Last year, I graduated from Michigan State University and I am now working on a campaign to keep two Michigan Supreme Court justices, Chief Justice Megan Cavanagh and Justice Noah Hood, on the Court. In this position, I manage their campaign schedules, staff their events, and coordinate outreach to organizations for distributing materials.

My internship challenged my abilities a lot. It taught me that no matter what project I am given or how intimidating some work seems, that my skills are greater than I allow myself to believe. That in saying, I still use the skills of pushing myself past what I think I’m capable of.

Connect-123 gave me life-long friendships and the chance to live in the beautiful city of Cape Town. Above all though, connecting with the residents and staff at my internship gave me a new drive in my career goals. It is really powerful to see an organization truly care and advocate for their community the way they do.

My advice to students considering or starting an internship abroad is don’t let your fears or “what-ifs” hold you back. This amazing opportunity may not come around again, and you never know what you will learn about yourself and the world, unless you take that leap of faith and go!