Nothing like Kalamazoo in April. Last Sunday was a beautiful day. I spent all afternoon in a tank top out on the quad in the sunshine doing reading. Last week was chilly, but not cold. I wore jeans and short-sleeved tops with sweaters. This morning I woke up and looked out my window, and there was snow on the ground. It wasn't just snowing and melting when the snowflakes landed--there was already at least an inch. By the time I finished my 8:30 class, there were about three inches and more was coming. By the time my 10:00 class was over, it had stopped snowing and all the snow was melting. At 4, when my last class ended, there was no snow and hardly any puddles. Michigan is confused.
On the bright side, it's been so long since I've been around snow that it's pretty exciting for me.
I love my college. I love that no matter where I am on campus, I will probably run into someone I know, we will be thrilled to see each other, and we will try to catch up. I feel like I always have things to do and people to see. I'm just so happy here. That feeling I had freshman year, when I would walk down Academy street and look up at the trees and brick buildings and just grin? It's still there, just as fresh as ever.
The circus performance last weekend went really well. The audiences loved it, and we collected over $250 in donations, which is going to SenCirk (the circus group I worked with in Senegal)! They were so welcoming and wonderful to me, I'm thrilled that I can do something to support them. I feel like they're deserving of the money because they let anyone join the troupe. They teach people skills and allow them to earn money in an economy with a 50% unemployment rate. It's pretty amazing, and they're a remarkably talented group. To top it all, they're warm-hearted, generous, funny, welcoming, and enthusiastic.
I'm loving my classes. I've gotten to a point in my studies of Africa where I understand enough that I feel like I'm looking at a jigsaw puzzle. I can see the pieces, and I feel like they should fit together, but everyone is so set on jamming the pieces in that they've gotten warped and broken. Thinking about what makes government fail in Africa literally keeps me up at night. It's sort of a cool feeling, to have developed a passion like that for my studies.
I'm so content with my life. Hopefully spring will come soon and make it even better.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Sorry for the long delay
Life has been gratifyingly busy here. I haven't been very inspired to post, because life at K seems too relatable and easy compared to life in Senegal. In Senegal I was always inspired to write because I wanted to paint a picture of what was happening with me for my friends and family. Here, I think people can already imagine pretty well.
Here's a brief life update though:
Classes are going really well. So far, I'm enjoying each of them a lot. Even the homework I've had has been fun for me. I think I should be able to get some good grades this quarter, which would be nice.
Circus is in full swing. We have a show next weekend, so this week is tech week. Monday is a two-hour tech rehearsal, and Tues, Wed, Thurs are each 4-hr rehearsals. I'm loving spending so much time with people I adore, doing things I love. I'm kicking myself into shape as quickly as possible right now, hoping that using the blue silk rather than the white one (super elastic vs inelastic) won't be too hard.
My summer is slowly getting scheduled. It looks like I'll be working for the Poverty Reduction Initiative in Kalamazoo, which should be a great experience. I'm hoping to use what I learn at PRI as my senior thesis research. I'm also hoping that I can do my senior thesis in the summer, so I won't have to worry about it during the school year.
Overall, things are going very well. I'm hoping to have time this summer to go camping with my family and to visit Caleb in the lovely Caribbean, and it looks like both will be possible. I'm loving life and having a great time. This week will be a challenge, but I'm looking forward to it.
Here's a brief life update though:
Classes are going really well. So far, I'm enjoying each of them a lot. Even the homework I've had has been fun for me. I think I should be able to get some good grades this quarter, which would be nice.
Circus is in full swing. We have a show next weekend, so this week is tech week. Monday is a two-hour tech rehearsal, and Tues, Wed, Thurs are each 4-hr rehearsals. I'm loving spending so much time with people I adore, doing things I love. I'm kicking myself into shape as quickly as possible right now, hoping that using the blue silk rather than the white one (super elastic vs inelastic) won't be too hard.
My summer is slowly getting scheduled. It looks like I'll be working for the Poverty Reduction Initiative in Kalamazoo, which should be a great experience. I'm hoping to use what I learn at PRI as my senior thesis research. I'm also hoping that I can do my senior thesis in the summer, so I won't have to worry about it during the school year.
