Ever since I was a child I have wanted to work with animals in one way or another, and as of now I am on the pre-veterinary track at Michigan State University. Leaving for an entirely new continent is nerve wracking, and though I was excited, I was also afraid that somehow I would regret spending three weeks in South Africa. Despite my worries I went; having no idea how impactful this program would be on me.

I was able to meet eighteen other students who shared the same interests and bond with them so closely after only a couple weeks. Being surrounded by people who understand your passions for conservation, animal welfare, and science was a blessing.

I found that despite the fact I was 8,000 miles away from home, I felt as if South Africa had been my home all along. Even the staff members began to feel like friends while we ate dinners and worked together during the days, which made it insanely difficult to part with them. Additionally, the staff had an insurmountable amount of knowledge about not only cheetahs or rhinos, but about South Africa’s ecology, politics pertaining to conservation, etc. Listening to the staff talk about their differing perspectives and experiences while working in conservation inspired me to work hard academically, and it touched me to listen to their passion for their work.

I was surrounded by people I formed deep bonds with and keep in contact with even now, but the animals I was able to meet and interact with also stole my heart. One particular rhino named Mavic caught my attention and became my best friend during my last week in South Africa. My group had the privilege to witness four separate rhino horn trimmings, which aid in preventing poachers from attempting to poach these animals. Afterwards each of us were assigned a rhino to observe, I was assigned Mavic and watched over him while he recovered. After a while I would call him over and he would come to the boma edge and allow me to pet him and talk to him. There were times when he would rest his huge head right against the boma and use it to help him fall asleep, so I would listen to him snore as I sat with him. I began to really care for Mavic, and all the other varying animals I had the privilege to care for and learn about, which cemented my love for wildlife and for animal-related fields of work.

Leaving South Africa was very difficult for me after making so many personal connections and feeling so at home, and I know for the rest of my life I will yearn to return there at some point to relive my experiences.

Name: Maria Gojcaj
Status: Sophomore
Major: Exploratory
Hometown: Novi, Michigan
Program: Cheetah Conservation Internship in South Africa