Hopkins 0, UWC 1

So, basically, I'm never coming home. In fact, can I just finish my nursing degree here? The University of the Western Cape Campus far surpasses Hopkins. Thus, Hopkins 0, UWC 1. I say this because yesterday, Friday we got a proper tour of campus in which my mind was blown. Okay, before I go into describing this miraculous campus I will give y'all some background history on UWC and its nursing programs etc. 

So, back during apartheid there were only two Universities in Cape Town that had nursing programs, the University of Cape Town (UCT) and Stellenbosch University. However, these Universities were historically and primarily for white South Africans and after apartheid ended the government said to both institutions either you take non-white students or we take away your programs, so instead of integrating the schools, they said no, so the government took away their nursing programs and gave the program to UWC which was founded as a school for "coloureds" or people of mixed race. Now, as evidenced by my tour yesterday, this campus is far more diverse than Hopkins or than many other Universities in the States. So, that is obviously a plus. However, this change to nursing programs has made it so that there's a huge influx of nursing students to UWC but not enough faculty. 

Anyways, more history to come I'm sure as I learn more. Yesterday, Ryan, one of the men who picked us up from the airport, who is extremely nice, gave us the tour and helped us get our student access cards did the paper work for our online access (we are currently borrowing from our friend Katie). What struck me most about the campus is how big it is, and how amazing the buildings are. They are old but well done. The dining hall itself is massive and has benches and tables (pictures to come soon!) and good food, and so much natural light. However, the most amazing building on campus, which may blow your mind, is the library. Its a circular building, with a corkscrew design that a description will not do it justice, with no stairs. It a big long ramp, with many computer labs and each level has a different subject. I foresee myself spending a lot of time on the 11th floor as it is community and health sciences.  Going to the library now could actually be an enjoyable learning experience. And the new public health building looks incredible. Ahh... how will I ever leave? And its only day 3... So basically, Hopkins has some stiff competition. It will be hard for me to get on that airplane in a few months.