Overall, things are going very well. I'm hoping to have time this summer to go camping with my family and to visit Caleb in the lovely Caribbean, and it looks like both will be possible. I'm loving life and having a great time. This week will be a challenge, but I'm looking forward to it.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Changes
You may have noticed some changes to my blog. The name, for example (Thanks for the suggestion, Jeff!). At Mom's request, I'll continue posting on here from time to time. I'll try to focus mostly on my re-integration, culture shock, and processing my study abroad experience. Of course, that will also involve a lot of talking about what's going on in my life now.
To start, I'm back in Kalamazoo. I am moved in to a house right next to campus (yay!) in a cozy room on the first floor. I'm living with three other girls, two of whom I didn't know before moving in. My room is the only one on the first floor, so I have the downstairs bathroom to myself. My room is already feeling very home-y, which has made me excited about living there this quarter.
One challenge I'm facing now: I'm always cold. The cold of Kalamazoo (should be freezing or below all week) is compounded by the fact that one of my housemates wants to keep our thermostat at 65 or below, plus the fact that I'm still accustomed to warm weather! My feet haven't been warm since I stepped off the plane in Detroit, I'm pretty sure. Just to make things more interesting, I'm missing two of my blankets. NO idea where they are.
Another thing that has been getting to me is how much stuff I have. Clothes and school supplies and bedding and all kinds of STUFF that I just don't need. As I was unpacking, my friend Caity got to hear me say over and over again, "Why do I have so much clothing?" "I don't even remember this shirt!" "What am I doing with all this stuff?" Needless to say, she was amused.
This quarter, all my classes are on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Most of my housemates have 8:30 am classes MWF like me, so we can carpool the one block to campus (It's not far, but it is cold!). I'll have my Tuesdays and Thursdays free to study--my challenge will be utilizing that time well.
All in all, I'm really excited to start this quarter. It's my fourth to last quarter at K, and my classes shouldn't be too hard. It's so wonderful to see my classmates who have been missing from my life for almost a year. I'm looking forward to lots of story exchanges, a fabulous circus show in three weeks, maybe some swing dance festivals, and cool shows on campus.
To start, I'm back in Kalamazoo. I am moved in to a house right next to campus (yay!) in a cozy room on the first floor. I'm living with three other girls, two of whom I didn't know before moving in. My room is the only one on the first floor, so I have the downstairs bathroom to myself. My room is already feeling very home-y, which has made me excited about living there this quarter.
One challenge I'm facing now: I'm always cold. The cold of Kalamazoo (should be freezing or below all week) is compounded by the fact that one of my housemates wants to keep our thermostat at 65 or below, plus the fact that I'm still accustomed to warm weather! My feet haven't been warm since I stepped off the plane in Detroit, I'm pretty sure. Just to make things more interesting, I'm missing two of my blankets. NO idea where they are.
Another thing that has been getting to me is how much stuff I have. Clothes and school supplies and bedding and all kinds of STUFF that I just don't need. As I was unpacking, my friend Caity got to hear me say over and over again, "Why do I have so much clothing?" "I don't even remember this shirt!" "What am I doing with all this stuff?" Needless to say, she was amused.
This quarter, all my classes are on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Most of my housemates have 8:30 am classes MWF like me, so we can carpool the one block to campus (It's not far, but it is cold!). I'll have my Tuesdays and Thursdays free to study--my challenge will be utilizing that time well.
All in all, I'm really excited to start this quarter. It's my fourth to last quarter at K, and my classes shouldn't be too hard. It's so wonderful to see my classmates who have been missing from my life for almost a year. I'm looking forward to lots of story exchanges, a fabulous circus show in three weeks, maybe some swing dance festivals, and cool shows on campus.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Adjustment
I've been home just over a week now. Or rather, in the US. I got home to California last Wednesday night, after a long travel day. I still get weirded out all the time when I realize just how few black people live around here. I never see them, and when I do, they're so light-skinned! It's just not the same as being in Africa. I know. Duh.
As I tell stories about study abroad, I've noticed that I talk about my "other" life in the present tense. I'll say, "Whenever I go to this boutique, I talk to this one jaaykat..." and then realize that I don't go there anymore, and no one knows what a jaaykat is. (It's a vendor, by the way.) I've been pretty good about not speaking French to people who don't understand it, and I've been not speaking Wolof in general (sadly). I don't want to annoy people by saying things to them that they don't understand, but sometimes English just doesn't express exactly what I want to say. It's like trying to talk to someone who doesn't understand a particular vocabulary word. You can rework your sentence to use another word, but it's not the same.
