By Lillian Williams
When I think about school, the first thing my mind goes to is the work. The late nights stressing over the next assignment, the tears I have shed over the fear of failing, and the constant pressure I feel that both myself and my school system. Most of these feelings and the resulting skills I have learned over my many years of education has prepped me to go to college. This is the aspiration of most high school students, to get into college and further their lives. However, what is school to you?

Ask yourself this and after finding an answer, reflect and answer this: Does it benefit you, or your country? Before going to the private school EPOFT in the city of Rufisque if you would have asked me this question, I would have answered “Going to school means I can go to college to then get a job that sets me up for a successful life.” Which when asking what other people would want to do with their life after college, it would always be what they wanted to do. This ideology was then thrown out the window when the group stepped into the school.

The open air building brought peace and tranquility upon both the students and the teachers. Greeted by smiling faces in every classroom we went in, there were many students crowded into the rooms. At least 4 to a small desk and no AC to keep them cool. Even though you might be reading this and thinking that the quality of the materials reflects the quality of the students, you would be wrong. Education in the world is a special kind of power. The same symbols of chemistry equations on the blackboard in Senegal are the same that are being taught thousands of miles away in the large classroom in Puller at Christchurch School.

As someone with a complicated relationship with the school due to the constant change and bad relationship with my self and education, it was inspiring to see the dedication and light in the students eyes when we walked in on them listening intently to their teacher as they scribbled down notes. The question of why they are attending school was met with a simple answer: “For our country” This stuck me as I have never heard such a simple but intellectual answer to this very common question. This reflects the purpose of those who are so selfless, that when they think of their own education their mind goes to how they can benefit others.

With this, the nights of wishing I didn’t have to go to school anymore vanished. I realized the true power I have with my education. Instead of thinking about how I can benefit myself with my future, I now am reflecting on what I can do to help others. This can help me get through that long Humanities paper due, that math test that has been eating away at my brain for days, or that Lab Report that lurks over my existence. Dedication can not only help myself in the long run, but those around me as well. This has changed my outlook on life and how I spend my free time.

The next time I pick up my phone to doom scroll, my mind will flash back to that small classroom, those intellectual students, and those that are less fortunate and might not have access to such a great education. The privilege I have should not go into the black hole of nothingness I call the back of my brain. Putting down the phone and picking up the assignments in front of me is the shift that can make a difference for many in life. I would like to start this difference with myself in this world. I have seen in Senegal what the power of education can be.