By Namiyah Andrews

Traveling is something I always wanted to do. Going new places, exploring unique cultures and experiences the scenery we see on Pintesrt. So when I realized I had the opportunity to do this at CCS, I was scared, surprisingly. I told myself I was too young and tricked myself into thinking I was ready to do something I have been dreaming of.

However, when 11th grade rolls around, and I finally had my chance to go, I took it. Originally, I wanted to go the Guatemala, or Spain, and Senegal wasn’t even in my mind. That was until my mom saw the trip and she said I should go on that trip. At first, I said no because I have never really heard of the place nor if it offered the experiences I wanted. Eventually, I was like whatever, and took it just as an opportunity to travel.

Now, Senegal was not what I was expecting. The kindness, gratitude, generosity, mindfulness, and pure form of selflessness and compassion was not things I thought I would experience during this time. Never would I imagine myself being welcomed into families like I was at one of them or greeted by herds of children just wanting to play or hold my hands, which freaked me out cause I am not a touchy person. Nevertheless, I would never thought about the possibility of such pure love and joy all in one place.

Never would I imagine seen nor experienced the pride one has in its faith, and country even if they have a dark and intense history. I have always believed that we should be truthful and honest about ourselves and background despite the flaws. Senegal has upheld that idea to the max with its tolerance for religion and coming to terms with its background and then owning and using it as motivation to better itself. Unlike most places who just cover it up like a bandage.

Never would I have imagined the power of a smile. I smile a-lot, playing sport, talking to others, or just whenever I can’t express my emotions. I smile out of habit, not of genuine happiness, but as a way to acknowledge a situation or person. So, I have never thought it had importance until now. I don’t speak the language here, so interacting was a challenge. I did the one thing I knew how to do, I smiled. I smiled at the others as a greeting, as silent thanks or to sparks conversation. The reaction I got however was very different than I thought. The people responded with smile of their own but they were different. They had a type of purity and personality I didn’t think could happen with just showing off your teeth. However, these smiles held a warmth that expressed the essence of contentment. It was refreshing and cool to see how despite the pain, struggle or just negativity, in general, around they held their hearts and heads high with their smiles in balance and abundance.

Overall, Senegal now holds a special place in my heart with its vase spread of lessons, experiences, knowledge ready to be shared and abilities make anyone feel welcome and valued. It holds a different type of air and meaning thats will be unique and unforgettable for years to come.