Why were you initially drawn to working with Connect-123?
Working for Connect-123 was an easy decision for me. I have always been passionate about working with people and about making an impact in some way, and this job is all that and more. I get to work with the interns on a daily basis and I also get to see them learn and grow while making a huge impact on the organization that they are partnered with.
Robyn getting friendly with an elephant on Safari in South Africa
How does your background in Psychology help you in your position as the Program Coordinator for South Africa?
My background in psychology is pivotal to my position as a program coordinator. It allows me to better empathize and understand people's perspectives and world views as well as to help interns cope with the struggles that often come with living abroad, such as culture shock or homesickness.
In what ways do you support Connectors in your current role?
It changes constantly depending on the specific group of interns that we have in Cape Town. In the past I have helped with conflict management between interns and coaching of the interns who may need some extra encouragement, both personally or professionally. We are here for the interns from the simple day to day things like advice about the best local restaurants and cool places to go in Cape Town to the more complex issues around culture shock, conflict, or work support. My role is so diverse and can change from each interaction with each student.
What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your work?
I would say the most rewarding part of my job is seeing the growth and development of the interns during their time here. For the most part, they develop exponentially in confidence and independence, not only in the workplace, but also in a personal capacity.
Secondly, it is simply incredible to see the impact some of these interns have on the organizations they work with. They raise money for them, build websites for them, market them, help with their admin and so so much more. The difference they make is profound and I am honored to be a part of that.
The most challenging part of this job for me is seeing interns not make the most of the opportunity they have been given. This experience is once in a lifetime and I always just want them to grab it by the horns and run with it and make the absolute most of it. That is when the magic happens!
Robyn is with Saskia, another program coordinator in Cape Town
How has your gap year in Brazil influence your approach to working with Connectors?
I feel as though my gap year in Brazil is the very thing that began my journey toward this position. The challenge of living in a foreign country, with different cultures, surrounded by different languages and new people constantly, is such an exciting and beautiful space to be in—but it can also be a very challenging space to be in.
The lessons I learned in Brazil help me to better understand what the interns may be experiencing when they come on our program to Cape Town. It allows me to empathize with them and really support them through it. It allows me to put myself in their shoes as they live their own experience here in our beautiful city.
You obviously have a love for your hometown of Cape Town. What are your favorite places to share with volunteers and interns?
Wow. How to choose?! I do love my city and I love so much of what it has to offer. The first thing that comes to mind is Kalk Bay. This is one of favorite places to go and meander and go see all the vintage shops and coffee shops and have some delicious fish and chips.
Robyn on Safari with a group of Connectors in South Africa
Next would have to be the winelands. You cannot go wrong with any of the wine routes in and around Cape Town. We also have incredible places to experience and taste our delicious local foods. It is cliche to say, but Cape Town really does have something for everyone. You can never be bored in Cape Town.
Overall, what makes Cape Town such a great location for volunteering and interning?
Diversity. There is something for everyone in Cape Town. The lifestyle is very laid back and relaxed and the interns and volunteers will have great opportunities to truly make an impact on the organization they are paired with. Obviously the beauty of the city doesn’t hurt either.
How are the programs that Connect-123 offers unique?
In my opinion there are two main aspect of Connect-123 that makes us stand out from the rest. The first is that we try our absolute best to tailor-make our internships and program to suit the needs of each individual applicant. The second thing is that we really do care. We are all passionate about what we do and we believe in what we do, and I think this is pivotal. We all put our hearts and souls into Connect-123. It is more of a family than anything else, and anyone who joins the program can stand as a testament to that.
What are your future hopes for your position as well as Connect-123 as a whole?
My dream for Connect-123 is that it follows the path that it is on and never loses its heart. We have already started implementing our own individualized programs, such as the Child Life program in Cape Town, and I hope that using that as a platform we can develop more of these bespoke programs that help the communities in Cape Town and to make a huge impact on our society.
