Jessica Santiago, SAGE Team Member: The South Africa trip was truly a remarkable journey. Our SAGE team did extremely well, placing 2nd in the WORLD! I am still shocked, but our team really deserved it. We have worked so hard this year and it was nice to have all our hard work pay off. From tight competition to crazy, exhilarating safari to very late nights and bedtime stories; I leave South Africa very satisfied and happy.


I have created wonderful memories that I will always remember in my heart. I saw animals up-close, created new friends, and most importantly, left with a great sense of the African culture and spirit.

The moment I arrived, I immediately felt the happy spirit of the people in this country. The opening night for SAGE really impacted me when they put on a show of Africans dancing a cultural dance. They put all their emotion into a dance in which I felt I gained a great feeling of the South African culture. I sensed their spirit and pride for their country and was grateful for having them share a piece of their heart with me.

I am excited and thrilled to share my experiences with my family and friends because visiting Cape Town, South Africa was truly a trip of a lifetime.