A Journey of Self-Discovery in the African Wilderness

A story recounts a transformative study abroad experience in Kenya for a college student who sought a connection to nature and her African heritage. Upon arrival, she faced unexpected challenges, including being the only Black student in her program, which forced her to confront her identity in a different cultural context. As she immersed herself in wildlife management, she formed meaningful relationships with the local Maasai community, exchanging knowledge about their lives and her own history in America. A pivotal moment occurred when her classmates and she learned about Hurricane Katrina, revealing the stark realities of racism and fostering a new sense of understanding and interconnectedness.