When people ask me now, “How was South Africa?” I try and switch it up (at least for my own amusement) each time. There are so many words to describe my experience. “Incredible”, “amazing”, “absolutely wonderful”, “life changing”, “truly a learning experience”, “interesting” and the list goes on. But one reaction that is consistent in every conversation and recollection of my experience is a ridiculous grin on my face.

Besides being all of the things I described, at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital I found happiness in working with amazing people both foreign and native; in applying my skills where they were essential and beneficial; in learning about cultures I knew very little about; in being welcomed to, immersed in, and a part of those cultures, in working with the most adorable and remarkable children, and most importantly, in being a child life specialist. I volunteered with Connect-123 to bring something to Cape Town; to give my skills and my resources to those who would benefit from them. In return, Cape Town gave me so much more than pictures, t-shirts and wooden souvenirs. It’s more than I could ever put into words and something that will remain a part of me forever. After serving with Connect-123, I am not only proud of what I have accomplished, but I am proud of who I have become.

If you’re reading this and trying to decide if volunteering is right for you, it would be unfair for me to say yes or no. What I can say is that, for me, the hesitation came only in what I would be sacrificing. I had to give up all that was familiar to me to go to a foreign country. I traveled to Cape Town knowing that it was the path for me; that everything would fall into place. Now I know that what I gave up was insignificant compared to what Cape Town and The Red Cross Children’s Hospital gave me in return. It is not tangible, but within me. I share it in my interactions in both social and professional arenas. It comes through in my smile.