Macey F

Macey is a pre-veterinary science student who joined the VACorps program in June 2025 and participated in an internship at a seabird rehabilitation center.

I chose Cape Town because it offered an amazing opportunity to work with African penguins at a seabird rehabilitation center. I was also drawn to the beauty of the mountains, the ocean, and the rich culture that I knew Cape Town would offer. From the moment I arrived, I loved interacting with the people here—everyone is so kind, welcoming, and encouraging. It truly felt like being part of a family.

At my internship, I was inspired every day by the passion everyone had for protecting seabirds. I will miss my internship so much. Working with the seabirds every day was an incredible experience, and I was able to achieve my goals of working with and handling animals in a rehabilitation and release setting. I also gained many practical skills at the seabird rehabilitation center that I can carry into my future veterinary career, including feeding, handling, tubing, and giving and preparing medications.

One of the biggest things I learned about myself is that I thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments—especially when I’m doing work I’m passionate about.

I stayed in Cape Town for three months, and I personally think it’s the perfect amount of time. It gave me enough space to adjust to a new environment while also fully immersing myself in the culture and making Cape Town feel like home.

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