The people I met in South Africa have forever changed the way I want to live my life. Having the ability to meet people from al over the world and learn more about their culture was so eye opening. From the
other people in my EDventure group to Mama Tofu to the children at the Silatsha School, I learned that there are so many different lifestyles and none is better than the other. The different perspectives I have gained on this journey have changed me and I am so thankful.
My experience with EDventure has taught me to not be shy around anyone. I found that just being human is enough to relate to someone. Having conversations with and getting to know people that I normally would not have talked to has really made me realize how important it is to connect with as many people as possible in life. I learned that all humans have the one thing in common; they all want to be happy. Because of that, it is possible to relate to anyone.
After my trip to South Africa, I truly understood that you do not need material things in this life to be happy. All you need is other people to live and share your life with. I am so grateful for the possessions my parents have been able to provide me with. However, I came to realize during my time in South Africa I would rather have a career doing something I love instead of having a well paying job. Before my trip, I was planning on acquiring your typical, stable, 9-to-5 desk job. During my time in South Africa I realized that the things a job like that could provide for me would not make me happy and would leave me feeling unfulfilled. Because of my trip to South Africa, I realized that there are no limits to the type of job I can have. I just need to find what I am passionate about and pursue it.
My advice for anyone intending to participate in this amazing program is to make the most out of your journey. The time flew so fast for me while I was in South Africa. Participate in as many activites as you can while you are there. You are only there for a short time and this could be your only opportunity to do something like this. Don’t let the fact that you are tired stop you from trying something new and making memories.
Katie Boerke ~ South Africa June 2014
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