BAILEY: As the trip ends, it would be safe to say we are all a little nostalgic. We got back at headquarters after our last long road trip from Serengeti yesterday and hung out last night recalling all of our inside jokes and memories. It was quite nice to wake up this morning and not have anything to do except pack for home or for climbing. I have to say this was an experience of a lifetime. I have learned so much about Africa, Tanzania, business, and culture, and wound up with new friends along the way. I found ways to make the best of every situation, making the most of every opportunity (from watching the sunset in Zanzibar to watching a lion take down a wildebeest). My perceptions of Tanzania have been changed in a positive way, as we have come to appreciate and love their lives and their culture. I am ready to come home, but sad to leave everyone and everything behind. So for one last time, I am signing off. I hope you enjoyed reading our blog.
TESS: We were asked to put our final thoughts in a paragraph. With how amazing this experience has been I don't really know how that is possible. One of my favorite quotes (I know has been said in many different ways) is basically "Life is not a journey to the grave with the expectation of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body; but rather to "skid-in" broadside thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, 'Wow, What a Ride.'" And this trip has been anything but short of living that, both physically and mentally. As generically as it gets, I've had a great time. I've been challenged to redefine the way I see the world and how I fit in it. One of my favorite new perspectives was from Mr. Mengi, don't be upset when someone less fortunate than you doesn't say thank you for a token you've given them, instead it is you that should be saying thank you that you are able to give it. Among many lessons, this trip has taught me to be thankful for what I have. The people here have not just told me but shown me the kindness and caring in others, in strangers, that I could only hope to emulate as both a leader and a friend in my own life. I'm not quite sure how I'm going to go back and live out the rest of my summer in Athens, but I know it will be completely different than ever living in Athens before. At least I can confidently say the first thing I'll think of standing at the summit (*fingers crossed*) and certainly as our plane is taking off - Wow, what a ride.
SCOTT: Wow, I cannot believe that the program portion of my stay here in Tanzania has already come to a close. Today is Sunday, June 3 and we are tying up all of the loose ends before we head to Moshi in preparation for our climb. As I look back on my arrival to Tanzania, I had not only so many expectations about what Tanzania would be like, but also so many uncertainties. Never before had I stepped foot on the continent. All of my previous travels have been in places where "western" influence could be seen. However, in many ways, parts of Tanzania are still operating as they did hundreds of years ago. Having now been to a place where my world collided head on with the way of life here, I cannot even begin to tell you how much I have learned while being over here. I really do not even know where to begin. My learning and what I am taking back with me to the states comes from so many facets of Tanzanian life. I will be taking back pieces of the culture as well as so many things I have learned about the economy, business environment, the Maasai way of life, a little Swahili, and the people. Never would I have gained this much insight about the business environment here in Tanzania had it not been for our numerous guest speakers and business site visits. I must agree wholeheartedly with the words Dr. Dale gave us from the beginning: "Our cultural experiences here are like drinking from a fire hose." Throughout our trip, we have been flooded with new sights, smells, and experiences. I must admit that the novelty of the experiences was difficult for all of my senses to handle. However, I knew that all of the experiential aspects of the program would serve me so much better than instruction in the classroom. As a result, my "self" and all that it encompasses will be forever changed from my experience here in Tanzania.
WILL: Trying to sum up the trip will be an arduous task in itself. There are so many things that we have learned and will continue to learn from this trip. It has definitely been a once-in-a-lifetime experience that has exceeded any and all expectations that any of us had going in. We were fortunate to meet with business leaders, experience cultural aspects in Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar, and see part of the migration in the Serengeti. While all of us miss our comfort foods and our creature comforts that we are used to at home, this trip has given us new perspectives on another culture, global leadership, and friendships. We have spent the majority of the time either in awe of our surroundings or laughing uncontrollably. Needless to say, this has been an incredible experience and one that will stay with me for the rest of my life. By the way, be on the lookout in a week or so for a short description of how the climb goes. Please send some good thoughts our way.
