Saryah Colbert is a senior at UC San Diego majoring in Global Health with a passion for holistic healing, entrepreneurship, and global wellness. She is the founder of the Appealing Healing Wellness Foundation, where she hosts wellness programs focusing on meditation, yoga, and healing education. Her experiences range from running a business to leading nutrition and wellness workshops in South Africa, to managing social media content and storytelling for impactful projects.
The South African Urban Food and Farming Trust (SAUFFT) works to create sustainable, equitable, and resilient urban food systems. They support urban farmers with resources, training, and infrastructure, while addressing food insecurity by connecting communities with fresh, affordable food. SAUFFT fosters collaboration among farmers, activists, and policymakers, promotes sustainable farming practices, and raises awareness through education and events like the Food Indaba which empowers communities.
For her Field Experience, she interned with the South African Urban Food and Farming Trust (SAUFFT) in Cape Town. She collaborated with farmers, activists, and food systems experts to support sustainable urban agriculture and community food security initiatives. Her routine included organizing wellness workshops, conducting interviews with farmers and policymakers, and contributing to the Food Indaba program. She received training in community engagement, storytelling, and sustainable food systems, while honing skills in program coordination, public speaking, and cultural sensitivity.
During her experience, Saryah faced several challenges that tested her resilience and adaptability. Early in her internship, she was pickpocketed, losing her phone and wallet, which made navigating daily tasks difficult. Despite this, she learned to rely on resourcefulness and community support, efficiently managing work and transportation without a phone for two weeks. Another challenge was adjusting to cultural nuances while building trust with local farmers and community members. She approached this with active listening, humility, and open communication, which allowed her to forge meaningful connections. Additionally, balancing her responsibilities in organizing workshops, conducting interviews, and contributing to the Food Indaba program within tight timeframes required effective time management and problem-solving. These experiences strengthened her ability to stay present under pressure, adapt to unexpected situations & find creative solutions, which became invaluable lessons for personal growth.
"From my Field Experience, I brought back invaluable lessons and cherished memories. I forged deep, lasting friendships with my colleagues, who have become lifelong connections and sources of support. I also learned Xhosa, which helped me engage more meaningfully with the community and deepen my appreciation of South African culture and traditions. Immersing myself in the local way of life through shared meals, rituals, and community activities—allowed me to integrate into the culture and form genuine bonds. These experiences taught me the importance of community, resilience, and cultural sensitivity. The connections I made and the lessons I learned continue to inspire my work and personal growth."
Overall, Saryah highly encourages students to study abroad! Currently, she is applying the lessons from her FE wellness initiatives on campus, hosting workshops and collaborating with organizations to promote holistic health, much like she did during her internship. Additionally, she is integrating sustainable food systems and cultural sensitivity into her studies, inspired by her work with farmers and activists in South Africa, to further advocate for equity.
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