I can’t believe it – but I have been back in Canada now for six weeks! The time has flown by in a similar fashion to the way that my summer went by so quickly. No though, I don’t feel as if every single moment is quite so precious or treasured.

Getting back into the swing of the life as a typical university student in southern Ontario was a little challenging. I had less that 48 hours between when my plane touched tarmac and when I started in at the University of Guelph. To say the least, there was a lot of catching up to do with family and friends – and it all happened too quickly!

The reverse culture shock was definitely noticeable, but not detrimental to anything. I felt as though I was living a very lavished and expensive lifestyle here back home. The general person seemed much less interested in my life and much colder. There was not the same laughter or the same human-to-human contact in Canada, that I had grown so accustomed to in Maun, Botswana.

I missed the people and the sights and the memories for a while. Though, after getting to share my story with various friends, groups and really just anyone willing to listen, they have become my tool for teaching. I have shifted now to sue my experiences and what I saw and learned to impart onto others in hope that they too can have at least some part of the learning that I was so graciously provided.

Even now, six weeks later – one and a half moon cycles over of the Kalahari desert – I am still being asked about my summer and my trip and my experiences. This trip is not over now, it will never be over. This is simply another story in a new amazing chapter of my life called ‘now’.

I am currently in Maun, Botswana, five weeks into my placement with the Botswana Predator Conservation Trust. I am the program assistant for the Coaching for Conservation program. This placement has been absolutely amazing – and when I look back on the few weeks I have had here I cannot believe the work that I have been lucky enough to do and the lessons that I have learned.

My focus has been to lay the groundwork and establish the logistics for our one-week intensive program. I have been in presenting and teachings classes from all 18 primary schools in Maun (400+ students) about conservation, the environment and how it relates to football (soccer). Our goal is to develop, to shift, the core values of these young children, who are the future of Botswana, to “choose life”. With a life expectancy of just over thirty, and within a culture of trying no to be different, no be too successful or to stand out, we are trying to make this children understand that they can make a difference – and that the difference must begin with them. The classroom presentations have introduced these values in the context of taking care of the animals and environment in Botswana.

Setswana is the common language here in northern Botswana, and the langauge barrier has been a challenge. However, I have picked up enough Setswana to get by and I work closely with my local counterparts to make sure the messages get across. It has taught me a lot about communication and the value of visuals, body language and patience in getting the concepts across.

Beyond classroom visits, I have been working with the local government, ministry of education office and local businesses to arrange the logistics for the one-week football camp next week, which is the culmination of the program. This is when we bring in international football coaches, as well as international conservation educators, the 400+ school children, their teachers and coaches and provide a week full of workshops, training and fun! It is going to be a lot of people and details to manage, but i am very much looking forward to the job.

I cannot believe that my time here in Botswana is already half over. The people here have been very welcoming and inviting. There is a very nice community feel here in Botswana. People work and operate at their own pace (which sometimes can be frustrating, but is generally very relaxing and rewarding). Being a part of the visible minority as well as lacking fluent language skills, put you in place of stereotypes regarding white tourists. However, it has been great to educate people on me actually being here to do something for the people, not just passing through. I have learned more about myself and functioning as an individual of society and a community than I could have imagined. Luckily the experience is not over yet and I plan to make the most of it!

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments about my placement and experiences!

I am preparing for my third year as a Molecular Biology & Genetics student at the University of Guelph. University education entails more than textbook and classroom learning. I am involved with the University Senate as Student Senate Caucus Co-Chair, with athletics as the Assistant Sports Coordinator for the Intramural Program, with Residence Life as a Community Assistant, with Academic College Government as the President of the College of Biological Sciences Student Council and with our Peer Helper Program as a Supported Learning Group Leader.

I believe strongly in giving back to your community – both locally and abroad. This summer I want to pursue my interest in understanding the different culture, political climate and social challenges faced by the people of Botswana. There are countless challenges that are being faced by people across the world, but I want to spend this summer learning and contributing my knowledge, skills and passion with those of Botswana. I love the concept of foreign aid, volunteering and international development and want to learn more about how I can contribute in the future (both back home and abroad) as well try to make some difference while I am there.