When I applied, I was open to completing my service anywhere, and I ended up with an opportunity in The Gambia. I was really excited about this. Africa was a place I had always dreamed of visiting. When I was younger, I remember watching documentaries and reading books about wildlife and the different cultures throughout the continent.
The choice to serve in the Peace Corps in The Gambia was a much bigger leap than my decision to study in the U.S. Virgin Islands! Although I love new opportunities and adventure, I still get nervous. Am I making the right choice? What if I miss my family and friends too much? What if I don’t make any new friends? These are all valid concerns, but something I have always known about myself is that the fear of wondering “what if?” is much scarier than actually doing something and experiencing it for what it is. When I stepped on the plane heading to The Gambia, I thought about this. And soon, the excitement of landing replaced my nerves.
Having been in The Gambia for almost 13 months now, I have had some of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. I have become a more resilient, independent and empathetic individual. I have seen places and connected with people I would have never met otherwise. I’ve even learned a language that I had never heard of before! One thing I have really come to appreciate about Gambian culture is the sense of community and generosity. People are always offering you something, whether it’s food, a place to sit or just a friendly conversation. It is culturally important to make sure that no one goes hungry, and even strangers are often invited to share a meal.
