After just two weeks in South Africa, I experienced so much. So much in fact that I don’t know where to begin in my summary of the program. I guess the best way to start is with a reminder of what my program was about. Empathic Global Leadership for Social Change: South Africa was a course to bring awareness to student engineers, such as myself, the impacts of the decisions they make.
This led us to meet with many people and businesses in the cities of Johannesburg and Cape Town, as well as in a small rural town located on a game reserve we visited up north. Before talking about any single point of view, it is important to emphasize one overarching theme of the trip. Decisions are hard because their consequences can be more complex than we could possibly understand.
A perfect example can be seen in the cities of South Africa, especially Cape Town. Decades ago, the apartheid government planned infrastructure to divide racial groups. Thirty years after apartheid ended, the city still has this informal segregation, and it is striking. Decisions from politicians and engineers in the previous century are still affecting the lives and economic well beings of people today.
Seeing these lasting effects, as well as how South Africans struggle under their current government left a significant impact on me. For one, I have a new perspective on what I have. The people we met who live in metal shacks were grateful for what they have. While they were still working to make their situation better, their bigger focus was their community. No matter where you went in the country, the people fostered an immense sense of community. Now, I have a greater appreciation for my material possessions, but also a greater desire to focus on relationships with the people I care about.
As an engineer, I have a much greater understanding of what my career entails. My job is to create things to make the world better. Ultimately, those who will use my products are just everyday people. Therefore, I can’t afford to ever get caught up by the business side of engineering. Of course, it’s usually not that simple, but I need to try my best to make decisions that will better the lives of others even when it’s hard.
