Hoyas are no strangers to service, but while many help out communities here in Washington, D.C., one junior put service into action halfway around the world. Danielle Tappitake (SFS ’07) took her junior year off and worked from December to May at the Angkor Hospital for Children in the small town of Siem Reap, Cambodia. Now, back on the Hilltop and taking six classes to make up for time spent abroad, Tappitake says she may make the trip back to Cambodia after graduating.

What was a typical day like working in Cambodia?

I woke up at 6 a.m. and had breakfast on a porch that overlooked palm trees. I rode my scooter to work along dirt roads. On a typical day at the hospital, I had three main responsibilities: going through applications for volunteers [at the hospital], acting as a liaison between the hospital and volunteers who were coming in – picking them up at the airport, answering their questions and leading them around the town. I also helped out with the beginnings of [the hospital’s public relations] department. I gave tours of the hospital and talked to tourists who came to visit. The hospital is the first teaching hospital in Cambodia. It’s a pretty ambitious project.

So you had a previous interest in international health?

No, actually. I was looking to gain experience working with a [Non-Governmental Organization] in a developing country, and I found out about the hospital through a friend of a friend. It seemed like [the hospital] had a support system. I felt like I could trust them. Now I want to go into international health.

What kind of culture shock did you encounter while in Cambodia?

A lot of the culture shock was a good thing. I’m from New York City, so it was very different. I had to get used to small town life – you go to the same grocer every day, you see the same people every day. Cambodians are very friendly, and there’s a sense of community that I hadn’t experienced in a long time. . The important things are still marriages, births of children and religious holidays; otherwise, time proceeds slowly.

What about the weather?

It was very hot. I’d read in elementary school about people who cover up because of the heat. That always seemed like a weird concept to me, but the Cambodians did this. You’d wear long sleeves and hats all the time because it was so hot. You’d wake up and be sweating because of the heat.

What did you miss most about the United States while abroad?

I missed being able to pick up a phone and call my family. Phone service is $1 per minute there and calling was always very difficult.

What do you miss about Cambodia now that you’re back?

I miss a lot. Angkor Wat, the ruins of the ancient Angkor civilization, was very near to the small town where I worked. Sometimes on the weekends I’d go with Cambodian nurses from the hospital that I’d made friends with. We’d all ride our motos out to Angkor Wat and picnic in front of it.

What are your plans and goals for the future?

If the hospital has the funding, I might go back and work for them. I’m interested in working in a developing country. . I really loved Cambodia, so I might go back there. I really liked the sense of community and simpler life [in Cambodia], so I’d like to find a job that puts me in a place like that and helps me put my background and skills to use to help alleviate poverty.

And how has it been being back at Georgetown?

It’s different. I see people I thought were freshman, and they’re like, “We’re juniors now.”

– Interview by Kerry McIntosh