They always say that the people make the place. During my time in Cape Town, that could not have been more true. As I enjoyed views of mountains alongside beautiful beaches, what really stood out to me was the people I had the privilege of enjoying such experiences with. Despite all of the new views I have seen—whether it was overlooking the city while hiking pipe trail with the class, or enjoying a sunset dinner with Nardeen, Lidya, and Emaan—my favorite view was the people who made Cape Town feel like home. It was on my birthday that I really came to this realization.
I knew something was up when Lidya randomly started a conversation about our favorite kinds of cakes in Our Local a day before my birthday. Never did I imagine, though, that that night I would enter my room and find all of my classmates crowded together, holding a birthday cake and HUGE “1” and “9” balloons. Despite how awkward I probably looked as they sang Happy Birthday to me, I was completely overwhelmed with pure joy. After the singing came pictures on the balcony. After pictures came an hour of laughter and nonsense, where I’m sure we were on the verge of getting a noise complaint (especially after an ambitious attempt at my acapella group’s “Sound Garden” warmup). I got into bed, officially having turned 19, grinning from ear to ear. The celebrations didn’t end there.
The next day was a whole lot of shopping and SO much food (thank goodness for the brownies at Oranjezitch Market). Then came time spent laying in bed before dinner. After dinner came the parties. And during it all, it was my classmates who were by my side. The classmates who bought me a cake, balloons, candles, and apple cider. The classmates who had everyone sign a birthday card, just for me. The classmates who took the time to make me feel so special. I am so blessed.
How, in the span of 6 weeks, can a group of 13 people turn from mostly strangers to close friends? How is it than in such a short time people can form bonds so close that they’re willing to almost burn their fingers lighting a birthday candle for someone they just met a couple of weeks before? It’s because, as Jonathan said, this really is a special group of people. I could feel it from our very first lunch in Kirstenbosch Botanicals Gardens, and I am sure of it now.
To my HRMC group, thank you for always making me laugh. Even in the most stressful times of our project, all I need to hear is Allam or Lola laughing and everything is instantly better. I thank you for so many late night talks, meals in the conference room, and a banger final film.
To DTTC, thank you for being my role models in this program. I look up to each and every one of you, and when I think of who I strive to be in this next school year you are the examples that pop into my mind. So driven and accomplished, yet also joyful and lighthearted. You guys are the definition of balance.
To Jonathan and Paul, thank you for your unconditional support and dedication. Your passion for the class seeps into everything you do, whether that’s creating elaborate case studies or fighting for the hotel to restock their Biscoff cheesecake. In a distant countries many, many miles from home, you were forces that we knew we could always relay on. You have our backs, and that’s something we’ll never forget.
As I took one last look around Cape Town on the drive to the airport, I found myself tearing up. Every experience, every celebration, and every person in this program has had a huge impact on my life. This program couldn’t have been more perfect if it tried (except if I didn’t get my phone stolen, that would have made it a little more perfect).
To a very special group, see you all in the fall!!!
Love,
Alya Bedawi