Maria Toorpakai’s Visit to Charleston by Lizzie Russler Ashley Hall Class of 2016

               All week the talk has been about Maria Toorpakai Wazir, a Pakistani squash player. She

was coming to Charleston, sponsored by Chucktown Squash, to share her incredible story of

growing up in Pakistan, learning to play squash, and escaping the Taliban to live in Canada and

pursue the sport, her passion. She described herself as a tomboy, and in order to play squash, she

had to disguise herself as a boy, shaved head, boy’s clothes, and one earring. Her childhood was

spent in South Waziristan, home of the Taliban, which has often been dubbed, “the most

dangerous place in the world.” Women were not allowed to attend schools, health care facilities

and were married off at an early age. She owes a lot to her parents, she said, who were very

supportive, being advocates of women’s rights, education, and equality (very rare for the society

she was raised in). When her true gender was revealed, she and her family began to receive

threats from the Taliban. Safety precautions included changing the license plate on their car

continuously, carrying a concealed weapon for her protection, being escorted by government

security, and moving to various towns. At the worst point, she was forced to go into hiding and

became depressed. Then, despite her fear, she picked up a racket and began training in her

bedroom; her brother and she sneaked out at night to play at an abandoned court in the area as

well. One day, Jonathan Power, a Canadian squash legend, invited Maria to come to Toronto

where he could coach her. Their goal is to make Maria a world champion, against all odds, and

prove that women and girls can succeed at anything they put their mind to. On November 12th,

she ate lunch with a group of Upper School students, including myself, at Ashley Hall. I was so

honored to have gotten to sit next to and talk to such an inspiring figure. She was very humble

and shared her story as if we were family. Brave, tough, and stubborn are the three adjectives I

would use to characterize Maria. She hopes that through her success she can encourage girls to

chase their dreams in spite of suppression, and believes that through the empowerment of

women, society will be bettered. After her moving speech, I realized how fortunate I am to go to

Ashley Hall, an environment that pushes and wants girls to excel. I have no doubt that Maria

Toorpakai Wazir’s tenacity will promote change in women’s rights globally so that everyone

will have equal opportunity to succeed.

Rotary Scholar Julia Öhrn Interviewed About Her Year at Ashley Hall by Alyssa Yang

Rotary Scholar Julia Öhrn at Ashley Hall Prom

Interview with Julia Öhrn

by Alyssa Yang

In the Fall of 2013, Julia Öhrn, a Swedish exchange student, came to Ashley Hall for a year of study through the Rotary Scholar Program. Despite being five thousand miles away from home, she firmly believes America is her second home and enjoys the opportunity for study abroad at Ashley Hall. Recently, Alyssa Yang, student reporter, sat down with Julia to learn about her experience abroad.

Hi, Julia! How do you describe yourself?

I was born about 20 miles away from Stockholm (capital) in a suburb city called Täby. There are four people in my family, including me. My parents always support me and encourage me in my life. I have an older brother, who is now on his trip to Thailand. I have a Bichon Havanese puppy.

Julia Öhrn and friends dressed for prom

My friends would describe me as a positive, happy and brave girl. I am almost always happy and a truthful friend as well.  I might seem reserved and quiet, but if you get to know me, I am an out-going and optimistic person. I love to laugh as well. In my spare time, I like to workout to keep healthy. I also have some hobbies, such as dancing, Zumba. This year, I joined the Ashley Hall cross country team and track team, and through working with different team members, I have learned a lot from teamwork spirit. I love adventure travel because I can get inspired by different cultures and discover new worlds. As Mark Twain once wrote, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Actually, this is not the first time that I have been to America. I traveled to America when I was in elementary school.  Since then, I have hoped to come back and visit America again. Now I am living my dream! I am very glad that I have the chance to study here.

What are some current events facing your country today?

Julia Öhrn with family and friends celebrating Midsommar in Sweden

One of the most important holidays that we celebrate every year is Midsommar (Midsummer’s Day), which takes place on Friday between June 19 and June 26. During Midsummer, whole families gather to celebrate this tradition in a summer house in countryside. 

