As an apprentice in Media and Communications with the Surplus People Project (SPP) in Cape Town, I traveled widely across South Africa, from the Western and Northern Cape to towns like Springbok and Vonterivier, documenting stories of land rights, food sovereignty, and community resilience. My work combined storytelling with advocacy, ensuring the voices of rural communities were heard beyond their borders. One of my most memorable personal moments was a whirlwind day where I had breakfast in Johannesburg, lunch in Pretoria, and dinner in Cape Town, where my friends surprised me with a belated birthday cake that hilariously read “Happy Mother’s Day,” since the day coincided with the holiday.

Those four months were more than just a program; they were a life-shaping chapter. I gained practical skills, professional exposure, and a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity, while forging lifelong friendships. The experiences, both in the field and at home, cemented my belief that global understanding and personal connection are at the heart of meaningful change.