In general, I've been enjoying my almost excessively comfortable bed, my pretty room, hot showers, clean feet, and family. It's nice to be back around people who understand me so well, but I miss my Senegal friends a lot.
As I tell stories about study abroad, I've noticed that I talk about my "other" life in the present tense. I'll say, "Whenever I go to this boutique, I talk to this one jaaykat..." and then realize that I don't go there anymore, and no one knows what a jaaykat is. (It's a vendor, by the way.) I've been pretty good about not speaking French to people who don't understand it, and I've been not speaking Wolof in general (sadly). I don't want to annoy people by saying things to them that they don't understand, but sometimes English just doesn't express exactly what I want to say. It's like trying to talk to someone who doesn't understand a particular vocabulary word. You can rework your sentence to use another word, but it's not the same.
In general, I've been enjoying my almost excessively comfortable bed, my pretty room, hot showers, clean feet, and family. It's nice to be back around people who understand me so well, but I miss my Senegal friends a lot.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Back in the Zoo
I got to Kalamazoo early this afternoon, thanks to the time sacrifice of my fabulous friend Colleen. It was such a relief to have her come pick me up at the airport and to have a little rest before going to campus. Thanks, Colleen!
I got to see all my K circus friends! I went to a circus practice and teared up a little just watching them practice moving into formations for an act for a show. Something about the facilities we were in and the cold and the people was just emotionally overwhelming to me.
I hear myself talking about Senegal almost any time I open my mouth to speak. Every time someone talks about something, it reminds me, "In Dakar, _______." I'm trying not to say too too much about it, but it's hard not to.
Tomorrow there is another circus rehearsal and then swing rehearsal, and Tuesday there will be more circus (playtime!) and then we're celebrating my 21st birthday! I'm so touched that my friends are taking time out of their last week of the quarter (always a stressful time) to go out with me and celebrate. I'm so lucky to have such fabulous friends in my life.
I'm staying with Nolan, which means good food and company. I'm looking forward to the next few days, and to going home on Wednesday.
I got to see all my K circus friends! I went to a circus practice and teared up a little just watching them practice moving into formations for an act for a show. Something about the facilities we were in and the cold and the people was just emotionally overwhelming to me.
I hear myself talking about Senegal almost any time I open my mouth to speak. Every time someone talks about something, it reminds me, "In Dakar, _______." I'm trying not to say too too much about it, but it's hard not to.
Tomorrow there is another circus rehearsal and then swing rehearsal, and Tuesday there will be more circus (playtime!) and then we're celebrating my 21st birthday! I'm so touched that my friends are taking time out of their last week of the quarter (always a stressful time) to go out with me and celebrate. I'm so lucky to have such fabulous friends in my life.
I'm staying with Nolan, which means good food and company. I'm looking forward to the next few days, and to going home on Wednesday.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Re-entry
I am in New York, at the airport. I'll post when I have more battery on my computer and am less overwhelmed, but I'm back in the country safely.
It's been a crazy week, and I can't wait to share about it.
It's been a crazy week, and I can't wait to share about it.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Goodbyes
I had been feeling pretty ready to leave here, until Thursday night. We had a dinner in our honor at the Baobab Center. All of our teachers were invited, plus other Baobab staff we've gotten close to. Our group has been here longer than any others, because no other program at the center lasts more than 4 months. Because of that, and the strong personalities in our group, we've become favorites with everyone from the guardians to the maids to the teachers.
Each of us talked about some memories or feelings about our time in Dakar, and each of our teachers talked about us. Rama spoke last, and kept looking at me as she was talking about the personal moments she'd shared with our group and how she's gotten so close with us. Finally she just said "Especially Erica. I'll miss that one." That and our other professors ("All I can say is, I adore these girls." "They've become children to me." "I've never had such a conscientious, enthusiastic class before.") made me realize that the relationships we've developed with our professors and the staff here is a completely uniquely Senegalese thing. The candidness of our conversations with our professors is not something I can even picture at school in the US.