Another big event is the Swedish Parliament election. The next European parliamentary election in Sweden will be held on May 25th in 2014. The election is within a multi-party system. 

If you had one word to describe Ashley Hall, what would it be? Why?

Powerful. I think Ashley Hall strongly promotes growth in courage, independence, and leadership of young women and also makes a good balance between students’ lives in and out of school.

Swedish Crayfish

If you could tell one thing about your culture, what would it be?

Lagom. It is a Swedish word meaning “not too much and not too little” and “just the perfect amount of everything in life.” It is also a word to describe Swedish people’s lifestyles. Overall, people are very friendly in Sweden and it is a peaceful country.

Swedish Strawberry Cake

What are the most difficult challenges or obstacles that you have ever faced in America? How did you overcome these challenges or obstacles?

Well, I would say probably that being alone and away from family and friends is the most difficult thing. At first, it was hard for me to speak English all day. As the time went by, I have improved on my spoken English a lot. I also had problems learning U.S. history and English, but I tried to catch up on my grades in those classes. My host families have always encouraged me and helped me with my English.

How would you describe your homestay experience?

Julia Öhrn skiing in Utah

I have stayed with three different families, and this has made me learn the different family customs These experiences have fostered my adaptability and helped me become more mature. My host families always

 take me to visit other places in America, such as, New York and Utah. They also have always been careful to give me my privacy, and I can always find quiet when I am needed. At last, I wish them all of the best, and cannot thank them enough for making me feel so at home.

What have you learned about yourself in the past year at Ashley Hall?

I have learned how to be an independent and strong young woman. I have learned to give everyone second chance, because first impression can be misleading sometimes. More important, everyone has her/his own advantages. I used to take the thing for granted, but now I realize that I should appreciate every little things in life and people who around me.

What are some most memorable events since you have been here?

It has been a year full of memories! The Thanksgiving holiday was special for me because it was a celebration that we don’t have in Sweden. It was a celebration full of love and appreciation.

Do you have any advice for the other new exchange students who might come next year?

Try to enrich your life as much as you can in this year! I would encourage the other exchange students to really be a part of Ashley Hall, and that’s the thing I would have changed if I could. Don’t be embarrassed to make mistakes and to make more friends here. You should always ASK if you have questions about anything and always be grateful to your host families. If you fall behind in a class, you can always ask teachers for extra help, and they would love to help you with that!

Would you come back to America?

Absolutely!!! I love Charleston, and I think it is a beautiful city. I also would like to travel the whole country.

Julia Öhrn in front of the Ashley Hall Shell House

South Africa: Tribute to Nelson Mandela by Elsa Dixon

Nelson Mandela

South Africa: Tribute to Nelson Mandela 

by Elsa Dixon

Having just become a United States citizen, it is natural that I should contemplate the country that, in a sense, I left behind. But, anyone who has been to Africa will know that Africa stays in your blood. Therefore, as a dual citizen, I would like to share some of my reflections.

South Africa has become synonymous with the icon, Nelson Mandela, and I thought that I would pay tribute to this great man while at the same time, at the risk of sounding facetious, explore where my path intersected his.

Transkei Area Map

Nelson Mandela as a young man.

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born in a little village, Mveso, in the Transkei, not far from East London. The Transkei was a former Bantustan, i.e. an area set aside for persons of a certain ethnicity, in this case, the Xhosas.  His father was of Thimbu royalty and chief of the city of Mvezo. For a number of years, Transkei was declared one of four independent territories in South Africa, but in 1994, when Nelson Mandela became president, it was reintegrated into the Eastern Province.

The Transkei, on the beautiful East Coast, was an ideal holiday destination for affluent people. The Xhosa people, their unique mud homes, their dress, singing and dancing added to the charm of the country. Our family lived on this coast for a number of years, and in fact, my youngest daughter was born there in the 1970’s. I taught at a local high school and a technical college and played cello in the East London Symphony Orchestra for two years.

