I have learned that perspective changes even more drastically after deep and thoughtful reflection. As I reflect on the past seven weeks in Cabo Verde, I have seen how parts of my personality and perspective have shifted. I spent 40 hours a week working with children and adolescents, planning creative activities to empower them. I am aware of the impact I have had on them in such a short time but I can’t help but think of the impact they have had on me on a very personal level. I signed up to work closely with children, and as an aspiring pediatrician, this is something I plan on dedicating my life to. However, the past seven weeks have taught me that working with children is more than playing soccer with them, teaching them South African music or solving jigsaw puzzles. It is also forming connections with them that build trust and confidence. I can never forget my first day at the ICCA Emergency Center, I met a young girl who could barely look me in the eye. She was obviously shy and the language barrier contributed to my inability to communicate effectively with her. I made an effort to know her and over time, she warmed up to me. Each time she hugged me, kissed me on the cheek, smiled when I enter the classroom or held my hand, I felt our relationship strengthen. She calls me “Tía Cheeny” and shares the tiniest details about her day at school or how much she enjoyed learning African songs. Over time, I felt closer to her and knew that she trusted me more and more. It took some time, but it happened. With children, especially those who have experienced neglect and abuse, trust is a valuable thing that can be hard to gain and very easy to lose. I began to fully acknowledge the power of nonverbal communication: a smile, a hug, a kiss on the cheek and how these gestures contribute significantly in building relationships. My time in Cabo Verde has allowed me to work on my patience, to pay attention to the tiny details and to be sensitive to needs of others, even when it means providing a listening ear or a hug after a long day.
