You're probably thinking (like my mother): Why Niomi? Why Africa?
Good question! I wanted to study abroad in Africa because I wanted the opportunity to learn something, or maybe more specifically to be taught something different. I didn't want a generic experience, I did not want to go on vacation, I did not want to "find my roots", or do random tribal dances to feel cool. I wanted to do the thing that everyone else (in NYC) thought was uncool, and I DEFINITELY wanted to put an end to the STUPID stereotypes that as soon as you touch down in anywhere other than S. Africa, you catch a disease -_-. I know, its 2013 and that is still a main concern for some people.
Well let's make a long story short, shall we?
My big plan to study abroad in Africa took many turns. I met a friend at college named Ivy Ochieng who convinced me Kenya was the way to go (naturally, because she was Kenyan). I did research, I spoke to the study abroad office, and I did all the basic footwork; but I just couldn't find the time to fit study abroad in between classes, career goals, internships, financial aid woes, and all the many, many concerns of the avg. college student. I really wasn't sure if I would be able to make this happen. >> FAST FORWARD TO LAST SEMESTER
Last semester I met Prof. Mark Orrs. How? Well, to tell you the truth I saw his course listed in an email first and saved it because I thought it sounded interesting, and I eventually wanted to find out more. Then suddenly, as if through divine intervention, I went to a Malaria talk hosted by none other than Mark Orrs! Well, I'm a shy person. So here I was, knowing I wanted to talk to this professor about his class and instead I just ... kind of ...left. Oh! But the hands of fate would not let me stop there. Eventually I sent the e-mail that landed me in Prof. Orrs' office talking about his new course. I listen, it sounds amazing. Why? Because it's different than anything I've ever done and it's open to anyone! Then he says the magic word, Zambia! At least... I think it was Zambia, I can't even remember anymore at this point.
Anyway-
He says Zambia, I think: Well its not Kenya, but it's the closest shot I've got right now. So I'm on it. We discuss details, and I make a big decisions to push back one of my required courses to fit class into my schedule. What is college for if you can't experiment out of your comfort zone? At this point anyway, I'm running on ambition. Time goes by and divine intervention kicks in one last time to say we are no longer going to Zambia, we're going to Kenya.
We're going to... we're going... KENYA!?!
Well, there you go. It's like a dream come true honestly. I didn't think it was possible, I wasn't quite sure I'd ever get the opportunity and here it is. So maybe to some people this is a unique experience, but to me? It's pretty much everything I've ever wanted out of college. You can bet I'll cry the day it happens; in fact the idea is so surreal to me I'm not even sure I believe we will actually make it there. At this moment, I'm overwhelmed with an emotion that surpasses gratitude. And it's not just the trip to Kenya that does it, but the purpose behind the class as well. We're not going for vacation or even really for service. We're making an effort to understand what life is like for other people and hoping to help improve their quality of life through the means and resources available to them. That's the simplest way (I can think of) to convey an idea that is more complex than we will probably be able to uncover.
My personal goal for this entire class is to learn everything I can, to especially learn the story of another person, and of course the optimum goal is to help in someway, somehow.
This class means a lot to me, it's giving me a chance to pursue a goal that seemed intangible. For that, I'm hoping to give my all to my team and our project. Moreover, I hope that our team is able to give back to the community that we will be working with in a positive way.
