Fellow Stories

Magic in the Air

Maddi McGirr

2018-11-09

Today I am sharing a creative piece from the Final football match I went to a few nights ago. The teams playing were my street (Ndoutt) vs another street (Fogne) in my town, Tivaouane. I wanted to share the atmosphere with you as it was something so great and powerful it deserves to be experienced...

Answers

Faith Anderson

2018-11-09

I journalist for my high school’s news paper reached out to me to answer questions about my gap year. I’d like to share my answers as they share a lot about my experiences so far:)

What does define me in a context that is not made for me? MA

Miriam Abel

2018-11-08

I have been trying to answer this question over the past 2 months. I have not found an answer yet, but I would like to share some excerpts from my journal. My thoughts are lose and unorganised, but it is the most true expression of my personal transformation so far. So please, enjoy: 1. All...

Finding Happiness in Lonely Moments

Grace Sander

2018-11-08

I’ve spent about two months here in Florianópolis, Brazil in a touristic neighborhood called Lagoa Da Conceição. The island’s stunning beaches, hiking trails, and the lagoon being filled with people paddle boarding, wind surfing, or jet skiing had me convinced that I had landed in paradise. My host family immediately stole my heart too. Maria,...

The Role of Women in Education

2018-11-08

As I am sitting in a classroom filled with little youngsters between the age of 5 to 7, I’m becoming more and more frustrated at the speed at which the organization works. I have been sitting for nearly an hour. The lesson has not begun. The teachers were standing around. The children are noisily seated....

What I’ve Come to Know

Mia Reyes

2018-11-08

10.22.18 19:32 It’s a humbling thought to know that I am at the will of the world. That I am subject to the forces in which I cannot control and that I will forever be, both intentionally and unintentionally transforming. To know that time, people, and an environment can change me so quickly and so...

On teaching

Joana Mouzinho

2018-11-06

On teaching (title unapologetically inspired by Joan Didion’s “On self-respect”) The value of education lies in the fact that it is as transformative to the educator as it is for the one receiving education: It is mutual. From what I have grown to know about the world, I understand that age is a number people...

Surviving to Thriving

Maddi Schink

2018-11-06

With my eyes closed, I allow the smells, touch and sound of the experience to fill my senses and dominate my thoughts. The smoke in the room is thick, almost suffocating, overwhelming my nose with an earthy, floral fragrance that seems to travel throughout my entire body with each inhale. I focus on the sensation...

Live From The Field

Ethan Gomes

2018-11-04

Gringo Power Ladies and gentleman I am here to tell you about gringo power. It sounds dumb and made up yes but let me tell you that this shit is real sis. I came to Brazil nervous as hell like how am I going to make friends in a language I don’t know but I...

French Bread

Siera Sadowski

2018-11-03

I couldn’t help it — my face split into a grin at the sight before me; it was my Mamí standing at the kitchen stove like she has everyday since I’ve known her (and long before), spatula in hand and aceite sizzling in the pan. What made me smile wasn’t this scene particularly, something that...

Notes from the Field: A Day in the Life

Eliza Stowe

2018-11-01

Over the past month, I’ve sat down to write this new blog post probably 7 times – and each time something has held me back. The moscas are swarming and I can’t stand sitting, my little brother wants to play hide-and-seek, or it’s time to make lunch with Carmita, mi Abuelita. When I sit down,...

After dinner bonding

Nisha Gharti Magar

2018-10-30

I never thought I would find myself in a country that’s thousands of miles away from home and be able to share so much love in a new community. Last night me and my family had a lot of laughter after dinner. They do not speak English and I am still learning Wolof so communication...