Return of the conquering hero
Tyson comes back for a visit! We are competely delighted.
When I finally left them to it at around mid-night, he thanked me again for everything. While his thanks is very graciously acknowledged we have to thank him every bit as much. Watching how he interacted with the team during his time here, most notably Emily, Tom, Jude and Rebecca who were the most involved in his development, it often occurred to me that we all were benefiting hugely from this experience.
That is not to say it was always easy! We had more than a fair share of bad moments – but, in retrospect, those taught us almost more than the good ones. The huge affection with which everyone greeted Tyson on his return and the fun we had together on Saturday night is I think a testament to the fact that we all feel, deeply, the great worth of this scholarship.
Visa issues continue to plague us for our next candidate but now, more than ever, we will not be dissuaded from our purpose.
On Saturday evening, Tyson came back. Our inaugural scholarship winner is on a week-long marketing trip for Spier wines, his South African employer. He arrived on Friday and was immediately whisked off to visit retailers in London Ireland
The two of us had a long chat and it was a powerful tonic for me. Tyson left us in July and a mere three months later he has grown demonstrably more in confidence, authority and vision. The effects of going back to South Africa
He spoke of encouraging his partner and the mother of his twin girls to pursue a human resources degree while keeping her job as a cleaner for a big company. Having seen his own life develop, he is full of plans for her too. For his part he wants to add to his knowledge by doing a sales and marketing course - proof of how wide his horizons are stretching.
He also said something which struck home powerfully with me and which I will carry with me and take out and examine regularly over the next few months, which are going to be tough.
His father, who lives in a stunningly remote part of the Eastern Cape
A few days later the young man returned and the stabbing happened. Thankfully it was not fatal, but the assault was of course incredibly upsetting for everyone.
Tyson’s first reaction on hearing the news was to prepare to make the arduous journey home (almost 2 days by bus) in order to administer a suitable punishment and avenge his father. But as he thought more about it he realised that giving vent to his anger would transform a relatively mild tragedy into something altogether blacker and more hopeless. A chain of events would be set in motion that might well put an end to the promising start of his new life.
No, he is not like that anymore. The young man who sat with me at dinner spoke with eloquence and insight about the wines we were drinking. He had presence and a quiet, steady confidence. And ahead lay a viable and bright future, both for himself and his family.
I could not be prouder of him.
A few days later the young man returned and the stabbing happened. Thankfully it was not fatal, but the assault was of course incredibly upsetting for everyone.
