Richland Collegiate High School Senegal Trip

“Bonjour” were the first words that I heard when I landed on the amazing soil of Senegal. This was a life-changing experience that I would not change for anything in my life to this point. The opportunity to visit such a special and historical place was unbelievable then, and almost still is now! Having the opportunity to visit Dakar was incomparable to downtown Dallas.

Senegal is a country of attractive, friendly and outgoing people, among whom the tall and stately Wolof is renowned. Senegalese are jubilant and proud citizens that welcome tourists in such a delightful way, that the moment of departure becomes a sad one. The vibrant colors, the multitude of people, and the smiling faces welcomed me and made me feel at home even though I was thousands of miles away. Walking down from the airplane I felt a warm environment that invited me to explore and want to learn more about this culture that already had my interest.

Attending a cultural studies class, which focused on the Senegalese culture, was the initial preparation to learning the basics that would connect us on the actual visit. The class provided me with a great amount of useful information that prepared us understand such a singular culture. I felt prepared to meet the people, yet it was shocking to actually encounter the Senegalese way of living.

Staying in Dakar for three days was just the beginning of this educational and engaging journey. The early morning ferry ride took me to a very touching and meaningful trip to Goree Island. Seeing the island from the ferry reminded me of my own beautiful treasure, the Enchanted Island of the Caribbean, in Puerto Rico. Nevertheless, once I arrived, the goose bumps were indescribable. The beautiful sand that covered my feet was once the sand that covered the feet of unforgotten slaves. Walking in their steps was touching and made me realize that the African blood is part of my own heritage. It is amazing how the connections made me aware of the realities that I had read about in history books, but now I can actually talk about and share the real experience of actually being on such a stunning but striking island.

The slave house was opened for me to visit and I could almost visualize and feel the roots of slavery hundreds of years ago. It was so powerful and intriguing that we became part of this exquisite environment. It displayed an unfortunate stage of history, yet without it, the world would not be what it is today. Diversity and equality wouldn’t have come about in our society. The meaning of slavery will always be a reality to me and will never go away as time passes.

The highlight of the trip for me was the sight of people in Dakar waiting for my arrival at the village with open arms. They were joyous to see us even though they no idea of who we really were or what we really thought; it was not of their concern. Sauntering through the crowd and becoming one of them was so delightful; I forgot that I was not home. They were so happy to see us and they treated us with such respect, honor and dedication, that I was amazed at being in another continent with people unknown to me. How wonderful they made me feel! These individual wore their best clothes and showed their appreciation for our college in such meaningful ways. Their courteousness put in perspective the real necessities of life.

The dining experience was amazing. Eating out of a communal bowl, trying the nut of friendship was as though we were taking part in a vow of friendship that many do not appreciate. The exquisite cuisine made everyone’s mouth water.. The gift giving and the dancing ceremonies were so powerful and prevailing that leaving was not even thought about. I just wanted to be a Senegalese and learn more about them each moment.

We left the village and anticipated what was coming next in Saint Louis. The faculty and staff of Ameth Fall High School were anxiously waiting for us to arrive. The moment we were all waiting for soon became a reality. Our pen pals and staff were expecting us, but finally seeing and meeting Khairy and Mary gave me such joy. The desire that they conveyed was more than I could have ever imagined. There are no words that can describe the moment of fulfillment that I felt at this time. The intelligence and level of aptitude of these students was so elevated that I felt minute. At all times they were geared up to achieve a higher level of education. Their sweet smiling faces conveyed happiness and a positive attitude to those around. The jovial behavior was astonishing beyond anything that I had ever seen.

I know that their life is so difficult in comparison to mine, yet their humbleness and longing to succeed was incredible. How thankful should we all be for what we have! Even though we may be underprivileged, we should still be able to demonstrate appreciation and care for the world.

I am a toubab (name for a person of European descent) but a part of my heart will always live in Senegal. I had not planned to feel what I felt, but my heart will never be the same. I have changed my way of thinking and I appreciate every second of life. High regard and a profound feeling of admiration are the bow that I will forever hold my brothers and sisters in Senegal and I together. It is my plan to return one day and teach anyone that comes my way about the significance of this unforgettable journey. My life was changed and anyone who goes there will have the same unforgettable feeling that I will always cherish in my heart.

This was truly the most unforgettable event that I have ever participated in. I was honored to have been chosen to participate on this trip. There is not one day that I do not think about this trip. There are events in your life that leave a lasting impression on you and this was certainly one of them. On this trip I made some memories that I will never forget.

