Dear Future Participant - Blog Post 6 (EA)

Dear future participant, 

            As I resettle in the U.S after two months in Zambia, there are many things I have tried to reflect on. From the research to the homestay, the Zambia Summer Program is multidimensional, and I am unsure if I will ever truly be able to put it into words. Like anywhere, there were times when I felt frustrated with the new environment, but overall, I think it was a great summer full of growth. 

            Before I left for Zambia, I was confident in my ability to adapt to the new environment. I was determined to make my research topic work. I was adamant about having a good summer, especially after an emotionally tumultuous spring semester. However, I don’t think I truly expected what came from my experience in Zambia this summer. I didn’t expect to grow so close to the members of this cohort nor to my host family. I didn’t expect to share parts of myself with them that I had held to myself for so long. If you let it, this summer can be more than just a research opportunity, it can be an opportunity to connect with and understand yourself on a deeper level. 

            I was told that Zambians are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet before even leaving the United States. Although I hate generalizations as much as the next person, I have to admit that this was pretty much true. Within the first couple of weeks, staff at the Kabulonga Pick ‘n Pay were engaging me in conversation consistently. When I went a few days without buying bottled water from there, they would ask other members of the cohort if I was okay. Similarly, the staff at the Deli (one of our favorite internet cafés) would see us walking to and from our NGOs and stop to talk to us. When we stayed at the café to work on our projects, they would constantly sneak us free food and coffee. I can literally count on one hand the number of times I paid for lunch in the last month of the program. 

            I would not describe myself as a very outgoing person. In fact, I am pretty antisocial, and I prefer my bedroom to most social situations. Regardless of whether or not you are anything like me, one of my biggest pieces of advice is to engage as much as you can with allthe Zambians you meet. Honestly, I never had super profound conversations with my friends at Pick ‘n Pay or the Deli, like I did with my host mom. However, what these little friendships brought was equally as valuable. By having familiar faces to chat with, I was able to create a small community during my brief time in Lusaka. Not every friendship needs to be deep and based on always bearing your soul and revealing long held secrets. There is beauty in the little things. 

            Find the little things during your stay that make it all worthwhile. Some of mine included, eating free food at the Deli, stopping to buy popcorn at the stand near my house, and preparing makeshift s’mores. These all revolve around food… but you get the idea. 

            I hope that with all the ups and downs this summer will bring, you will be able to stay positive by focusing on the little things. As cliché as it sounds, the little things really do become the big things.