Alumni Spotlight: Kendra Wingerter

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Tell us a little about yourself and your trip.

Kendra: My name is Kendra, I'm a 20-year-old Canadian student who participated in ISV's trip to South Africa in May and June of 2011.

Why did you decide to volunteer with ISV in South Africa?

Kendra: I decided to volunteer abroad because I have always been curious about Africa, because it's such a different part of the world, but would never have felt courageous enough to do my first trip there without an experienced organization. On top of that because there is need in Africa, I wanted to help people who have less than I do. I'm an International Security major in university and have always been passionate about making a change in the world, and ISV was a great starting point to do that.

Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.

Kendra: During the volunteer portion of my trip, we would wake up at around 7 and have breakfast together at our house before driving to a nearby township to begin our work. The project I was involved in was to fix up a pre-school, so we did a lot of sanding, painting, water-tank and gutter installation, and art work. Between working we'd have break where we ate or played with the kids, which was a great opportunity to meet the locals and have an awesome time. The kids are so friendly and lively, and they love attention, so there was never a dull moment!

Plus everyone in my volunteer group became good friends quickly, so work felt more like play than work. Sometimes locals or student and teachers from nearby schools would invite us into their homes or classrooms, and we got to see a side of rural Africa that tourists wouldn't have the chance to. After work we'd hang out at the beach or a cafe, and maybe grab dinner out somewhere or else have a BBQ or home-cooked meals back at our house. Every once in a while when we had a few days off we'd have a party at our house or go to the local bars for a night out!

During the travel portion of my trip with ISV, every day was different. To sum up the highlights we went caving, surfing, on microflights, on a safari, sailing, chilling at the beach, cliff-jumping, camping (in a safari park), biking, horseback riding, visiting small villages, bungee jumping, zip-lining, rappelling down cliffs, sightseeing, on boat cruises, or to hang out and pet with elephants, lions, cheetahs, or monkeys. Everything I just listed was optional, so you will never be too far out of your comfort zone but you will never be left out either. It was so amazing to do all that stuff over the course of just a couple weeks, every day was a new adventure!

What advice do you have for future volunteers?

Kendra: My advice for future volunteers is to not be so afraid of going to new places. I was nervous to go to Africa, but now I feel ridiculous for having some of the worries that I did. It's really just a fear of the unknown, and once you actually arrive there you'll see how safe ISV keeps you. Talk to the locals, they're the best part about the volunteer work! Also don't expect your bank card to work most places and bring a decent amount of local currency with you from home.

How has this experience helped you grow personally and professionally?

Kendra: This experience has impacted my future by making me want to work in Africa in the future. I'm going to Rwanda this summer for a course on International Security and will be applying for internships in various countries throughout Africa in the fall. It was a huge motivator for me professionally because I found out how much I love Africa, and how much I want to help out there in any way I can. I've also definitely got the travel bug now, and I can't wait to be back in Africa!