University Student, English Teacher, Waitress, Cape Town, South Africa

Thoughtful and pragmatic, Ms. Abigail Reck really impressed me with a plan to leave her native African continent and travel solo to Europe, in order to work, save up and figure out next career steps. This high schooler just happened to graduate on the eve of 2020, right as the world was locking down. As such, a South African woman travels away from home for the first time, lands in the grey and rainy Amsterdam, and immediately goes into the global pandemic lockdown. Unsurprisingly, Ms. Reck lists that as one of the worst experiences of her life which she overcame and persevered through.

1. Name

Abigail Reck.

2. Where is your hometown?

Hermanus, South Africa. 

3. What is your profession/career/title/self-label/designation? What does your average day look like?

University student, English teacher and a waitress.

4. What did you study in school?

I am currently studying social work.

5. What was the journey like to get where you are (in life and career-wise)? Write about some of the achievements that you are most proud of. What was the moment for you that changed your life (in your personal life and/or career?) that set you on the current path in life?

I think spending two years in Europe (in the Netherlands and Belgium) straight after school changed my life. This experience made me more self -aware, taught me responsibility, how to budget and how to be comfortable being alone.

Unlike other friends my age, at 17 or 18, I had no idea what I wanted to do after school. I did not know where or what to study, so ultimately, I decided to go on a working gap year. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I not only had the opportunity to explore different countries in Europe , make international friends, taste amazing food, meet my long term boyfriend, but I also had the opportunity to learn a lot about myself.

I learned that I am adaptable, determined and a natural caregiver.  Half way into my gap year I decided to reach out to my biological birth mother; for this I had to do through the adoption agency. This effort just made me realize just how lucky I was with the family I ended up with. Although we may not be related by blood, we are a family in every sense of the word - I truly love them! Going through this proccess sparked my interest in studying social work and someday working for an adoption agency and helping children find great homes. I felt I could really help families and children to connect to one another. After my eventful year abroad, I applied to study social work at Unisa and returned to do a second year au pairing in Belgium.

6. How is your life different from what you pictured at 20?

I am still in my 20s, but I always knew from about age 15 or 16 that I wanted to take a gap year. All my friends knew exactly what they wanted to study and in what direction they saw their lives heading, but I didn’t. I found it very daunting that at age 17 we are expected to pick a career, a degree to invest in, and apply for university without working a single day.

Instead of picking a degree I wasn’t sure about, I decided to spend some time in Europe au pairing. I hoped to do a bit of soul searching and find something I was passionate about to study.

At the end of my time in the Netherlands, I knew what I wanted to study.

7. Was there a time when life knocked you down or out and how did you get back up on your feet?

Yes, I can think of two separate occasions of when I was at my lowest, but how I got back up again was thanks to my friends and family. I have a great support system that always brings me back up.

8. Advice for other women?

Everyone is on their own unique journey in life and you cannot compare yours to anyone else’s.

9. Where in the world do you feel “tallest” (i.e. where is your happy place)?

While travelling and exploring new countries, towns, and cities.

10. What extracurricular activities/hobbies are you most proud of? Why?

I like to go swimming in the ocean, hiking, crocheting, watching movies , cooking/baking and exploring.

While in Belgium, I was proud to finish my first year of university, I also taught English lessons part-time while looking after two kids and did extra cleaning for the first host family (they lived in a four story house). I agreed to do extra cleaning which I was told would take an extra two to three hours per day; it turned out to be six hours and I was working 50-60-hr weeks. I was exploited and suffered from a massive burn out. This is an unfortunate reality for many au pairs living abroad and this topic might pique your interest to write more in-depth.

I stepped completely outside my comfort zone and it was so rewarding. I highly recommend travelling solo to everyone, especially women. Travelling solo aided me in being comfortable with myself and learning more about myself.

12. What do you want to be when you grow up? Future goals/challenges?

I would like to complete my degree in Social Work.

13. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?

The fear of failing without even trying first.

15. What/who inspires you?

My sister, she lives her life in the most authentic way.

16. What are you hopeful about?

I am hopeful about the future and whatever adventure is next for me.

17. What are some ingredients to a good life? How did the global pandemic change your perspective about the world, about your life, your goals and dreams?

COVID period was hard for me, although compared to others, I had an easier time. In The Netherlands, during lockdown, everything was closed except for grocery stores; I was alone with nothing to do. There was a period when I was by myself for 10 days. My host family was away, my boyfriend was 1.5 hrs away and it was the worst experience of my life. I spent 10 days suffering from seasonal weather sadness (coming from the sunny Cape Town) and no human contact. I had never been alone by myself for so long. Although I tried to keep busy with yoga, running and painting, I cried everyday, wishing I wasn't so alone. This happened in a suburb of Amsterdam, a one story, small house. This also happened when COVID first hit, in April 2020.

Through pandemic, I learned how to be comfortable being alone and making myself happy first, before expecting anyone else to do it for me.

19. What are you reading now? (what books do you gift most and what are your favourite reads?)

A Year in Provence, by Peter Mayle. Furthermore, I like reading psychology, travel, and crime fiction books.

20. Where can others find you/your work (links to websites, blogs, etc.)?

You can find me in Instagram @abigailkreck

Bonus Quick Round Qs:

 1. What and who is worth suffering for? My family

2. What would you do if you knew that nobody would judge you? I wouldn’t bite my tongue when someone is being inexcusably rude and disrespectful to me.

3. Who is/are your mentor/s (these could be men or women in your life)? My parents

4. If you didn't have to work anymore what would you do with your days? I would do volunteer work with animals and spend more time baking.

5. What bothers you most about people? What do you love most about people? I hate it when people are unnecessarily rude. I love the kindness found in some people, who do things with others without expecting anything in return.