Marissa Shevins starts her African Journey!

In my country we go to prison first and then become president. -Nelson Mandela

Almost three weeks ago, I traveled to South Africa, to a place called Knysna, or “The Garden Route. Aptly named, it is one of the more beautiful places I have ever seen. I am living in a volunteer house working in the local community in HIV/AID’s education and prevention. I work with ten other girls from all over the world in various places ranging from hospitals to home based care clinics to schools and youth centers.

Initially I came here with the intention to learn about myself, and what I want from life. In high school I had a very strong sense of direction in terms of what I wanted for a career. Yet when I entered college I found that nothing I wanted before seemed right anymore and decided that in order to get back on track I needed to figure out something new. For me, my most important self realizations have always occurred in the magic that for me is Africa. I have heard many say that if you come to Africa and see the way it is in real life, not on TV, then you will never want to leave. I see what they mean. I come to this strange and beautiful place to find myself,

“There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.”

Life here is almost dreamlike. The otherworldly beauty that surrounds me becomes almost commonplace. There are lush forests, deserts, mountains, white sandy beaches and endless ocean. The people are friendly and lovely despite their terrible living conditions.

Being here and working with these people really makes me realize how much I take for granted. These people who have so little have much more than most will ever know. They are the happiest people I have ever seen and that in itself is truly inspiring.

Canada to South Africa - UBC Student Brooke Bailey volunteers with EDGE of AFRICA

UBC Okanagan student Brooke Bailey recently returned from a two-month volunteer stint in South Africa, where she nursed baby elephants, tracked cheetahs and worked alongside veterinarians involved in wildlife conservation and management.

Volunteering through a group called Edge of Africa, the fourth-year Bachelor of Science student majoring in biology spent the first month at an elephant sanctuary in a town called Knysna, located in an area known as the Garden Route.

“We worked with orphan elephants and my primary role was to feed the babies,” she says. “The second volunteer opportunity was at the Big 5 Wildlife Project – on a reserve with lions, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo. They also had a cheetah program where we would track and monitor cheetahs that had been released into the wild.”

Bailey hopes her experience in the field will help her reach her dream of being accepted into veterinary school, which she describes as a highlycompetitive process.

“I’m trying to gain as much different experience with as many different animals in as many different countries as I can,” says Bailey. “I love working with the vets. It’s something in my blood..”

Bailey’s African adventure was made possible through the UBC Okanagan International Education Travel Subsidy. Eligible students are required to raise funds for a portion of their expenses, as well as submit a proposal detailing their desired international learning experience. Students may receive up to $4,000 in support, provided by the Irving K. Barber Endowment Fund.

“The International Education Travel Subsidy is designed to provide students the opportunity to gain experiential learning in an international setting,” says Linda Hatt, Associate Dean, Curriculum and Student Affairs. “These opportunities reflect the founding principles of the Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences – in particular, to prepare students to become outstanding citizens of B.C. and the world.”

Courtesy - UBC OKANAGAN TRAVEL PROGRAM by Jody Jacob