Collette ready to get into the routine of daily life in Cape Town

Now that orientation is coming to a close, it really feels like we’ve been here for months. With so much packed into so little time, I think we are all ready to get into a routine with our internships, classes, projects and downtime. Though I am excited to explore all of the amazing sites and activities the city has to offer, I am already getting nervous about how even these three and a half months won’t be enough time to do all of the things I want to.

Tonight we wrapped up orientation at Kirstenbosch Gardens with a concert by an acapella singing group concert The Soil. While the music itself was awesome, the view of the mountain peaks behind the amphitheater was what seemed to really make the night. It was great to see everyone together and excited for the internships tomorrow. 

The whole group at Kirstenbosch Garden's Summer Concert Series

Personally, I cannot wait to go to Sarah Fox tomorrow morning. I was initially most nervous for the transportation to and from work, but since the transportation exercise I’m now excited for that part too. When Mariko, Libby and I took the minibus taxi the other day, it was definitely far less intimidating than I had anticipated. The drivers and passengers were friendly and personable, and the music was definitely what we’ll need to wake up on the way to work.

I have experience working in a doctor’s office, but I know it’s going to be so different at Sarah Fox. For those who don’t know, Sarah Fox Children’s Convalescent Home is an establishment for children who are recovering from surgeries, or for sick orphans. This is obviously something I would never have the opportunity to do back home in the States, so I have known for a while that these two experiences wouldn’t be comparable. This is something a lot of us are thinking about, as many of the students in the program are on a medical path. Though it is mainly a Human Rights oriented trip, the invaluable experience the internship provides has drawn attention from students from all majors and backgrounds. Tonight at my house, all of the medical students were so excited that we actually dressed up in a scrubs and hung out together in the living room.

 

Mariko, Paige, Collette, Lily, Maria, Derek, Eric

I’m going to cut this post a little short, seeing as myself and Mariko are the first people who have to leave in the morning. Wish me luck on myself and my fellow co-educators first days at the internships!