Student Spotlight: Cody Fields

"First things first, I'm the realest plant man you'll ever see." - Cody Fields (slightly amended, but approved by Cody himself)

We got to Cape Town and I realized that I still had six student interviews to complete, so Cody & I took advantage of our dinnertime together at Nelson's Eye. When we rolled up to the place, I actually thought it was a joke. This was not where Neil & I had discussed eating, but it turned out to be delicious.

Cody was born Sellersville, PA, and he has lived in a few different places in Southeastern Pennsylvania. After this semester, he will be graduating from Penn State Berks with a degree in Biology: Genetics & Developmental Biology. More specifically, Cody studies and LOVES plants.

When asked about his favorite lodging, Cody had a hard time deciding between iKhaya Lodge (Cape Town) or the Donald Woods Foundation (Hobeni). He liked that iKhaya had an excellent location and an amazing view of Table Mountain and the sky view. As we sit together during breakfast, I also feel comfortable assuming that Cody enjoyed the breakfast spread. The Donald Woods Foundation was in a different, unique setting - cows could be heard at all times of day and the valleys echoed.

If Cody were able to go back to just one place from our trip, he would choose anywhere in or around the Garden Route National Park because the scenery was the most beautiful he's ever seen. He felt a connection to the area and could see himself staying, maybe even to live. Cody recalled the moment we drove into the George valley. We traveled from the Karoo and made a big turn before seeing the valley with the forested mountains and ocean in the background. "It was quite the entrance, like a curtain was drawn."

For Cody, an avid plant lover, he really enjoyed having Danielle Brown on the trip as faculty. He appreciated that she was able to answer a lot of questions about her degree. She expressed appreciation for Cody's natural curiosity and passion.

Another faculty connection that was meaningful for Cody was Erica Smithwick, who is currently on Fulbright at Rhodes University in Grahamstown. Erica was our connection to the U.S. Consulate dinner at SciFest Africa and during that event, she introduced Cody to some other folks in the room, like a professor from Rhodes, which may lead to some future collaboration.

In closing Cody said, "Plants are a lot cooler than people give them credit for." Cody had a hard time coming up for the words to explain Parks & People. He expected there to be more miscommunication because of the different types of English (British vs. American). He also thought the nuances of jokes and inflection might get lost, but realized quickly that people understood and jokes were quite similar between South African and American culture. When thinking through the past 10 weeks, Cody realized "South Africa is pretty radical. More people should give it a chance."

Student Spotlight: Laekin O'Hara

As we sat down to complete the interview for Laekin’s student spotlight, she immediately told me about her editorial assignment on tourism and conservation. For a few moments, I thought we might not get to the interview! Laekin was very passionate about her argument - can the tourism and conservation really co-exist? Is a private game reserve, like Amakhala or Lalibela, truly conserving animals?

Laekin decided to come on the Parks & People 2016 trip because she wanted to study abroad. This program aligns well with her major, Geography, and came highly recommended by her academic advisor. Laekin knew this experience would force her to go outside of her comfort zone, but she didn’t want to form expectations, because she wanted to embrace the opportunities that came along with this program.

Laekin’s a Pittsburgh native and because of her city-girl upbringing, she said that Module 1 (Cape Town) was her favorite module of the program. She felt like we only skimmed the surface in the city of Cape Town and feels like there is much left to explore. We’ve arrived in Cape Town and will be here until the program ends on the morning of March 30, but Laekin said that just won’t be enough time.

Although we’ve had many great memories out of the car, we’ve also spent quite a lot of time in the cruiser, and that time was a highlight for Laekin. She noted how much she liked singing and dancing to This is Africa with Ray in the backseat of the cruiser as we drove through the country.

Laekin came to South Africa as a vegetarian and did not plan to eat meat daily. However, meat is a huge part of the South African diet. Laekin tried all of the game meat, including the blue wildebeest, which was not a favorite (for Laekin, or really anyone in the group).

Laekin’s packing advice for future Parks & People participants is to bring more comfortable/ casual clothes and fewer field pants.

Laekin describes Parks & People as a 10-week traveling slumber party. There are a lot of summer-camp like experiences, which is part of what makes the experience so special. When Laekin thought about her time in South Africa, she described the program in three words: adventure, Instagram-worthy, and fun. Through Parks & People 2016, Laekin was reminded that she is capable of doing anything. By putting herself out there, like she did in South Africa, she knows that opportunity will present itself.

