A PERSONAL JOURNEY

by Masase Tempia

Icome from infamous South Africa, a country known for its stunning wildlife and safari experiences, and alarming crime rates. I have lived in South Africa for practically my whole life, 14 years to be exact. In December I moved to Turin and it has been a huge transition for me: the new culture, way of life and even the school.

My first cultural shock was regarding the free Italian lifestyle. It’s vastly different from that of South Africa. There are always tons of people walking the streets with ease. In South Africa, it’s unadvised to walk the streets alone because the crime rate is astonishingly high. Being able to freely walk on the street felt like a luxury for me and has certainly been one if the aspects I’ve enjoyed most in Turin.

When we arrived in December, it was “bitterly” cold, like 3 degrees. In South Africa we consider 12 degrees cold. So our first impression of the Piedmont winter was that we were living popsicles. We didn’t know how to dress for the weather as our winter clothes from South Africa did not keep us warm. What did we do? We wore layers over layers over layers of clothes! Fortunately, we were able to buy suitable winter clothes soon after our arrival. Still, I would have preferred to lay in bed all day.

Another first for me was living in an apartment, because back in South Africa I lived in a house with a large garden. I love our apartment here in Turin. The space isn’t large but it’s comfortable and has certainly been a positive change for me. Soon after we got settled, we went off to shop to get the WINS school uniform and school supplies. Then came the dreaded day: my first day at a new school.

Was I crippling nervous? Yes. Was I ready to run away the minute someone talked to me? Yes. Was I worried about the fact I had already missed 3 months of school. Absolutely. However, most importantly, was I worried I was going to make a bad impression on my classmates? Yes. Were my worst fears realized though? No. I actually found myself getting along very well with my classmates and they were all very welcoming. For that, I’m forever thankful (love you Grade 9!!). I also found myself a group of friends and bonded with them during class activities. I was even invited to a gathering after school hours within my first few weeks at WINS. All the professors were understanding of my situation and helped me comfortably settle into the school routine. I’m even a part of the school magazine, as you can see!

In all, my experiences here have soothed what could have been a tumultuous move. I miss South Africa with all of my heart, but I also think I have found myself a home in Turin, and at WINS.