How my Malagasy classmates broadened my universe

Going back to uni after a five-year break, Urvee is surprised to see that most students in her class are from Madagascar. With them, she’s in for a journey of discovery. Far from stereotypes and preconceptions, she’ll learn to open up to another experience of alterity. 

Five years ago, I left university. It was a difficult decision, but I felt it was the right one. Life moved on. I worked, learned, and grew. Still, something felt missing. So, I returned, hoping to start again.

On my first day, I met two Mauritian students. One left soon after, and the other stayed. She was quiet and kind. Later, I discovered another girl in our class who worked and studied at the same time. She came when she could. I admired her strength.

The classroom felt empty. I wondered if this was the whole class. Then I was told that most students had not yet arrived in Mauritius. That changed everything.

The next day, I met my classmates from Madagascar. They were shy, just like me. We were different in many ways, but also very similar. We were all trying to find our place.

As someone who mostly speaks Kreol and English, that day I spoke French from morning until evening. And from that day until now, I have been speaking French every single day. I came to study, but life gave me a surprise language course. I struggled at first, but my classmates were patient. They helped me, and we laughed together when I mixed things up.

Later, I found out that some of them lived near my home. They walked from the bus stop, even though it felt far to me. When I asked, they said it was not too far. I laughed quietly. Their view of distance was very different from mine.

A few days later, I invited some of my Malagasy classmates to a small restaurant on the way home. It was a place they walked past every day after getting off the bus. When we sat down and looked at the menu, I noticed they were quietly searching for the cheapest items. I smiled to myself. They were so modest and a little nervous, even though I was the one offering the treat. That moment made me realise how thoughtful they were, and it added another layer to the new world.

I was slowly discovering with them. Their quiet openness began to soften some of the views I had grown up with, especially the deep-rooted trust issues that taught me not to trust strangers or share my personal life with them.

Days went by and we enjoyed our classes together, moving from first year to second year of university. Some of my Malagasy classmates started working while studying, as they had to live in Mauritius and take care of themselves. Seeing how they managed everything with quiet strength made me look at life differently. If they could do it, then I believed I could too. That was the moment I realised life is not just about comfort, but about courage. Sometimes, seeing things from another angle brings out the best in us.

Today, in my final year of university, I want to thank all my Malagasy classmates for unknowingly bringing happiness and joy into my life. Their presence, their strength, and their kindness have made this journey unforgettable. I am truly grateful for the chance I was given to return, to grow, and to discover a new world through them. 

Urvee, 24 years