Alex has fallen in love with the children and the work at her internship

This was the end of my second week of interning at Maitland Cottage. Though the first day was not at all how I had expected, each day following was exponentially better. Initially, Kaitlyn and I were doing the work of nurses as well as trying to adapt to our placement and decipher languages in order to communicate. Despite initially being thrown into the routine with little direction, we were able to catch on quickly and the staff was always there if we needed anything. Though I was unsure whether I would be able to see patients in my field of study which is physical therapy (many are bedridden and unable to observe any on the first day), I now am able to actively participate every day. Despite my bumpy start I am now in love with my internship.

On the second day we met two nursing students from Northeastern University in Boston who were able to take some of the load off for us. It’s crazy how one can travel so far from home and end up meeting people who lived so close. In total, we have met three physical therapy students from France, Denmark, and the Netherlands and six nursing students from either Northeastern (US) or Denmark. It has been such a great experience getting to meet all of the new staff and compare stories and experiences.

I love how hands on we can be here. Back in the U.S I would not be able to touch patients, learn about different osteo-surgical practices in another country, or go on rounds with surgeons without formal training but here I can and am learning much more because of it. I can honestly say that I have fallen in love with the children and the work that I do. It’s crazy how fast we became attached to the kids here. The boys that I spend most of my time with have the most infectious smiles and are the toughest children I have ever met. Though it sounds cheesy, they really do inspire me to be a happier and stronger individual. If they can smile every day for months in a hospital away from their parents with metal rods in their legs and in pain, I sure can. I have never looked so forward to waking up at 4:45am in my life, that’s for sure. Can’t wait to see what else is in store for me at this internship. I am so excited.

Also, last weekend we went on the Garden Route where we had the option of many activities such as going on a safari, zip lining, walking with elephants, bungee jumping, climbing through caves, petting cheetahs and lemurs, and cage diving with crocodiles. Through the trip agency, we were able to meet two Jersey girls, an Argentinian, a Uruguayan, and two Brazilians who were so fun to talk to. I would definitely say that overall our entire group thoroughly enjoyed their weekend. It’s safe to say South Africa is treating me well and I never want to leave.