Pena Nelumbu

So this project has especially been educative, as I now have the possible idea on what was done to prevent future outbreaks of Listeriosis after the one we had, of which the possibility is to develop protective meat cultures among other precautions that can be taken to ensure food safety and the health of consumers. I am glad that this is knowledge that I get to walk away with and apply it wherever possible in future endeavors. This internship has given me the opportunity to comprehend the theory I had learned around Listeria monocytogenes in medical microbiology into a practical aspect. I worked in a team of very helpful and supportive individuals who all willingly helped me with the project. The work environment was very conducive, and the atmosphere relaxed which is a great environment for learning. Lastly, I have learned to be a responsible individual as I never really had a superior to tell me when to do my work but they expected me to deliver, I am glad I could take responsibility and ownership of my work.

My Swiss host family

I had and lived with the Niederer’s as my host family. It has been a great pleasure knowing them, they are very caring, supportive and loved to engage with me on different aspects such as my life in Namibia, my studies and my family. They often took me out on excursions around Switzerland, and at most they invited the other Namibian interns to accompany us. I have learned a lot about Switzerland from them, the most interesting for me was the reasons behind the Swiss climate. From them I now know that family is not only through blood relations but rather through kindness and acceptance of other people.

Highlights and challenges in Switzerland

My time in Switzerland has been nothing short of amazing and I can gladly say that I did not encounter any challenges while living here. I had the opportunity to visit three of the most famous mountains in Switzerland i.e. Titlis, Klein Matterhorn and mount Rigi, visiting these mountains brought along my first cable car experience which was amazing. I loved that I could feel safe here in Switzerland no matter the hour of the day, I never had to fear things like robbery which is an everyday problem in Namibia. The transport system is incredible and very reliable, this made my many tours around Switzerland possible, it’s probably the most efficient in the world.

My future plans

I plan to complete my course at the Namibia University of Science and Technology and graduate with an honors degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences, thereafter I would love to specialize in two of my favorite fields which are Medical Microbiology and Hematology. If ever I am presented an opportunity to work in the food industry as a microbiologist, I will gladly grab it.

Personal message

You will never know how amazing something is until you conquer your worst fears and give it a try, every opportunity you are presented with, be sure to take it.