Like this:

First day of class was Monday.  I was afraid I wouldn’t fit in, I would get really confused, and the other kids would be mean to me.  Well two of those predictions came true.  

I did not see any white students other than my Marquette friends and with our American accidents we really stuck out.  It would be easy to say I did not ‘fit in’.  

I got turned around as I walked around campus trying to find my classes but the class system itself was more confusing.  A certain class might be on the schedule a number of times and, the first week, one simply goes to each one until the professor comes to one of them and he or she tells you when you will meet the rest of the semester.  But, somehow, all of the South African students know which classes on the schedule will be the one where the teacher shows up.  I was definitely confused.  

But the other students are anything but mean.  They are quick to strike up a conversation, show me around, and invite to events on campus.  The handful of students that I have met feel at ease with discussing some heavier topics.  They talk about political views, South African custom, and their own faith and doubts.  Much like the US, their are many varieties of faiths represented.  Some vary only in emphasis while some are very different from each other.  I have been blessed to listen to students explain their faith and also explain my beliefs.  

At this point in reading my blog my parents are thinking, “We are paying for this young whippersnapper’s education and he hasn’t said a word about class other than he can’t find them.”  Well, Ma and Pa, don’t worry.  I have managed to find my classes.  One that seems interesting is a 4th year literature class called: Manifestations of social change in literature.  It is taught by the Poet Laureate of South Africa and am excited about getting into African literature.  More on my classes as I get into them.

I appreciate all the comments you have all been leaving.  Keep growing closer to your Maker and Savior!

Advertisement