It’s time to depart. We had our final thank you dinner last night. It was a great time to close our loose ties and be together with everyone one last time. The food was plentiful and delicious which added to the party. It’s extremely difficult for me to gather my feelings on leaving and my time spent here. However, I was chosen to speak for the group at the dinner. It was a thank you speech directed towards everyone that had an impact on our experience. I think it expressed my feelings and the group’s sentiment. Therefore, I think it’s appropriate to conclude the final blog with the final speech:
‘This may seem a bit blunt, but my goal for this speech is not to delve into a heart wrenching soliloquy about the ways we will forever be changed or how Cape Town has left an imprint on our hearts. I want to go about a different approach. I want to explain the legitimate reasons for why we are so grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have been granted to us by our hosts, advisors, leaders and most importantly, our teachers.
No matter the title or rank of our co-workers, we have learned an incredible amount. It seems a trifle unfair that we are exiting Cape Town with so much more than what we came with, and only leaving behind our toils of 3 ½ months. In each and every aspect of our internships and classes we have dealt with something new and have been taught innovative ways to deal with these challenges. The excitement we felt from these occurrences rippled through the house as each of us began to trump the other with some strange or interesting escapade that occurred while interning. For this, I thank you. I cannot truthfully claim that I never felt idle or bored - no offense Gilad for it was always a nice break from the budget spread sheets – but this was all part of the experience.
Every aspect of knowledge gained during our working lives has been soaked up and is ready to be put to use at a moment’s notice. We weren’t given the tourists superficial exposure, but we were accepted into the real and sometimes gritty working life of Cape Town. Yet again, I give you my praise. You trusted us to let us become part of your team, and I hope that we lived up to and exceeded your expectations. For you all greatly exceeded ours
I would like everyone here to know that this experience has become an immense part of our lives because of you! And we are utterly grateful for the talent and aid that came along with it. It is with heavy hearts that we now have to leave and say ciao to the people and places we have become so absolutely fond of. Yet, let’s perk up, and enjoy the food, drinks and most importantly, the company. Thanks for everything!’
Onwards to the United States!
