15| 07| 2016
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Ambassador Barbier, esteemed guests and my fellow scholars.
Good evening
So imagine being cast in a foreign movie, the storyline is simple it’s about life! The setting features children going to school, a train filled with people, a woman smoking on the pavement, a man walking a dog, bicycles and the smell of fresh bread. The script however is in a foreign language
That was my first day in Lyon, a city I had only vaguely heard of when my brothers and sister happened to reference French teams during their usual soccer debates.
I arrived in Lyon with a big, big bag It may as well have been a metaphor.
Got off the train and pulled this huge suitcase to what would be my home for the next year.
My experience was a difficult one initially, the language barrier ,navigating the streets , finding things and trying to familiarize myself with my new environment. But making the decision to take the year off to go back to school was easy and I felt was necessary. So some excitement and some hardship, but such it life right? a lesson of discomfort and pleasures but mostly I believe, this experiences was about growth.
Education, formal and informal, is one way of bringing about growth and the idea that two countries come together to advance the important and transformative force of education should be applauded. So to you my fellow scholars embarking on this journey, take this incredible opportunity and immerse yourself in your academic subject, delve deep into the theories presented, debate, critique, contribute and interrogate then emerge with new ways of solving the challenges of the world.
Go to each class, participate in every subject, correct stereotypes about the continent, teach about yourself and your people …this is the value of this experience. But also broaden your mind and spirit, learn about others too… immerse yourself in their cultures, get to know their way of life, the food, families and what makes them laugh or cry and then listen with sincerity to their wishes for their children. I believe this is the only way to bridge the seemingly terrifying drifts between races, cultures and religions
You may find it hard to form friendships…. But you have to put yourself out there, step up and ask names and interests, involve yourself in student and social activities but prepare yourself for social awkwardness and even rejection. You are no longer at the local bar with your friends. Forget yourself and your comfort zone; and stretch yourself to reach above and beyond your boundaries
Take walks, read books on the culture and society, see the museums, ask questions and more questions, ride bikes, sit on the side of rivers, listen to new music, travel and learn. You are bound to learn more than they teach you in the classrooms. Absorb it all.
And Yes the winter is bitter
You may find that French is an incredibly complicated language, and that
French bureaucracy requires the illusive virtue of patience
and yes, you will miss your family
Absorb it all.
Use his time to truly extend yourself in every dimension possible
You may find yourself picking up some wonderful French habits. I for one have an insatiable like for great wine and cheese, I love baguettes and any 5 star meal less than a traditional Lyonesse dinner is a 7/10 at best
and in so many ways, I subscribe to the French ideals of “liberty, equality, fraternity"
but do come back, this continent needs you. your expertise and your leadership….it needs your urgency, your hunger…come and disrupt where necessary and rebuild
So my fellow scholars, as you embark of the experience of your life, i wish you courage, strength adventure, broadened intellect and wisdom. Soar high! I look forward to watching your stars rise.
Nolundi Walaza Kunene
