✈️ TRAVEL – The World is My Classroom

TRAVEL – When the World Redirects You, Say Yes

What began as a clear path to Morocco shifted dramatically in just a few weeks. We had studied Morocco’s educational system, practiced basic Arabic greetings, and dreamed of walking through the souks of Marrakesh—but then came the announcement: “The Morocco field experience is no longer happening.”

My heart dropped. I had poured months of planning, mental preparation, and cultural immersion into what I thought was my destination. But this journey—like teaching, like leadership—is not always linear.

Then came Senegal.

Senegal: The Place That Needed Me Most

Without hesitation, I said yes. And I quickly realized: this was exactly where I was supposed to be.

Senegal, with all its vibrance, resilience, and innovation, welcomed me with open arms. The challenges were different—but so was the impact.

A Full-Circle Fulbright Moment

Senegal taught me that when the destination changes, the mission doesn't. It deepened everything I learned in DC: that global education is about adaptability, cultural humility, and responding to real needs in real time.

Sometimes the greatest gifts come from the detour. And for me, that detour wasn’t just geographical—it was spiritual, professional, and deeply personal.

✈️ The Journey Begins: 21 Educators, One Mission, Global Impact

Before the sun even rose, there we were—21 educators from across the United States—huddled at the airport gate, passports in hand and purpose in our hearts. Some of us had never left the country. Others had stories stamped in every corner of their passports. But on this day, we weren’t strangers—we were a team.

Each of us carried a different story: a STEM teacher from Texas exploring sustainable agriculture, a media arts specialist from California ready to document global storytelling, a dual-language educator from New York passionate about multilingualism, and me—a STEAM-focused instructional coach from Atlanta on a mission to merge culture, creativity, and curriculum.

We came from different states, school systems, and life experiences, but we were united by a common belief: education can change the world. And we were about to prove it—not from a textbook, but through real classrooms, real culture, and real connections in Senegal.

As we boarded the flight, there was a buzz in the air—not just from the excitement of travel, but from the power of purpose. We weren’t just going abroad. We were walking into the unknown, carrying the hopes of our students and communities with us.

This was more than a field experience.This was a movement.This was Fulbright.

🛬 Landing in Dakar: A New World Unfolds

The wheels touched down just after sunrise, and as we stepped off the plane and into the thick, warm air of Dakar, everything felt alive. The energy was different—vibrant, pulsing, full of rhythm. Senegal welcomed us not just with open arms, but with open hearts.

We were whisked away to the Azalaï Hotel, a stunning modern space nestled in the city’s heartbeat. Built just two years ago and named after President Macky Sall, Azalaï was a reflection of Senegal itself—rich in pride, full of culture, and boldly breaking every stereotype some may still hold about Africa.

The marble floors shone under golden light. Art lined the hallways—modern, Afrocentric, and expressive. The scent of bissap and roasted peanuts drifted through the air as we explored the lobby, meeting Fulbright peers and staff who greeted us like family. It was beautiful. It was powerful. And it reminded us: this is Africa, too.

Our first days were a whirlwind of connection.📚 Orientation sessions on culture, language, and education.🍽️ Group dinners filled with Yassa Poulet, fresh mango juice, and deep conversation.🌍 Late-night rooftop talks about equity, identity, and why we do this work.

We laughed. We journaled. We soaked in every moment.This wasn’t just a trip. It was an awakening.

TRAVEL — The Detour That Became Destiny

Senegal isn’t just a country—it’s an experience.

From the moment I stepped off the bus into Kaolack, I was enveloped by a warmth that had nothing to do with the weather. It was the kind that lives in the greetings of strangers, the rhythm of the sabar drums in the distance, the smell of thieboudienne simmering in family courtyards, the laughter of children walking miles to school in sandals just to learn.

Dust danced through the air like gold confetti. Goats and chickens roamed freely, becoming part of the landscape like living punctuation marks. The roads were uneven, but the pride in community? Rock solid. There were no trash cans. No fancy SmartBoards. Sometimes, no running water.

But there was joy.There was brilliance.There was purpose.

📘 Guiding Question & Reflection

"What instructional strategies do Senegalese teachers use to support student engagement, achievement, and comprehension, and how can these strategies inform effective teaching practices in U.S. schools?"

This essential question guided my entire Fulbright journey, shaping how I observed, questioned, connected, and reflected while in Senegal.

Through weeks of cultural immersion and school visits, I studied how educators in Kaolack despite limited resources consistently used repetition, movement, multilingual scaffolding, and community-rooted practices to engage learners. Their creativity and resilience expanded my perspective on equity, engagement, and the power of global pedagogy.

👉🏾 Click here to read my full 2-page reflection essay

In this reflection, I unpack not only what I witnessed but also how it connects to my identity as an educator, a leader, and a lifelong learner.

🧭 Keep Exploring

I invite you to continue navigating this site to see photos, videos, and written stories from my field experience in Senegal. From student smiles to powerful classroom moments, you’ll get a deeper look at what it truly means to teach and lead with global purpose.