ALEX: This trip has been one of the greatest experiences of my entire life. I feel like I have learned so much and grown as a business student and as a person. The chance to meet so many interesting, wise, and successful individuals as part of our studies has been amazing. Thanks to our fantastic support network here, we have gained incredible access to business leaders and politicians eager to teach us. Our whirlwind trip across the country allowed us to see some many different facets of life. We enjoyed spice farm tours in Zanzibar, reflected at the U.N. Tribunal on Rwanda, and were awed at natural wonders of the Serengeti. The key for me was never taking anything for granted and taking something from every experience we had. My life will forever be changed by the last month in so many ways. Now, it’s my duty to share my memories and knowledge with others at home. Americans and Tanzanians have much to learn from one another. I want to help build the bridge to get there. The next week will hold much on the mountain, and we will return soon thereafter. Wish us luck as we attempt to reach the roof of Africa.TYLER: The journey through Tanzania over the last three weeks was more than I had ever expected. I am coming home a stronger and better leader as well as a person individually. The leaders I will be following throughout my career will reflect those I have encountered on this journey. We could not have asked for a more connecting group of people to experience this trip with either. I feel that when I get home that the direction I will be taking will be one that will make a difference for others and mean something to me. All of the places we have gone and the people we have met have really opened my mind up. I cannot wait to come home to compare my journey through Tanzania with My Dad’s journeys through this country. Hopefully one day he and I will be able to come back to this unbelievable country together. I have learned a great deal about myself as well as growing as a person. This journey I will take with me for the rest of my life. Tanzania is a place everyone should take the opportunity to experience and I recommend that if you ever have the chance to take up that opportunity it’s a well worth trip.
STUART: As the sun sets on our final day as a group in Tanzania, my mind is enriched with lessons I have learned through my experiences in this beautiful and unique country. Some of us leave to go home today while most of us stay to conquer the snowy peak that looms mysteriously in the horizon. It is safe to say that this has been the most amazing experience I have had yet in my short lifespan, and hopefully not my last. The people we have encountered have been an incredible source of knowledge and exhibited an energy that is hard to describe. Dr. Dale challenged us with the question, “Why would anyone want to be lead by you” and asked us what it was about the speakers that we liked that made us want to rally around them. I gathered from our speakers that good leadership is about finding something that you love and care so much about that it pulses through your veins. It is something that you care so much about that your motives and values are transparent to those around you. And it is this genuine authenticity that people fall in love with and want to be a part of as they wish to join your cause to achieve a greater vision because it is leaders who empower that realize their own hopes and dreams. I will never forget this time in Tanzania. I leave with many new friends and an open mind that is full of questions. I hope to one day return with my entire family so they can relate to my experiences in this wonderful country.
DALE: As we officially bring the ILA Study Abroad to a close, let me share a few closing thoughts on this program. I hope you have enjoyed following the students’ adventures as we have explored the intersections of business, culture and leadership in Tanzania. The trip has been exhausting and exhilarating for all of us. We had a lot of fun and the students were terrific ambassadors for the Terry College and the University of Georgia.Programs such as this one do not just happen. They are the result of tireless effort by many people. Let me offer a few words of acknowledgement to the people who made the 2007 Tanzania experience such a meaningful one.
To JNash, who has fastidiously worked to ensure that this blog was updated regularly. In addition, Jennifer was responsible for arranging many of the experiences during our visit. Her efforts paid off, as almost everything about this program went off flawlessly.
To Dr. Lioba Moshi and Dr. Jack Houston. As Director of the African Studies Program and University Professor at UGA, Dr. Moshi’s Maymester program in Tanzania provided the partnership for Terry’s involvement in Africa. She was an unbelievable host and “Mama Moshi” to all. Dr. Houston, Professor of Agricultural & Applied Economics at UGA, taught the parallel business class and provided valuable insight from his 12 years in Malawi. They both added richly to our learning.
To Dr. Rob Hoyt and Elena Karahanna. As Interim Dean of the Terry College and Director of International Business Programs, respectively, Rob and Elena supported this program and helped facilitate the creation of this program, Terry’s first in Africa.
To the donors who contributed scholarship support for the students. Your support of this and our other ILA programs enables us to provide these rich experiences that stretch our students as humans and as leaders.
To Bailey, Scott, Tess, Alex, Stuart, Will and Tyler. Over the past three weeks we have challenged you to be open and aware of how you might develop as a leader based upon the Tanzanian business experience. You have risen to the challenge. You’ve played hard and worked hard and will forever remember these weeks together in Tanzania.
Ubuntu.
EDITOR: It has been a privilege to edit the blog and be a part of this life-changing adventure. My favorite quote came from Ambassador Mongella after she had described to us many of the hardships the people of Tanzania have to deal with such as no running water and living on one dollar a day. She said (roughly): "How then do we survive? How do we make it? Because we can laugh, we can sing, and we can dance." That to me sums up the wonderful spirit and people of Tanzania and reflects a lesson we can all learn from.Stay tuned for one last blog as some of the students have volunteered to update us their last adventure. Check back in a bit...
