Communications Intern - Alessia Garlisi

Nourish and a new way of living

Every young girl has dreams for her future, and mine was travelling. I dreamt of travelling and in that way, exploring many different cultures and gaining experience in life. I dreamt of living my life independently and doing it all by myself. As I got older this dream could become reality the moment I got the opportunity to do my internship at Nourish in South Africa.

Hi! I am Alessia Garlisi, a dreamer and communications student at PXL College in Hasselt, Belgium. As a young girl, I loved travelling. The further, the better. When I got my diploma from secondary school, I got the opportunity to volunteer in Ethiopia, but I didn’t do it. Everyone knows the story about a girl falling in love and wants to be with him no matter what. Well this is what happened to me. I fell madly in love with my best friend and don’t get me wrong I am still in love, but there was something missing.  I felt the need of more in life, like discovering the world and meeting new cultures.

In my second year of University there was a presentation about doing your internship abroad. I saw this as an opportunity and I immediately searched for an interesting country. I chose South Africa. Why? Well, that’s simple; South- Africa is such a beautiful country with beautiful cultures. I wanted to experience a new culture and this as far as possible from home. In that way I wanted to challenge myself in being independently and to open myself for a new way of living.

 

Now in my last year as a student, I have chosen to live in a rural area and to work in an organization that minds about the health of people, animals and the environment of Hoedspruit South-Africa. Nourish is the perfect organization, they work so hard to fight poverty and poaching. They inspire me in being a better person and to give more about the world or country I live in.

I believe that during my time at Nourish, I will grow to be a better person and be more helpful not only for people and animals, but also for the environment. I will learn more about the culture and how to live back-to-basics. However big the differences may be in South Africa, I am ready to take on the challenge!