That dinner made me feel truly sad for the first time about leaving. Then, on Friday night, Katy and Christine left for Europe. Katy will be back in Dakar for five hours next Friday night before we leave again for the US. Christine will get back to Dakar after the rest of us have left, and she'll be here until May. I hung out at Katy's house for a short time before we took her to the airport. When we were all saying goodbye to her family, her host dad told us about how we've become part of his family, especially after a few of us went to his son's baptism (remember that, way back in September?). He said that the fact that we'd gone meant the world to him, and he would never forget it. Naturally, we all cried, especially Katy.
I'm not all that close with my host family. Still, I have a lot of love and affection for my family members, and I appreciate them. It will be hard to say goodbye, and I am dreading that moment. I'm sure I will be back, and I'm sure I will see them again. But I doubt I'll live with them again, and I doubt I'll stay in close touch.
I've also been realizing lately that leaving Dakar means much more than just that. I'm not just leaving this place, I'm leaving this whole experience. I'm going to be saying goodbye to the people I've met and come to care for deeply, but I'll also be saying goodbye to this phase of my life. This is the only time I'll be on a study abroad, where I arrive in a place with a built-in support network and a family waiting for me and field trips provided. This is the one time I'll travel around the world with friends from school and spend six months doing just about whatever strikes my fancy.
In the time I've been here, I've done things that never would have occurred to me before, and I don't know how many of those things I'll ever have the opportunity to do again. For example, how many times will I be in a family that will slaughter two sheep and a goat for a Muslim holiday? How often can I go to a Muslim naming ceremony, or a wedding where the bride and groom aren't present? When will I be able to go on a 10km barefoot walk through mud and rice paddies, or dip my finger in freshly pressed mangrove honey?
I have had such a rich, eye-opening, welcoming experience. It's going to be hard to say goodbye to it all.
I love this place, and these people.
Each of us talked about some memories or feelings about our time in Dakar, and each of our teachers talked about us. Rama spoke last, and kept looking at me as she was talking about the personal moments she'd shared with our group and how she's gotten so close with us. Finally she just said "Especially Erica. I'll miss that one." That and our other professors ("All I can say is, I adore these girls." "They've become children to me." "I've never had such a conscientious, enthusiastic class before.") made me realize that the relationships we've developed with our professors and the staff here is a completely uniquely Senegalese thing. The candidness of our conversations with our professors is not something I can even picture at school in the US.
That dinner made me feel truly sad for the first time about leaving. Then, on Friday night, Katy and Christine left for Europe. Katy will be back in Dakar for five hours next Friday night before we leave again for the US. Christine will get back to Dakar after the rest of us have left, and she'll be here until May. I hung out at Katy's house for a short time before we took her to the airport. When we were all saying goodbye to her family, her host dad told us about how we've become part of his family, especially after a few of us went to his son's baptism (remember that, way back in September?). He said that the fact that we'd gone meant the world to him, and he would never forget it. Naturally, we all cried, especially Katy.
I'm not all that close with my host family. Still, I have a lot of love and affection for my family members, and I appreciate them. It will be hard to say goodbye, and I am dreading that moment. I'm sure I will be back, and I'm sure I will see them again. But I doubt I'll live with them again, and I doubt I'll stay in close touch.
I've also been realizing lately that leaving Dakar means much more than just that. I'm not just leaving this place, I'm leaving this whole experience. I'm going to be saying goodbye to the people I've met and come to care for deeply, but I'll also be saying goodbye to this phase of my life. This is the only time I'll be on a study abroad, where I arrive in a place with a built-in support network and a family waiting for me and field trips provided. This is the one time I'll travel around the world with friends from school and spend six months doing just about whatever strikes my fancy.
In the time I've been here, I've done things that never would have occurred to me before, and I don't know how many of those things I'll ever have the opportunity to do again. For example, how many times will I be in a family that will slaughter two sheep and a goat for a Muslim holiday? How often can I go to a Muslim naming ceremony, or a wedding where the bride and groom aren't present? When will I be able to go on a 10km barefoot walk through mud and rice paddies, or dip my finger in freshly pressed mangrove honey?
I have had such a rich, eye-opening, welcoming experience. It's going to be hard to say goodbye to it all.
I love this place, and these people.
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