Mariya Putwa, Grade 11
UWCEA (Arusha)
I witnessed true desperation and suffering around 5 years ago when I visited the Cancer Institution of Dar-es-Salaam. That is when I realized how the underprivileged persons of my country faced severe accessibility challenges. I only understood the relentlessness of this statement upon entering the first room in the largely underfunded hospital, with peeling wall paint and darkened tiles. There was a pungent lingering odor of an odd mixture of medicine and blood in the cramped space. Stark moans of pain resonated from every direction; uncomfortable, clueless and largely overwhelmed, my eyes began brimming with tears. Every face in the small room was hollowed and craggy from heat, cancer, and malnutrition. I froze and tried not to stare, distressed. Swallowing my tears and attempting to hide the look of unease on my face, I passed on the large containers of pilau (East Africa's ubiquitous rice dish) to the women in the room. As I wheeled a rusty metal trolley into each room, I came in contact with family members whose pain could be felt from their onslaught of cries and brave faces which were slowly crumbling, their pained yet hollow eyes giving away their façade. I wondered what I did to deserve the privilege of not being in their position, and how this very pedestal ensured me access to not only better medical resources, but a comfortable life under the pastoral care. The foundational support of my family meant we had connections that allowed us access to medication, education, and nutrition. I then asked myself, what can I do to ease the suffering of my people?
This was only the beginning of my journey.
The sense of discomfort I felt in that situation overwhelmed my emotions but made for me to be more flexible to any situation that I might undergo in the future. Moving to Arusha to join UWCEA was a big risk for me to take, knowing that my life would then depend on how I would act at the school and the decisions I’d make there. But as I read through my ‘congratulations’ email, I reminded myself of all the times I had stepped out of my comfort zone and how every single time I learned from it. I took the plunge, and no matter how hard I struggle to stay at the surface of the water when I am at the precipice of drowning under the weight of social and academic pressures, I know one day- it will all be worth it.
I specifically remember orientation week, when we all came with our heads high ready to be humbled and learn from each other’s walks of life. It would be my first time away from my family. I was shy yet eager, basking in the glory that was UWC and doing my best to talk to as many people as I could. But it wasn’t long before my social battery ran dry, and the feeling of homesickness and introverted-ness overcame me. I simply wanted to stay in bed, as waves of anxiety, annoyance, and distress rolled through me. I was irritated at my self, unable to understand why I was feeling this way. But by the end of the week, I gathered my feelings and resolved any sort of internal conflict, realizing that life has a bigger purpose.
When difficulties in life become more obscure- and they will- one must have the courage to move forward. Your comfort zone is a dangerous place. Make a decision today to step out of it and watch your awareness of the world around you increase. 5 years ago, I realized what privilege meant. Sincerity flourished in my heart, and I found myself being able to relate and connect with people with a more empathetic lens of the world.
This was only the beginning of my journey.
The sense of discomfort I felt in that situation overwhelmed my emotions but made for me to be more flexible to any situation that I might undergo in the future. Moving to Arusha to join UWCEA was a big risk for me to take, knowing that my life would then depend on how I would act at the school and the decisions I’d make there. But as I read through my ‘congratulations’ email, I reminded myself of all the times I had stepped out of my comfort zone and how every single time I learned from it. I took the plunge, and no matter how hard I struggle to stay at the surface of the water when I am at the precipice of drowning under the weight of social and academic pressures, I know one day- it will all be worth it.
I specifically remember orientation week, when we all came with our heads high ready to be humbled and learn from each other’s walks of life. It would be my first time away from my family. I was shy yet eager, basking in the glory that was UWC and doing my best to talk to as many people as I could. But it wasn’t long before my social battery ran dry, and the feeling of homesickness and introverted-ness overcame me. I simply wanted to stay in bed, as waves of anxiety, annoyance, and distress rolled through me. I was irritated at my self, unable to understand why I was feeling this way. But by the end of the week, I gathered my feelings and resolved any sort of internal conflict, realizing that life has a bigger purpose.
When difficulties in life become more obscure- and they will- one must have the courage to move forward. Your comfort zone is a dangerous place. Make a decision today to step out of it and watch your awareness of the world around you increase. 5 years ago, I realized what privilege meant. Sincerity flourished in my heart, and I found myself being able to relate and connect with people with a more empathetic lens of the world.
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