Janiel thrilled with her new internship placement

I can now say I am an official intern in the Pharmacy at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital! I couldn’t be more excited to be finally apart of something I am really passionate about. Working at Maitland Cottage Hospital for the last two months was definitely more than a learning experience, in many different aspects. Coming to South Africa and knowing that I would be participating in an internship that corresponded with my future career path was one of the biggest highlights of this study abroad program. In the days leading up to the start of my internship, I was bursting eagerness. But after a month into working at Maitland, that feeling was beginning to dissipate. It was actually scary- only because I didn’t want to be the one that seemed as if they weren’t sure of what they wanted. However, all along I knew I wanted to be working in a pharmacy, specifically pediatric pharmacy. Before starting at Maitland, I had the perception that the hospital had its own pharmacy that I would be able to work in… I was surely wrong. I learned that the medication for all patients at Maitland came directly from Red Cross, so it made perfect sense for me to be at that hospital instead of Maitland.

Although knowing that I didn’t belong at Maitland, I was conflicted with working up the courage to say I wanted to be placed elsewhere. I had a sense of selfishness from wanting to leave. I kept thinking, although I wasn’t having the best experience, I should be grateful to even be apart of something this great, because most people never get this opportunity. A number of the staff would repetitively pester us about being here in South Africa, and the fact that college students from here don’t get the same opportunities as us ‘Americans’- by being interns so early. Overall, I felt like if I left, I would be proving to them that the stereotypes that they had were all true. On the other hand, I knew that my internship wasn't for me. If I didn’t feel comfortable while at work, I wouldn’t be happy or eager to actually do work. This was the feeling I had at Maitland. I figured I deserved to have a good experience, and if Red Cross could offer me that, why not take it.

So here I am now, ready to start my first full week at my new internship. I feel it from within, that I am where I was supposed to be from the get-go. I enjoy learning about the different diseases and conditions, and the methods, including alternative ways to treat them. There is an incredible about of information to be absorbed within the weeks ahead. I can’t rejoice enough about my new placement. Everything is perfect. 

Janiel jumping for joy!