Now that you know more about my mindset as I embark on the next few months, let me tell you more about the practical details. After only a week in the town, I have settled into Kimberly House, named after the street on which it is located. It is the amalgam of two houses that are connected at the kitchen. It has lots of natural lighting which is great and my room has a fireplace and hard woods floors, not to mention a heater above my bed!
I have a room to myself, which is quiet and allows me to read…I am still on Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom, but this reading came alive after visiting Robben Island and attending the Ubuntu Festival celebrating Madiba’s birthday last weekend. Seeing Cape Town sprawling across the coast from the island with bars blocking the panoramic view, helped provide greater insight and perspective.
In between weekends exploring the city, I spend my time during the week at the University of Western Cape (UWC). I am settling into the Center for Student Support Services (CSSS) and the entire team has been very welcoming. During the first week, I had informational interviews with several departments that have provided great insights about some universal concerns in higher education as well as some context specific differences. Additionally hearing about the programs and services at UWC, I have learned much about their approach and theory to serving students and I am reflecting on all that I am taking in. I will write about my specific projects (for which there are many) in a future entry.
Those are the basic building blocks thus far. All is well and the shining sun over the past week has not hurt!
Less talky talky, more photos :) Glade to hear you made it safe and are enjoying your new setting. So what exactly have you been doing in the office?
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