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 May
18, 2005
Traveling to distant countries to study abroad is
a life-changing experience. Traveling to South Africa
to study abroad to research HIV/AIDS will help facilitate
my general knowledge on the issues that affect everything—the
economy, culture, ethical leadership and the everyday
lives of human beings.
Being chosen to attend this trip is an honor. I hope
that the Oprah South African Leadership Project will
show me a different side of social issues and everyday
life during my stay in Johannesburg and Capetown,
South Africa.
On
the way to my flight in the airport, I had the chance
to meet and dialogue with comedian Dave Chapelle.
Man, is he funny and was very genuine and approachable.
He said he had just returned from South Africa. I
told him I was with the Oprah South African Leadership
Program where we would be dealing with issues of HIV/AIDS
while molding ourselves into ethical leaders.
“You’re
really gonna love it,” he said after I told
him about our trip. He added that it was a real positive
thing we were doing before mentioning he was hungry
and had to go.
With
all the stuff he’s going through, he was real
cool.
Afterward,
as we were waiting to board our flight, I met students
from Butler University who are accompanying us to
South Africa. They are very friendly and down to earth.
However, the 18-hour flight to Johannesburg was the
longest flight that I have ever experienced: It was
not enjoyable, but bearable. After the long flight
was over, we exited the airport and drove to
the Barayi Memorial Conference Center, the hotel where
we are staying while in Johannesburg.
On
the drive to the hotel, the city reminded me of New
York. Some parts were urban and others were suburban.
At the same time, poverty in the urban areas is very
graphic and real.
I
have only spent two hours in this country and it is
amazing.
Brian
Buchanan ’07 is a biology major from Atlanta,
Ga. When he graduates from Morehouse College he plans
to enter dentistry school.
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