The Durban University of Technology’s techno-savvy 2016 Microsoft Student Partner (MSP), Gomolemo Mohapi, is in the USA from 14 July 2017, after being selected by the United States embassy to study until May 2018.

MSP is a programme by Microsoft spanning from more than 100 countries across different regions, selected MSP’s become technology leaders in their communities and campuses and are entrusted with the responsibility of sharing the exclusive knowledge gained from the programme with their peers.

He is currently enjoying his experience at the Northern Virginia Community College, adding that his classes are amazing and student life is vibrant and energetic. However, his classes end on 15 December 2017 and he has decided to do a bit of touring and sight-seeing.

The charismatic Mohapi is looking forward to having a two-week holiday period this month, (December 2017), from his classes and will be touring the West Coast which includes San Diego, Las Vegas and Los Angeles for Christmas.
“I feel a bit awkward because this will be the first Christmas without his family. I miss them dearly but I know I’m away from them for a reason and they understand that as well, so I am trying to be strong in the hope that I will return to them next year and make them proud. I may call them five times a day just to keep them abreast that I am ok as well,” he said.

Mohapi added that he is missing traditional home meals and hopes the US turkey will taste just as good as his moms. He also hopes to perhaps bump into a few celebrities while he is touring and who knows if he does meet some, take a few selfies as well.

To bring in the 2018, New Year, Mohapi will be in Chicago, enjoying the sights and sounds it has to offer. “I want to unplug and enjoy myself in that little time I have for myself,” he added.
Being away from his family and friends has been tough for him but he knows what he is there for and that is to accomplish the goals he has set out for himself.

When asked about the cost of living in the US in comparison to South Africa, Mohapi said the standard of living is definitely higher in America than in South Africa. “I am fortunate enough to get a stipend to buy food, clothes and pay for transport. It is very easy to spend everything on high technology gadgets and expensive clothes and food, however, if you budget correctly, you can survive,” he said.
Mohapi added that his next semester at university begins on Wednesday, 10 January 2018. “When I come back from my holiday break, I hope to start my internship and start the new semesters. I want to do my best and go home and make my parents proud,” he said.

Pictured: Gomolemo Mohapi enjoys taking in sights like the White House in the US.

Waheeda Peters