At first, before we left, I was not sure of what to expect. I was excited about going even though I was not sure what to expect on the other side of the ocean. I believe that our stop in France only enhanced the experience. It was a beautiful place with many things to see and I hope to visit again at least once more in my lifetime.

After visiting Paris we then flew from a beautiful place with a thriving economy to a place that merely seemed dirty and financially unstable. Nevertheless, its beautiful people with wonderful hospitality is the reason I would like to go back numerous times. Not just once. There are many sights that I would love to see when I go back but I would be lying if I said that was the reason I will go back. The reason is because of the warmth and hospitality expressed by the beautiful Senegalese. They are the reason I plan on visiting more than just once.

I will not forget about these memories but I do plan on coming back to make more!

When we were just talking about Senegal, I was extremely excited to be able to have the opportunity to take a trip like that. I was not scared at all, but when the day came…I was terrified. I was terrified because I did not know what to expect. Yes, we took the class but now we were about to see it first hand. The moment we set foot into Senegal, West Africa you could already feel the change and the difference in culture. Senegal is rich in culture. We could tell in the people’s eyes that they were either excited or shocked to see us, but they welcomed us with open arms.

When we arrived at the hotel we were overwhelmed with shock because it looked like hotels that we have here in America. Three other girls and I had the privilege of staying in a huge hotel suite. We went crazy when we saw how big it was. I, personally, have not stayed in a hotel room that big. It was more like the size of an apartment.

There was always the expected drama. At one point we were working with at most four hours of sleep. We were cranky and we were snapping at each other. We always made up because we knew that in order for us to get the best out of this trip, we had to come together as one and get along. This trip really pulled me closer to the others. I believe that I have made lifelong friendships with everyone that went.

Dr. Sherry Dean was our teacher in the fall semester. She really helped us prepare for this trip. Without her we would not have been able to have this amazing experience. Dr. Edney learned how to act and treat people in Senegal without a problem. The rest of us had to take an entire class. She really made the trip fun for us. These two beautiful ladies were just like our mothers. I called them “Mama Bears.” Of course we cannot forget the big man on campus. Before we went on the trip I knew Richland College president’s name, but I never had the pleasure of meeting him. He was warm, kind, and very caring. He watched out for us and made sure that we were always okay. He was like a second father to us. We really love him.

The most touching moment on this trip was Gorée Island. When the tour guide took us around the island and was telling us the history of the island, it almost brought us to tears. Hearing the pain and torture my ancestors went through because of the color of their skin was horrifying. This was the place that really made me grateful for what I have no matter how big or how small it is. It really makes you cherish life because you never know how long your life is going to be. Live to love and love to live. That is truly how you have to look at life. Not many people understand that, but visiting a place like Gorée Island will make you understand that.

Take time to sit back and think about how blessed we truly are. Think about the little things we take for granted. Think about the food that we throw away. The little Talibés would love to have what we take for granted and throw away as a simple day’s meal. Sometimes these little boys can go days without eating and probably even weeks. All they do is beg for money on the streets. So the next time you take anything for granted, ask yourself how fortunate you are to have whatever you are taking for granted.

Live. Laugh. Love.

Being a member of the African America race, the idea of a going-home trip back to Africa was deeply embedded inside of me. However, when I was young, I believed this was only a dream. I thought I could only achieve this in my dreams or later on in life, but I never thought that I could do it at the age of 17 going on 18.When I first found out about the trip a year ago, secretly called “Home Coming,” I was in unbelief, sitting in front of my computer with tears running down my eyes. Home Coming was actually going to happen, I thought to myself. Also, I began to feel deeply touched that my high school would want to visit a third world country like Senegal rather then places like Paris, London, and Italy.

Another reason this trip was important to me was the fact that I got to visit the Island of Goree. Goree was mainly known for being the main place for exporting Africans to North America. So, this trip allowed me to retrace historical steps back to Africa.

Each time I was asked how I felt about going to Africa, I immediately said, “I am going to go see my people.” When I finally got there, the feeling was like no other. I was happy and excited to not only see but also meet the people of Senegal, Africa. The people were so educated, beautiful, nice, and most of all very welcoming. In a couple of days of arriving, we visited a village, and the hospitality was unbelievable.

Also, I learned how truly blessed I am to be a young African American and offered a free education. The women in the village were not offered the same opportunities but had to give up education to take care of their families. Later, we went to see our sister school, Ameth Falls High School. There I learned the meaning of the saying “the more you know, the farther you will go.” Each of these girls knew more than one language and has taken higher math and science courses. In addition, the high schools in Senegal are very well-rounded. They put importance on knowing the significant contributors in each field they study.

