SC in Zimbabwe

Many years ago I was a student at Lake Forest College and a Sociology and Anthropology Major. I desperately wanted to study abroad as most of LFC goes abroad their Junior year. I had been to Europe as a high school student and knew I was going back after college with friends. Wanting to do something a bit unique I looked into India, and Africa. The University of Zimbabwe in Harare was the only program that would count credits towards my major so I could graduate on time. But, there is always a but, I did not have what one would refer to as a strong GPA. My only back up was to attend Franklin college in Switzerland and cross my fingers I could take classes that would allow me to graduate in 4 years. As much as I loved college, I didn't want to be left behind when my friends and classmates graduated. I was never a student. I went to college to be in a sorority, meet my husband and travel abroad Junior year. I accomplished 2 out of 3.

I was accepted last minute and I'm not going to tell you my theory as to why but let's just say I was the ONLY person on the trip that didn't receive financial aid.

Zimbabwe, and South Africa changed my life. I don't talk about it much. But with you supportive blends I feel comfy opening a part of my heart that is still vulnerable and in awe of the beauty I witnessed in Africa. Everyone on the trip wore Birkenstock. I wore Laura Ashley. Most of the students were very environmentally aware and PC. I was a debutante that read the society section from my home town paper my mother mailed to me each week. But, and there is always a but, we all hit it off. I made amazing friends and grew so much as a person. I could write an entire blog chronically all of the amazing things I did and saw. I pushed myself more than I have probably ever in my life, with the exception of being a mother.

I have tears in my eyes as I type this. Thank you Zimbabwe for allowing me to live in your country for 6 blissful months.  In an effort to hold on to some of my memories I decorated my oldest sons nursery with a safari theme. My son is turning 10 in only a few short weeks and I've promised him a big boy room with a ski theme. So it won't be long that he will not live in the dream world I created for him using my memories of Africa.

 

 

When I left Zimbabwe I flew to London with my 2 best friends from the trip-Katya and Mariya. In London I went to my gate to fly home to Philadelphia. I cried the whole time in the waiting room. The first big girl tears I'd ever shed. I watched a remake of Father of the Bride by Nancy Meyers on the Virgin Atlantic flight home. This is why I'm convinced she will make Social Climbers into a movie. Plus, it doesn't hurt that she grew up outside of Philadelphia. Thank you for all of the lovely comments you leave on my blog. I live for and can't wait to read each and everyone of them. The love that has been shown to me in the blog world resembles the love I felt in Zimbabwe.

xoxo

SC