Last summer and with support from a Hatfield Grant, I spent six weeks in Gaborone, Botswana, serving as a teaching assistant at Maru-a-Pula School while immersing myself in the country’s culture. It was an eye-opening experience to see education and community life in a place so different from what I was used to in the U.S. and in Hong Kong.

Founded in 1972, Maru-a-Pula, often called MaP, is an independent secondary school internationally recognized for its academic rigor and social impact. Notably, the school was led for 12 years by Andrew Taylor ‘76, who now teaches history at Taft and is my teacher and advisor. Each summer, the school also welcomes interns from Harvard University, who join faculty and students in teaching, mentoring, and community engagement.

At MaP, I worked with violinists and other musicians and spent a lot of time rehearsing with the orchestra and marimba ensembles. I also supported academic classes, helped faculty with student activities, and mentored younger students. By assisting in the classrooms and helping out around campus, I saw firsthand how much emphasis was placed on independence and leadership for students. I also had the opportunity to engage with the local community, working closely with other student interns from Harvard University and from across Botswana.

While there, I also took part in Tutti and Soli, MaP’s annual student music festival. The event brings together ensembles, soloists, and community performers. I helped organize the event behind the scenes, taught and rehearsed with student musicians, and joined the performers on stage. Experiencing the festival as a mentor, collaborator, and audience member gave me a deeper appreciation of how music fosters community. It was amazing to see the energy and pride each student brought to the stage. Being part of it as both a teacher and a musician made the night even more meaningful.

Beyond the classroom, I explored the city of Gaborone and traveled to Kasane, where I went on a game drive through Chobe National Park, spotting elephants and giraffes, and experienced a sunset cruise along the Chobe River. I joined a whitewater rafting trip on the Zambezi and visited Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world. I met so many incredible people, each with their own stories and lessons. This trip would not have been possible without the generosity of the Hatfield Grant, as well as Mr. Taylor’s recommendation and guidance for me to pursue this opportunity. It was humbling and inspiring, and it pushed me to think more deeply about my own goals and the impact I want to make in the world.

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William W. Hatfield ’32 Grants are supported by an endowed fund established in 2010 and made possible through the generosity of Guy Hatfield ’65, Ross Hatfield, and the ongoing support of William W. Hatfield’s family. The grant celebrates the ideals of Horace Dutton Taft—service above self—and is given annually to one or more students whose commitment to volunteerism brings to life the message behind Taft's motto: Non ut sibi ministretur sed ut ministret—Not to be served but to serve.