Dear Future Summer Session Student,
I remember being in your shoes just a few months ago—anxiously wondering about my summer plans, browsing through the several Yale Summer Session listings, and scavenging the ends of google search pages for exciting, memorable, and life-changing experiences. The options are certainly overwhelming to say the least, and, if you are an indecisive person like me, choosing a program proves to be quite an arduous task.
With one day left in this program, I can confidently say this program has been so much more than I could have ever asked for—exceeding every single expectation. As I’m sitting here writing this blog post surrounded by a group of wonderful friends I have made throughout this experience, it feels so bittersweet.
So, future student, I will try to make this choice a bit easier for you by sharing the top ten reasons why you should take this course. Get ready!
1. Meeting New People!
From Jonathan, Paul, Del, Nadia, and Alban, to Fillitah, Trust, and Brian, to my fellow VAGH classmates, the people that comprise the VAGH group are unequivocally some of the most extraordinary, kind, and inspiring people I’ve met in all of my life. Thank you to each and every single one of you for the never-ending smiles, laughs, jokes, and kindness. If you participate in this program, you are sure to have the most memorable time surrounded by the best group of people. Enjoy some photos of our crew below 🙂
2. Documentary Film Project!
At the start of this course, you will be tasked with making a documentary film project. I know this can be quite daunting at first, but, don’t worry! I had absolutely no filmmaking experience besides a few barely there imovies I made of my dog as a child, and, tomorrow, my team is getting ready to turn in our 8-minute final documentary project about the wonderful CHW group from the Kekanastad clinic in Hammanskraal. It’s absolutely insane to think that most of us had no filmmaking experience coming in, but I promise you are in good hands, and you will learn so much more than filmmaking throughout the process as well. Enjoy some photos of the CHW team in action below!
3. Random Trips Around Rivonia!
The lovely Rivonia Premier Lodge is just a quick 5-10 minute walk to Rivonia village, where you can see anything from Biltong shops to your good old supermarket, Checkers. Since the beginning of our time here, our group has taken countless of walks to Rivonia village—each one a little adventure, where we tell each other funny stories and fill the streets of Rivonia with laughter. Here, adventure is quite literally just around the corner. Catch the VAGH group below on some of our adventures through Rivonia.
4. Safari!
For three days and two nights, you stay at a safari lodge about a three hour drive from Rivonia village. To say these three days are unforgettable is an understatement. We saw a family of lions playing together, a herd of elephants walking through the trees (so close you could nearly touch them), baby giraffes eating from trees, and even our safari tour guide touching rhino and giraffe dung (shoutout Julian!). Oh, and not to mention you get to shower outside, while looking straight up at the starry night sky (I promise, it’s amazing). Follow along our safari adventures below!
5. The food!
The team at Rivonia Premier Lodge will spoil you with lavish meals daily. I don’t think I’ve ever eaten so much desert haha, but it’s so hard to say no when they’re so incredibly good (10/10 recommend the Malva—shoutout Jamie for getting me hooked :)). Thank you to the wonderful team at Rivonia for taking such good care of us—it really is the well-fed republic of Fillitah. Check out all our “phone eats first” photos below!
6. Visiting historical sites!
During this program, we’ve had the opportunity to visit so many incredible historical sites in South Africa. To name just a few—the Constitutional Court, Hector Pieterson Museum, Apartheid Museum, and the Mandela House. Each of these sites will teach you so much about the rich history of this country, and the tour guides will provide you with transformative perspectives. These experiences have truly changed my life. You will absolutely love them!
7. The Big Five Bistro!
I don’t want to give too much away because it’s part of the surprise (there’s lots of surprises here :)))… but just be ready for the most wholesome dinner with some of the most delicious food.
8. The Student Film!
Another aspect of this course I can’t give too much away about…but be ready for a mysterious, entertaining, and, truly, unforgettable cinematic experience.
9. Onesies!
Today was onesies, and I swear I’ve never laughed/smiled so much in my life. As I’m writing this blogpost, my cheeks still hurt from smiling so much lol. I don’t want to give too much about the onesies away because the elusiveness really adds to it, but I guess all you really need to know is… “Onesies once a year. Once a lifetime.”
10. Memorable Experiences with Friends!
As I’m writing this, I’m sitting in room 11 watching episode 4 of the popular “the Boys” show with six of the VAGH crew after the 2022 onesies. From getting thai massages to past life regressions and dying hair at 12 am, there are so many fun and memorable experiences to be made with the VAGH crew. I am a pretty shy person, but I’m leaving here with more than a dozen new friends, and it makes my heart so incredibly happy. We’ve already planned get togethers back at Yale! You truly leave here with a new family.
Future student, I hope I have convinced you as to why VAGH is unequivocally the BEST option. This program will provide you with a lifetime of beautiful, funny, and impactful memories. I promise you won’t regret it.
I hope to see your blogs next year!
-Sophia
