This past May, I attended a two-week study abroad internship at Running Wild Cheetah Conservation in South Africa. During my time there, I took part in various activities, including bush walks, daily animal feedings, and a safari drive through a Big Five game reserve. Although my two weeks at Running Wild were short, they were packed with exciting and educational experiences.

A typical workday started at 8:00 a.m. with group tasks centered on animal care and enclosure maintenance. These tasks involved cleaning waste, refilling water sources, and clearing debris. We also went on morning bush walks, sometimes with cheetahs or hyenas. These walks allowed us to see the animals' behavior in a natural environment and gave us insight into how they interact with each other and their surroundings. Our morning shift ended at noon, followed by a two-hour lunch break.

The afternoon shift began at 2:00 p.m. and featured rotating activities such as preparing food for the animals, enrichment projects, or attending lectures on conservation practices. Around 3:00 p.m., it was time for feeding. Each group was assigned different animals each day, ensuring everyone had the chance to work with a variety of species. This hands-on approach provided practical experience in wildlife care and management. The workday generally finished around 5:00 p.m., allowing us time to clean up and relax before dinner and reflect on the day's events.

One of the most valuable parts of this internship was stepping out of my comfort zone. Before this program, I had never traveled alone or met any of the other students. It was a bit intimidating at first, but I quickly built friendships and gained confidence in my independence. The experience not only taught me about wildlife care and conservation, but also about myself and my abilities.

I also discovered a new passion for wildlife and exotic animals. As a pre-vet student, I already knew I wanted to work in veterinary medicine, but this experience helped me narrow my goals. I am now seriously considering a career in zoological veterinary medicine. Being able to interact closely with wild animals and learn about their care and conservation sparked an interest that I hope to pursue further.

I was also one of the youngest participants, having just finished my freshman year. Many people think studying abroad is only for upper-level students, but I believe early experiences like this can be just as impactful, if not more so. It gave me early clarity about my future and helped me understand how to shape my education to meet those goals.

Overall, my time in South Africa was eye-opening. I gained practical skills, academic direction, and personal growth that will stay with me throughout my academic and professional journey. I encourage other students, regardless of their year, to seek out similar opportunities. You never know how one experience might redefine your future.

Name: Makenna Beckett
Status: Sophomore
Major: Animal Science
Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Program: Cheetah Conservation Internship in South Africa