The Tuesday that the Matseliso students had to leave, I felt genuine sadness. I cried for hours because I was losing my best friends. It was painful, and i couldn’t stop hugging everyone because I knew that it was potentially the last time I was going to ever see them in person. I was nervous to hug Nathi, when i saw him, because I don’t think i was ready to accept that i was losing him. When i finally hugged him, I just cried whilst he held onto me and I never wanted to let go. I will forever remember running up to Spha and hugging him. The hug was a confirmation that we were really best friends. He told me, “I’ll see you on the other side” and that really stuck with me because I knew he was going to miss me as much as i was going to miss him. Thendo wiped away my tears as I cried and gave me one of his amazing hugs, saying to me not to cry because it was all going to be okay. However, all of my tears were driven by happiness. I was so sad when they left because of the amazing memories I’ve made through this project. I have never laughed and smiled so much in my life and it is all thanks to the amazing students of Matseliso. Even though it was hard to say goodbye, I wouldn’t change my experience for the world, because it was genuinely the best thing to ever happen to me.
Saying goodbye to the Matseliso students was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, I knew that eventually the South African students would have to go home, but, the week that they were here went so quickly. I can honestly say that each of the Matseliso students are inspirational to me in their own way. Their determination and indepence is truly inspiring and they have continued to improve me as a person over this last week. I can honestly say that on this visit I have met people who I will always remember and I have had the best week of my life. From shopping in Liverpool, to climbing up a rainy mountain in Snowdonia, all of the Matseliso students never failed to have a smile on their faces. I feel like smiles this week have been contagious, and that is due to the amazingly positive attitude of the Matseliso students.
This week has been the best week i have had in ages. I never thought i would be going to Wales and Liverpool with people i had only met a week ago. I realise now just how lucky we are and that we shouldn't take life for granted. This week has been a learning experience i will never forget. I have been taught to accept and to just stay true to myself. Who knew one group of people could have such a massive impact on my life and everyone else's around me.
This week has genuinely changed me as a person, I feel as if i will now appreciate my opportunities that i am given and all the little things i have in my life that i probably take for granted i really want to change my outlook on life and have an attitude like the South Africans do ,i would love to learn more about the South Africans life and culture and hope i can if i am selected for the second phase of this wonderful project .