Noela

When applying for Tanzania, I wrote an essay in which explained why the quote "I am not a product of my circumstances, I am a product of my decisions" illustrated me as an individual. To me, this quote means one is not defined by their personal obstacles, but by their actions taken to overcome such challenge. Some people may choose to dwell in self pity in uncomfortable and unfair situations, while others choose to wake up every day full of hope and selflessness. The students in class four at LOAMO have chosen to act with optimism and courage during their journey through life, uncertain of their next meal.

Since the first day at the school, I have noticed one young girl's constant smile and kindness, her patience and compassion, and her all encompassing laugh. The student's name is Noela. Noela is a tall, yet skinny twelve year old girl who is very bright and quietly participates in all subjects through the day. She is shy, yet loving.

Thursday, I received the priveledge of traveling to Noela's home after a long day at school. Noela was estatic to welcome me into her home, even though it was nothing more than two small rooms with a metal roof. When visiting Noela's home, we met her father, Ernest- a man who loves Noela very much. We never saw her mother and she wasn't mentioned. I was confused and asked Noela where her mother was. The answer I recieved startled me. When Noela was just three months old, her mother died. Soon after, both Noela and her father were diagnosed as HIV positive.

While Noela was sharing about her current health situation, she held back tears growing very sad. Noela is often sick and must take medication which is extremely expensive. Because her father is HIV positive, employers deny him work and he struggles immensely to make ends meet. Noela would like to become a doctor but is held back by her health, she wants to journey to school every day, but fails to due to her sickness. Despite the terrible circumstances in which Noela finds herself, she continues to study hard and laugh with hope and grace. Noela is not a product of her circumstances, but a product of her decisions.

I have gained much knowledge from Noela. I have learned to act with optimism whatver the challenge may be. Noela has reminded be of how lucky I am to be alive and healthy and has taught me how to act with patience and selflessness. I will carry these things with me upon returning home in less than two weeks and will always have Noela's beautiful laugh in the back of my mind.

Noela and many other students suffer by either being HIV positive or living in incredibly poor conditions. I am only in Africa for three weeks, but I am commited to empowering the students to maintain hope for the future and to continue to work hard in their academic carreer.

I am so grateful for this opportunity and know that I am commited to giving my 100%, 100% of the time.