Student Spotlight: Luba Hristova

While our paths didn’t fully cross until Parks & People 2016, Luba and I started our Penn State experiences together in Hartranft Hall. Luba lived in the same building, Hartranft Hall, where I was the Residence Life Coordinator last year. Luba was born in Canada and calls State College home. She is studying both Community, Environment, and Development and Geography.

Luba recalled how she knew nothing when she left home for Parks & People. She didn’t know anyone, and she wasn’t sure where we were going, but it was worth it to take the opportunity. Luba feels that an experience like Parks & People is more beneficial than a study abroad to somewhere like Europe because this program really takes you out of your comfort zone. Luba feels that the mentality of not holding back on an experience was important. 

Luba said that time really did fly because she was having fun on Parks & People 2016. One of the things that made this experience so amazing for Luba was the people along the way who were so passionate about their causes. The leaders we met were faced with such big problems, but never talked about being overwhelmed. Instead, they started with what they had to make the world better. For Luba, seeing people like Brenda in Khayelitsha helped teach that there’s no need to be overwhelmed, we can all change the world.

For our play, Luba played the role of the monkey. She says she’s not typically the first to volunteer for such a gig because she isn’t really big on kids and she knew acting would be out of her comfort zone. Not only did Luba go for it, she did great with it! It was fun to see Luba’s energy in the play carry through the group.

Luba acknowledged that one of the hardest parts of the Parks & People experience is that you can get “stuck in one personality” because you’re with the same small group for 10 weeks straight. Luba explained how you have to be internally strong to be true to your own personality and feels that this experience tests your personality. While she enjoys goofing around, Luba also feels her opinion and intelligence matter. She didn’t want her intelligence to get lost in the silliness. No worries, Luba, it didn’t J

If Luba was able to make a change to the program she would expand the program and utilize the full semester. In that time, she would explore the northern part of South Africa and visit places like Durban. In the future, Luba could envision herself coming back to South Africa for a graduate program in Cape Town.

The most beautiful sight in South Africa was the cows on the golf course at The Haven Hotel. Luba explained how this was so unique and so beautiful. Another beautiful memory was being awaken by singing when we went camping in the mountains.

When asked what the world needs to know, Luba said, “This is corny, but…Do what’s best for your goals and change the world one step at a time.” Sure, we can call it corny, but it’s spot on.

Student Spotlight: Callie Curley

Callie has been attending Penn State Berks since the fall of 2014 and she’ll be moving to University Park for the fall of 2016. Callie is a native of Montrose, PA. Recently, I have renamed Callie, “Calista.” She has embraced it, even though we are all aware that Callie is her full first name. 

Callie was the first to celebrate a birthday during Parks & People.

Callie plans to major in Public Relations and minor in International Agriculture. She is also thinking about a Sustainability Leadership minor. Callie’s interest in agriculture ties back to her grandpa’s dairy farm and her involvement in 4H, which she started at age 8. Callie has been involved with 4H through showing a calf, judging, and promotion, including her stint as Dairy Princess.

Callie’s interest in ag has continued on her journey throughout South Africa. She has picked up almost every edition of Farmer’s Weekly throughout our time here. She also makes an occasional cow joke:

“Why does the milking stool have three legs?”                          Because the cow has the udder.

Within the group, Callie has played both the role of the jokester and the cheerleader. She recalls meeting other members of the group in the Cape Town airport and being nervous, yet excited about the experience. When she saw that Monica was wearing purple duck socks, she knew that Parks & People 2016 was going to be a great experience.

Callie made note of a few Parks & People victories. In our first week, we tried to go to Table Mountain once and it was too windy, we tried to a second time and saw the closure sign at the bottom of the entrance, and then we were victorious on our third try. There was a tablecloth of clouds rolling over the mountain, so we didn’t see much from the top, but we made it!

While Callie was not looking forward to the heat, she admits it hasn’t been as hot as she expected. We even survived the Karoo. Callie fondly recalled how she felt we had “overcome the evils of the Karoo” as we drove away. 

In fact, Callie’s favorite road trip (so far) was the drive from the Karoo to George. It was scenic, the rock cuts were beautiful and stately, and there was GREEN, which was so welcome after spending a week in the desert. Then, we arrived in George, which was beautiful and had baboons all over the place.

Callie is appreciative of how welcoming South Africans have been and was surprised by how much political knowledge many South Africans have. We have found ourselves in many situations where South Africans not only know who is running for President, but has specific information on each candidate’s platforms. Overall, this experience has made Callie aware of how much privilege United States citizens have to travel like we do. She said, “We have so much power that we don’t even take advantage of.”

