Chene Karega is a recent graduate of the University of Michigan where she studied Social Theory and Practice with a minor in Community Action and Social Change. Last summer, she worked on a congressional campaign for the firstAfrican-American female mayor of Southfield, which sparked her interest in managing political campaigns for women of color. Next, Chene will be going to DC to continue her work in politics. In her dispatch, Chene talks about the beauty and raw power of the Indian Ocean, and how she felt to experience it with POA. You can watch Chene read a portion of her dispatch by clicking here.
As the airplane landed in Durban, I looked out the window and took in the view. Durban’s breathtaking landscape consists of winding roads, rolling hills, and a shimmering ocean. Immediately, my eyes went to the beach. Watching the waves of the Indian Ocean smash against the sand was captivating. I could not wait to visit the Indian Ocean for the first time.
During our first trip to the beach, many of us were hesitant to get into the water because we did not know what to expect. However, diving into the water was actually reinvigorating. The water was healing and fairly abusive at the same time. I was embraced by the ocean’s warmth and power as it soothed my mental health after our busy week. At the same time, the waves manhandled me, the sea salt burned my eyes and my throat, and a crab nearly pinched me. It was truly a memorable experience.
Watching my fellow POAers swim, dance, and play in the ocean was hilarious. After we were thrown to the bottom of the ocean countless times, we had sand in every nook and cranny of our bathing suits. I know that when I arrive home I will definitely be bringing some of Durban with me.
It is fitting that after spending my life near the Atlantic Ocean and truly getting to know myself and my values near the Indian Ocean, we will be ending our journey in Cape Town where the two oceans converge. I cannot wait to see the meeting of these two oceans, as I am sure it will be both turbulent and beautiful.
