Erica expecting her passion for social justice to grow

Sunrise from Signal Hill

Today marks the final day of orientation. It’ll definitely be an adjustment going from sightseeing and eating out almost everyday to doing schoolwork and cooking for ourselves, but I’m looking forward to my internship and settling into a routine. Tonight we went to an outdoor Concert at Kirstenbosch Gardens to wrap up orientation. I couldn’t think of a better way to end orientation than to listen to live music while enjoying the scenery and nature around us. 

Erica believes her passion
for social justice will grow

Now that orientation is over, I can confidently say that I’m ready to further explore Cape Town and learn more about this city. From our conversational isiXhosa class, to the public transportation exercise, and the numerous historical sites we’ve been to, I think I’m well rehearsed on the basics of Cape Town and I can’t wait to keep learning. It’s still mind-blowing to think that I’ll be here for three and a half months, and I’m very curious to see the impact this semester will have on me. I can only imagine that my passion for social justice will grow deeper during my time here.

Tomorrow I start my internship at Prevention in Action in Kuyasa, Khayelitsha. I’m excited and curious as to what my internship will be like. Prevention in Action has very little funding so I know my time there will be different from any other work experience I’ve had before, which is part of the reason why I chose this particular internship. I’m very passionate about sexual violence prevention, so I’m excited to be working hands-on in the community with victim survivors and activists alike. I hope that I can make a positive contribution to the organization and local community, and I have a feeling that my time at Prevention in Action will solidify my commitment to fighting gender-based violence.

During the next three and a half months I hope to challenge myself, keep up with my journal (easier said than done), seek a variety of experiences, and learn as much as I can.