Trying to sum up my journey to South Africa in a small couple of paragraphs has not been an easy task for me. I could say, “My trip was great!” or, “This trip changed my life.” or possibly, “My trip was something I will never forget.” But words can’t even begin to describe the time I spent in South Africa. And never has 3 months flown by so fast!!! Being a Child Life Specialist at the Red Cross Hospital has changed the way I will view my work forever. My career will always have started in South Africa and the children I worked with. I carry them in my heart every day. I am definitely a more confident and competent Child Life Specialist because of my time spent at Red Cross.

The faculty I had the opportunity to work with are the most fascinating people and they spend their time all advocating for what they believe in, and changing the way children experience health care in South Africa. To say it is an inspiring environment is the understatement of the century. The children were amazing and have taught me so much about life, love, and happiness, and I still wonder which of us who got more out of our time together. The hospital was not the only reason I loved my time in South Africa so much. It was the beautiful country and the amazing people I met during my time there.

The wonderful people, and MOST inspiring Child Life Specialists I met truly made my experience an unforgettable one. Cape Town gave me fantastic career experience, some breathtaking pictures, amazing new friends, but most of all…an INCREDIBLE sense of accomplishment! South Africa truly did steal my heart. It was more than I could have ever imagined it would be. I will be eternally grateful to everyone who helped make this possible. I can’t help but SMILE when I reflect on my time in South Africa and at Red Cross Hospital.

WAKA WAKA!