Hey!  My name is Erica.  I'm not so new anymore, but I'm definitely still learning the ropes here at WhizzKids United.  I arrived about four weeks ago and have been busy getting acquainted with life here in South Africa.  I'm especially pleased to enjoy the warm weather after a month of snow back home!

I'm here at WhizzKids United completing an internship for my Masters in Social Work.  I had the pleasure of working with an AIDS organization for over a year back home in Alabama during undergrad.  This experience sparked my interest in AIDS prevention and education.  So much so that when it was time to decide on an internship, I decided I would try my hand at AIDS work internationally...so here I am!

The past four weeks have been a whirlwind of wonderfully new experiences.  I have spent a good bit of my time working out at the relatively new Health Academy in Edendale.  I've also just returned from my first conference here in South Africa about youth and behaviors that put them at risk, which is  great considering my limited  knowledge on issues specific to South African youth.  It has been great getting to know people around Durban and Edendale.  Of course my experiences aren't just limited to work.  I've already enjoyed some of South Africa's beautiful beaches, tasty restaurants and over-sized malls! 

This is shaping up to be a memorable experience.  I can't wait to see what the next few months have in store!