Biodiversity & Nursing in S. Africa

Welcome family, friends, and new friendly faces!

“To love another person is to see the face of God.” This is a powerful quote from the popular musical, Les Misérables, based on Victor Hugo’s novel. This musical is a beautiful story of redemption, grace, mercy, hope, and love. These virtues, in my opinion, embody the duties and responsibilities of what it means to be a nurse no matter where or what you are practicing.

My name is Bethany, and I’m a Midwest girl who has learned to live and love all around the USA. I currently reside in Texas but it shares heart space with Illinois, California, and North Carolina. People are my passion; people of all walks, talks, cultures, and societies. Helping people in the medical field is my dream. I could think of nothing more I would like to do with my life than spreading the love and hope of Christ to those afflicted around me while utilizing my medical skills. Concurrently, using people skills are just as valuable in this field.

I am doing something that I hardly ever do--I am reaching out for help. I am graduating with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing this December, and I have been warmly invited to participate in a study abroad program in Cape Town, South Africa this summer. The South African Biodiversity and Human Development program  aims to educate young adults in a hands-on approach to South Africa’s natural heritage and biodiversity. This includes participating in efforts to eliminate, educate, and amend the effects that the poaching of African Rhinos  have on this population. As a nursing student, I will also have the opportunity to first-hand volunteer at local clinics while also partnering with the Isipho HIV/AIDS Centre (a local center for AIDS orphans and vulnerable children). I firmly believe this three-week trip will help provide a strong foundation for my rapidly-approaching career as a nurse.

By financially investing in me, you would not only be enabling me to fortify my foundation for my career in the medical field, but you would also be providing for me an exclusive yet extraordinary opportunity to closely work with an assorted group of peoples in a new environment. Your donations would contribute to a portion of my travel expenses, housing, and tuition for the three weeks in South Africa. As a full-time student and working (almost) two part-time jobs, I have been able to save and finance part of the trip, but I need help to cover the rest. I know times are hard right now and with an unstable market, I would be immensely grateful for any and all donations family, friends, and friendly faces would be willing to give.

Socrates once said, “We have been given two ears, two eyes, and but one tongue so that we should hear and see more than we speak.” While this is a wise lesson for anyone and everyone to live by, it is especially beneficiary for those whose careers are centered on the well-being of humankind. As a nurse, I want to utilize this in my practice especially when I am confronted by someone who might not speak the same language as I, performs activities of daily living differently than I, or simply participates in society in ways that are foreign to me.

Thank you for reading and your consideration. Peace and blessings to all you wonderful people! <3

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