My internship through Connect-123 in Cape Town was a foundational chapter in both my personal and professional journey. It was my first deep dive into public health, where I was part of a dedicated team supporting children and families at a local hospital, and helped raise awareness and promote safety. I learned so much about public health in action - how compassion, community work, and small contributions add up to real change.

As this organization celebrates its 20th anniversary, I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity it gave me - not only to learn and grow professionally, but to build a community that’s still a meaningful part of my life. My experiences in Cape Town helped launch my career and are reflected in the work I do every day. More importantly, the relationships and memories I formed are proof of the lasting impact this program continues to have.

The skills and perspectives I gained in Cape Town - adaptability, empathy, and a focus on measurable impact - continue to guide my work today as a healthcare consultant at Deloitte.

One of the most enduring impacts has been the friendships I made with many of my fellow 2012 Cape Town cohort. In particular, there was one fellow intern who was also at my internship with me and we became close as we were both applying to MPH programs at the time. Years later, we both live just a few blocks apart in New York City, both work at Deloitte, and remain close friends. He attended my wedding, and we continue to support each other's personal and professional journeys. Our friendship is a direct result of the community and camaraderie fostered by this program.