Xhosa-weavers

Transeki landscape.

Young men during Amakweta

At age 16, Nelson Mandela underwent the traditional initiation rites to be recognized as a man. During this time, the initiates are called ‘amakweta’ and they are painted white with clay, wrapped in blankets and isolated in huts that are subsequently burnt.

I remember having tea on my porch on the banks of the Sabie River in the Hoxani Nature Reserve when a group of Amakweta came down to the river in single file. It was amazing to catch a glimpse of this age-old and private event. 

University of Fort Hare

Nelson Mandela attended the University of Fort Hare, historically the oldest black university in South Africa. Alumni include African leaders from as far as Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria, as well as many local politicians, poets, novelists and journalists.

Elsa Dixon, M.Ed from Fort Hare

 In the early 1990’s, during the transitional time leading up to the release of Nelson Mandela, I was a lecturer at Lovedale College next door to the University of Fort Hare, both in the homeland of Ciskei. I later enrolled at the University of Fort Hare, where I obtained my Master’s degree. 

Toyi-toyi Dance Protests

However, it was a politically unstable time with looting and burning, and the educational institutions closed more than once because of unrest. A favorite form of protest was a dance called the Toyi-toyi, combining the stomping of feet and spontaneous chanting of political slogans or songs, either improvised or previously created.

Our college had to be evacuated when Ciskei's president, Lennox Sebe, was overthrown in a coup spearheaded by the homeland's new military leader, Brigadier Oupa Gqozo. He wanted to reincorporate the territory into South Africa while the President wanted to retain power.

Robben Island

After obtaining his law degree at the University of Witwatersrand and practicing as a lawyer in Johannesburg, Nelson Mandela became frustrated in his peaceful fight against apartheid. He resorted to more violent action that led to his arrest in 1963 and subsequent jailing on Robben Island near Cape Town. He remained in prison there for 18 years before he was transferred to the mainland for the remaining 9 years.

Elsa Dixon in Nelson Mandela's cell on Robben Island

 I grew up and went to school and University in Cape Town with beautiful Table Mountain as backdrop. My first memory of Robben Island is, when as a young child, our family went over in a small boat from Cape Town. We were accompanying my dad who, as a comedian and magician, was invited to entertain the officials and prisoners on Robben Island. In recent years, I have often taken American friends to experience the emotional impact of the island. Today, ex-wardens and prisoners work together as tour guides.

Elsa's Scrapbook: First Democratic Election in South Africa

Praise singer

In May 1994 Nelson Mandela became the first president of a democratic South Africa. At his inauguration, according to Xhosa custom, a praise-singer was employed to relate the history and achievements of his clan and to sing his praises.  

I was living in the private Sabi Sand game reserve during election time. In order to vote, my husband, mother and I had to go on a game drive through the bush to a distant luxury game lodge serving as a voting station. It was in the Ciskei that I learned about Xhosa traditions, songs and dancing and saw a praise-singer in action at a party to celebrate a colleague’s master’s degree.

Voting at Sabie Sands Game Lodge

Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Prize Statue

Nelson Mandela’s greatest legacy is that he managed to keep violence from exploding in South Africa. He managed to win the hearts of people across the board. Together with F.W.de Klerk, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Vilakazi Street

When driving down Vilakazi Street in Soweto, it is very impressive to point out the houses of two Nobel Peace Prize winners in one street: Bishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. The street is a beehive of activity, from African marimbas to restaurants and museums.

Mandela image Cape Town

Nelson Mandela died on December 5^th, 2013.  Through different strategies, he managed to create a ‘rainbow nation’, convincing the white population as a whole that they belonged fully in the new South Africa. He supported the ‘all-white’ game of rugby and publicly promoted the World cup in South Africa, as depicted in the movie Invictus. He ensured that sections of the Afrikaans and English versions of the old National Anthem were incorporated in the new National Anthem. His legacy of charm, respect, integrity, pragmatism and common sense lives on.

Flag of South Africa