Student Spotlight: Shakira Morales

Shakira (Shak) is a first-year student from Lancaster, PA, but don’t let her name or status as the youngest fool you. Shak doesn’t dance. She is the type of person that captures your attention when she speaks up. Many times Shak is the voice of reason within the group.

Shakira has become the group’s hair braider. Shak really enjoys braiding hair, but usually has to ask people if she can braid for them at home. Within the Parks & People group, others come to Shakira frequently and ask for a new do. When Monica rapped for Ray’s birthday, Shak helped Monica build up her rapper (A$AP) personality through her sweet braids.

Moving from the business and the urban life of Cape Town into the hot deserted Karoo was challenging for Shakira.  She said, “I feel like I really came out of my comfort zone in Parks and People.” Shak was one of the brave souls who participated in the South African red heartabeast poop spitting contest in the Karoo.

Shakira really likes large animals, especially the cow. Her favorite animal in South Africa was the elephants at the Lalibela Game Reserve. She doesn’t so much love eating animals that taste how they smell…like lamb. Our meals have been quite meaty and have included more types of meat than the typical American diet.

While at The Haven, Shakira and Ray took up the opportunity to go canoeing in the lagoon together. Both had canoed before, and while nobody fell in, both were quite ready to be out of the water when they came back to the shore.  For Shak, canoeing was one of her funniest memories even though she thought they were about to go overboard the whole time.

For Shakira, it’s meaningful that in our last week, everybody is still willing to give a helping hand. The group has got along quite well throughout the experience. I can also testify, there have been no major arguments or breakdowns.

Shak feels like one memory that will always stick with her is the vast differences of how Africa is portratyed in the United States and how the people and the culture really are. In particular, Shakira noted how visible the impact of Apartheid is in South African Society.

Shak decided to come on Parks & People 2016 because she is interested in the environment, plants, and animals. Since this trip encompasses all three interests, Shak decided the opportunity would be worth it, and it was.  

Student Spotlight: Raymond Schneider

Meet Ray Schnei, the goofs and gags guy! Ray’s a nice fellow who makes sitting in the back seat of the cruiser and singing “Are You with Me” (Mexican Skies) look fun.

Ray grew up in State College, Pennsylvania, where his father, Dr. Donald Schneider is an astronomy professor. Ray chose to stay there for college despite the cold winters and is a junior studying Geography, which Ray describes as a hobby. For Ray, South Africa has always been a place of interest. As a human geographer, he is drawn into the rich history of the country and feels that “Africa is overlooked.”

Ray was the last student to arrive in South Africa. He spent 10 hours in the Detroit airport on his way here, which he used to research the country. As we went from the airport to the hotel on the first night, I was impressed by Ray’s knowledge of the country. Maybe his knowledge of the country, the boxers (short shorts) and a jersey (sweatshirt) he wears, or the way he responds “Ja!” are the reasons he gets confused for a real South African every now and then.

Ray has been really intrigued by the stereotypes South Africans hold of Americans. Most recently, we have been (wrongly) assumed to be billionaires with answers to all of the world’s problems Previously, it was presumed that we all were carrying guns. When we ate at a seafood restaurant, De Vette Mossel, in Mossel Bay, the restaurant owners played country music for us Americans, thinking that was everybody’s music of choice.

De Vette Mossel was a highlight of Parks & People 2016 for Ray. For one thing, the food was amazing! We had a multicourse meal that left us feeling stuffed. We shared dinner with our friends from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU),George, who had been with us through the Karoo. Ray really connected with that group, and it was in the Karoo where Ray really adopted his South African persona.

Another highlight for Ray was our Science Fest at the Donald Woods Foundation. Ray loved seeing the group come together and put together the experience for the kids. Ray took lead in the coloring room and was quickly challenged by the language barrier, but made the most of the experience anyhow. Did I mention it was Ray’s 21^st birthday? He was in bed by 9:30 PM, per the usual.

While Ray has been mistaken as someone who doesn’t like the outdoors, he does. He didn’t particularly enjoy our camping outing because he would prefer to be back home by dinnertime. He now knows that sleeping under the stars is not his jam, and he would have preferred to be back in one of the cabins at home base. However, cooking dinner was a highlight of the experience. In particular, Ray still finds it funny that Keonna upended the freshly made pasta dinner before anyone had the experience to enjoy the fine cuisine. Don’t worry…Neil & I shared our pasta allotment and everyone got fed!

When asked for a quote about the experience, Ray kept it simple, "This trip was fun."