Greetings from Cederberg, South Africa!
That’s right, TTS41 has officially landed in our fourth country. Over the last couple of days, we have been soaking in the new landscapes as well as working through a few transitions in our community together. Firstly, we are missing Charity who ran into some challenges at the Namibian-South African border, but we are really excited to meet up with her again. Secondly, we have loved welcoming Morgan to our community, who is stepping in to teach for the rest of the semester.
For this week’s blog, I wanted to “dive deeper” into some aspects of TTS41 that make our community feel so special. I was lucky enough to have the chance to speak with Sophie, Taran, and Annie who shared some of their own insights.
My first interviewee, Sophie, kicked us off by sharing that a unique aspect of TTS that really resonates with her is the way in which our teachers urge us to truly dig deeper, both in the classroom and outside (I guess most of our classrooms are outside, but I think you get the gist 🙂 ). “It’s less about what we’re learning and more about why we’re learning it and what we can do about it.” Sophie can tell her thoughts are evolving in a more positive and open-minded way by considering all perspectives rather than simply listening to the loudest, most powerful voice that tries to tell its story. She said that at the beginning of the semester, this way of thinking felt really uncomfortable and she didn’t understand how to reach any deeper into her brain. Now, she truly feels how her critical thinking and curiosities through asking questions have changed. When Sophie returns to regular classes back home, she is confident that she will almost reflexively expand outside of just the knowledge she is given in the classroom which will enhance her own learning for the sake of learning.
My next victim, Taran, discussed how rigorous academics and challenges we have experienced in our community have, in turn, created special connections and strong bonds. Initially, connecting with a random group of 10 other girls felt a little bit awkward, but after learning each others’ love languages in LLS class, she feels like she has a better sense of how her peers like to give and receive support. She reminisced on her experience during midterms where, even though we all were feeling some stress, when one student needed support, any one of us would still be willing to show up for each other both emotionally and physically. As a group, we have learned how to lift up one another even if we are struggling ourselves. Taran reflects that she has grown this semester in realizing that our own lives and thought processes aren’t as conflicting as we may initially think. Therefore, in empathizing with one another, we have the opportunity to connect past our individual differences and work together to create positive change.
Finally, Annie shared how although she originally thought an all-female community wouldn’t necessarily be a good thing, she has come to realize how much she truly loves it. TTS is all about new experiences, pushing students and teachers outside of their comfort zones so that they may grow as individuals. An all female school was not something Annie was very comfortable with before leaving for TTS in August. However, she remembers reflecting in her first ever mentor meeting with Grace back at Jolly Boys, our first hostel, that all the girls were bringing such positive energy. Annie had never seen so much willingness in a group to jump into whatever funny shenanigans were taking place, and she reflects how amazing group dynamics can feel in such a positive and supportive all-female environment. For example, for our funky halloween celebration this week, everyone was so enthusiastic to jump into the strange characters Annie and Olive assigned to everyone. “I’ve never seen how powerful a group of women can be.” Furthermore, Annie hopes to implement what she has felt here with her friends and new adventure groups she encounters back home and beyond.
Thanks for joining us this week as we discover how special TTS is to each student. ‘Till next time!
Hakuna Matata!
Julia
Julia, the author
Here are some photos from the Cederbergs – bouldering, dramatic views, and visiting ancient rock art:
