I’m Home!

I’ve been back in America for a little less than a week now, and I’m still adjusting. Of course jet-lag is a pain, but it’s more cultural things I’m trying to readjust to. It’s kind of weird to walk places and not automatically greet people or have people greet me. It’s also a little strange being alone. We were always surrounded by people and doing things, so having quiet time is nice, but a little strange. Being able to drive myself places and decide where I want to go and what I want to do is a little overwhelming too. All of the sudden, all of the responsibilities I was able to forget while abroad are back, and it’s taking some time to adjust to that. Things were much more relaxed in The Gambia, and now I’m back to the time crunch of Silicon Valley. I find it interesting that I got used to different cultural norms so fast, because I wasn’t in The Gambia for that long. