My undergraduate major was in international relations, but truly I was not a well traveled person. I grew up living a fairly standard middle class lifestyle, and traveling the world just wasn’t an option for me. I had read all of the materials about other countries' cultural, political, and economic environments but I was insecure about the fact that I had not had that lived experience. At the end of the day, I’d say the single most important thing my Connect-123 experience gave to me professionally was confidence. Lastly, this Mark Twain quote has always been a favorite of mine:

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”

I truly don’t think I would have the same career path if it wasn’t for Connect-123, so that cannot be overstated. Looking back though, the friends and times we had together are what I remember most fondly. As I grow older, it’s so difficult to find the time and funds to be able to support such an amazing experience. The city and people of Cape Town will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Comfort is the enemy of growth! You are too young to let fear dictate your actions. You have so much to learn about the world and yourself by taking this type of step. Also, you can have fun and you should have fun, but be sure to treat your job as priority number one. At all points in life you will have two paths set out in front of you - the path of the learner and the path of the knower. Seek to learn and understand every chance you get and you will be rewarded in the long term.