This picture is the sunset on our first full day in Senegal. It’s one of my favorites because after a trying travel ordeal to Dakar, this was the moment when I left all of that in the mirror and immersed myself in life in Senegal. Taken from the balcony outside my bedroom, I enjoyed the natural beauty of the location, w/ its close proximity to the ocean, and the view I had of Dakar, especially landmarks like the African Renaissance Monument. I spent several nights watching this exact scene and processing my thoughts on our intimate experience within vibrant Senegalese culture to reflect on in our journal assignments. This is the view from the top of the hill on Goree Island, a current Senegalese community and former slave-trading location. Along with once again exhibiting the natural beauty w/in Senegal, I appreciate this picture because it recalls one of the most personally important days of the trip for many of us. The heaviness of the history of Goree Island allowed me to see the slavery process from a different perspective, thereby drastically increasing my understanding of it. Observing the location where Africans were forcibly sent from their homeland across the Atlantic to be exploited will stick with me forever ad represents an essential learning experience.I love this picture because it encapsulates the relationships we built and connection established with Senegal’s culture. Most of the people we interacted with, including the 2 Waranka schoolteachers pictured above, went out of their way to welcome us to their country and make us feel a part of its exceptionally strong community. I especially value the experience we had at Waranka and the memories made in interacting with the children and teachers, which I will be always grateful for.
Senegal: Culture and Service