However, before our trip to the high school, we visited Goree Island and walked through a house which held the enslaved Africans.Our guide described to our group what happened in each room, who was put in each room and how they suffered. Toward the end of the tour, he stated that all of these things happened underneath what we would call hotel rooms today. Also, he stated while the enslaved people below would scream in horror, the people above would live their lives like the noises were normal or as if nothing was happening.

Throughout the house, tears and blood were shed. Their blood stained the walls and the people who died and stayed there will be forever echoed throughout that house. However, this time I hope we choose to hear these voices and not let them go unheard. For these brave, educated, beautiful Africans did not die in vain and they should be remembered.

I shed tears throughout that tour, but however no one could have prepared me for the Door of No Return. This was the last look for slaves to see the land of Africa before they would be shipped off to their next and final destination. This sight was terrifying in my eyes because of the fact the slaves walked through it, my people walked through it. Walking through that meant they were officially purchased and were told they not return through those doors or they would be shot and killed. Through my eyes, this could be seen as the last walk a prisoner takes before being executed, with death echoing through their head. This sight made me grieve for my ancestors and for the battle they had ahead of them.

Finally, as I took my last look at the Door of No Return, I felt peace. As this happened, my principal came and talked to me and gave me some words of encouragement. As she was speaking it was like my ancestors were there and were speaking through her. They were saying that they shed blood, sweat and tears, but these things did not and will not go unheard because of their spiritual songs, literature, and arts. They are being heard from generation to generation, from west Africa to North America and to the rest of the world.

Through out history, African children have often been taught only the French perspective of the African history.  Sadly, often many of them accept the French perspective as truth and choose not to look past it. However, yesterday, going to Cours Ste. Marie de Haan, a school which educates grade kindergarten up to the first two years of college with almost 100% graduation rate, teaches the insiders perspective.  This perspective gives one the understanding of Africa as a continent. The underlining fact is that Africans are divers in plenty of ways, so as a result African literature is functional. African literature is functional because every piece has a meaning or a purpose to teach about ones personal story of the political reign during their period of time. In addition, the youth did not only learn about their individual history but they learned about others. For instance, walking down the hall during the tour of the school and noting that each door had a name, the guide pointed out that each one was named after an important person in history. While noticing the names, some were about people from Asia, Europe, North America, South America, just to name a few. Also, many of their students often gave me some history about each individual. Plus, many regions of the campus had globes and not just of their country, nor just their continent but all seven continents of the world including yours and mine.     

Today we took a trip to the historical island of Gorée. Gorée was the center of the western slave trade. This was the last place that the slaves saw before they were shipped off to other countries like livestock. This island contained “The Door of No Return” which was the door the slaves went through when being transferred to other parts of the world, their last glimpse of their homeland. Being on this island was very hard for me because every step I took could have been the same steps my ancestors took. Hearing the stories of what my ancestors went through and seeing their living conditions in the slave houses stirred up many emotions within me. As much as I felt like crying, I could not let the tears out because they suffered and died for a purpose and that purpose is so that their descendants could live and have a better life than they did. This is what I truly believe. So many things were running through everyone’s mind today while we were on the island and their feelings were expressed in different ways. I hope that everyone one will have the chance to visit Gorée Island before they die! I know that everyone will be touched and will come off of the island a changed person! This was a very educational and heartwarming experience!

After taking off from Dallas, we landed in Houston for a short layover, then landed in Paris, France for a 7.5 hour layover. During our layover, the Senegal team ate at an authentic French creperie where several of the students ate their 1st crepe! This also allowed the team to practice speaking some French prior to landing in Dakar. Who knew that merely being in a foreign airport could be such a cultural experience – more on that later.

It is now 4:00 a.m. here in Dakar. All the students have settled quietly in their rooms to get a few hours of rest before setting out at 10:00 a.m. for an official visit to a girls’ high school in Dakar. Our official program liason in Senegal, Karim Gueye, has done an outstanding  job of preparing our Senegalese hosts and program activities. We love Karim already!

Rest well,

Kristyn & Sherry

Today is the last day I will be in Texas until December 22nd. Although I am nervous about leaving my family, home, and my second home – RCHS, I know that our students will be well taken care of by the remaining RCHS team. We will keep you posted as we continue on our trip to Africa.
- Kristyn

We’re pretty excited!