Alyssa Beck
Missouri, USA

It is incredibly difficult to write this last day testimonial, since it’s hard to believe my time has come to an end in Cape Town. Arriving to Obs, I was uncertain of what to expect and how my time here would change my life, both in the present and for my future. From what I have seen though, I can confidently say I have made lifelong friends from places all over the world and formed lasting relationships that will keep Cape Town with me wherever I go. I would like to thank the staff of Volunteer Adventure Corps for all of their amazing support, guidance, and leadership throughout my stay- it truly would not have been such an incredible experience without VAC and all its members. Vanessa, you deserve more thanks than I can express for everything that you do for us interns. I remember you saying how you connect personally with each one of us, and I can only say the same back- you have been like a sister. There have been so many memories made throughout the past two months and each one has changed me in its own way. I will forever remember the moment I jumped off of the highest bungee bridge in the world while listening to remixes of “I will follow” (the anthem to South Africa) or the time when I came face-to-face with a great white shark off of the shores of Gansbaai. Or the time I reached the top of Table Mountain for the first time after the most challenging hike of my life. Or the time I got a tattoo (sorry mom) on Long Street to commemorate memories made. But most special though were the moments I connected with the patients of Retreat Clinic and saw first-hand the inner workings of a healthcare unit of a mixed township. This not only changed myself, but my future career plans indefinitely. I have no doubt in my mind that I will be back soon since Cape Town has most certainly become a home away from home. I look forward to the future and this is not a goodbye, but a see you later CT. With all my love, Alyssa