1. WWW Reflection<br />When picking to go to South Africa as my number one trip, I did not know I would be moved so much by the experience. I had only been to South Africa once in my life before hand when I was a younger age and it was my favorite holiday I had ever embarked on. I was eager to return to the country after that. Community service was a requirement because seeing as I am new, it was one of the choices to base my choices on my trip, so this seemed perfectly fitting for me. When arriving, I saw that Singapore American School was there as well and I was happy to see my old friends and classmates. Once both groups got outside, I saw that SAS had a way bigger bus than us, but this made me realize that they are missing out on a team bonding experience going on a huge, luxurious bus, rather than a cramped up small van. After arriving at our game reserve and going on the safaris and the orphanages and immersing ourselves in their culture, it really struck me that this is honestly one of the most beautiful, most welcoming and most friendly places I have ever been to in my life. <br />Working at the orphanage is what I miss most. The smiles on the children’s faces when we arrived at Siyakhula Center are forever imprinted in my mind and their warm welcome to help them make their hospice a better environment to live in. The children helped us paint, the workers helped us clean and most of all, we all just gave as much as we could to the community. For example, seeing the children’s faces when they were dancing along to the music or when we gave them their toys is what really made the trip worthwhile. I learned so much about South African culture and their cultural norms and personal values or beliefs this trip too. One person that inspired me the most was a woman named Elizabeth. My first impression of her was that she was always positive, smiling and just happy in general. She picked us up on the first morning when going to the orphanage and looking at her, I couldn’t help but smile back. She went on to explain that she lived in the orphanage, taking care of a large amount of children, four sleeping in the same bed as her at night. Elizabeth has dedicated her life to taking care of these children and giving them a better life, which is what inspires me so much. What she does helps the community, orphaned children and heals her. I honestly believe that who she is and what she does will be imprinted in my mind and in my heart forever.<br />All in all, I think this trip not only changed me as a person, but also will change the way I live my life. I have been inspired to live life to the fullest and always stay positive, but most of all, never give up. When I came back from the trip, I felt like a whole different person, which sounds totally cliché, but is true. I feel like I have impacted the lives of these men, women and children and I hope to start a community service club at ISB in honor of the Siyakhula Center so that we can send money, clothes, toys and other items to show that we still remember and care for those there. I am so happy that I chose to go on this trip and I will always remember it.<br />