professor of the University. In terms of the university putting that word into practice, they have peer groups set up to help any and all students whether it be academic help, counseling, or just to have a friend to talk to. Aside from the university, it noticed it throughout the community of Port Elizabeth, where we mainly stayed within South Africa. People helped each other without prompt, such as a man helping another man carry groceries or brightening each others day by always a smile and how are you question, with truthful answers to be told. Inhabiting Ubuntu within my own life and daily routines has created significant different. Really listening to friends, family, and patients that I see instead of the simple, “I’m good” or “I’m busy” or “I’m tired” that are the most common, unthoughtful answers. Instead, really listening to see if they are having struggles or if I could help them in anyway. Ubuntu is a word with power that has the capacity to shape lives and communities in a positive way by enhancing the connection between individuals that is often taken away in a fast-paced society.

Second was the food of South Africa. The food was always incredibly tasty, but most importantly, the locals of South Africa always appreciated their food. There was always meat at every meal, but the animal that the meat came from was appreciated by the locals and thanked for delivering nutrients for themselves. The animals are also treated with respect and in a humane way before they are killed for meat. I appreciated this dearly about South Africa because they knew and were wholeheartedly grateful for the animal’s sacrifice.

Lastly, we were there to study healthcare and public health within the country of South Africa. One of the ways we did so was by going to Missionvale. Missionvale was a multiservice place consisting of a soup kitchen, church, school, and medical care. Missionvale also provided people within the township community home health visits. These home health visits were the most eye opening how extreme poverty can be. Many of these individuals had no more then a blanket, metal slabs put together to build some sort of shelter, and some torn shoes. The individuals living in this condition were still very grateful for their care and visits they got, however. One of the visits was to a 17-year-old boy who had been shot leaving him a paraplegic with a suprapubic catheter. The home health aides, although speaking a different language, were giving this child hope and love even though he had endured such a traumatic event. This boy’s smile radiated in this small environment that had nothing more then a ripped mattress and single blanket. He was thankful, and I was grateful. Being able to learn from these individuals left a long-lasting impression. I have so much to be grateful for and there is so much I can give back to my community.

I hope to one day go back to visit South Africa. I would love to see Port Elizabeth, go on another safari, eat more of that magnificent food, and take another trip to Missionvale. South Africa showed me what gratefulness really means. There is so much to offer to this world and each culture has so much beauty within that radiates from the people. It has been nine months since I have returned, and the beauty and strength South Africa has taught me about this world has only made a stronger impression on who I am as a health professional and a person. I want to thank Dr. Bensley for making this experience happen. You are changing lives and health professionals to become better in their practice and better people in this world. I also want to thank Dr. André DeJager and his wife, Marina. Showing us your beautiful country, setting up the experiences that changed my fellow peers and I, and being available to us; you are also change makers in this world. Lastly, thank you to WMU for providing exceptional educational opportunities outside of the traditional classroom. You are transforming students who will become leaders through providing and allowing us this opportunity 8,758 miles away within the heart of Port Elizabeth.

Categories: Africa, South Africa, Bronson School of Nursing, Academics, Cultural comparison, Communication, Forming new relationships, Homecoming, Inspiration, Lessons learned, Location, Post Voyage, Reflection, Self care, Unpacking the experience, Working/Volunteering, Summer I.