By: Zarina Cooper
During my first week as being camp manager, I read a quote that really touched my heart and made me feel even more grateful for this experience and a new beginning, especially with all the craziness and uncertainty going on in the world at the moment.
“Africa is not just a place. It is a feeling. Africa is the heart of the world and there are only a few of us who have been touched by her. Africa defines our soul and people can feel it, people just know…”
This past week, aside from the chaos of all the tests, overwhelming workload and just missing home and my dogs, I found a few moments admiring the sunrises and breath-taking sunsets where I just thought “Wow, I live in Africa, I am so lucky to be on this journey.”
I left Johannesburg to come on this course after doing a tedious and boring corporate degree to finally follow my passion and to honestly wake up every day and feel like I have a purpose. I definitely came to the right place.
So far, I’ve been pushed to my limits and been challenged every day but waking up to the zebras calling in the distance and of course the Crested Franklins screaming outside my window, I feel reminded of where I want to be and what I want to do with my life. Nothing is more motivating to push through and I cannot help feeling eager to see what each day will bring.
The past week has definitely made me pull up my socks and has made me realise that studying and the workload is definitely not something to take lightly. I now know the meaning of play hard, but work harder.
We are so lucky to live in such a beautifully diverse country. Bushwise has made me realise this more and more with each passing moment. I have never been more excited to learn – even just about rocks and grasses.
