dear tawonga

Tawonga in 2014.

Dear Tawonga,

You are, without a doubt, one of the most important people who’s ever passed through my life. You wouldn’t be where you are today — pursuing a bachelor’s at Earth University — if I hadn’t pushed you to apply to the African Leadership Academy. And I wouldn’t be on this quest to help more African students attain the education they deserve if it weren’t for the success I had with you and Freza. We each changed each other’s lives so profoundly that I have no idea how to have a relationship with you.

We’re not friends. I was never technically your teacher, or even a mentor, really. (My role was so minimal: I just nominated you, typed up your application, and helped you get your visa.) I was your Peace Corps Volunteer. What a strange relationship.

When I try to talk to you, I feel awkward and wooden, hopelessly out of touch, like an absentee father making his monthly phone call to his ever-more-distant children. At the same time, I genuinely care about your life. I’m rooting for you. No matter what, no matter where you are, please know that I will always be sitting there in the stands with a big foam finger that says “TAWONGA #1” yelling, “You can do it! I believe in you!”

…As if you even need my encouragement. You’re one of those people who’s destined for greatness. And even though helping you and Freza is the thing I’m the most proud of in my life, I have to be careful, because you are your own person, not my accomplishment.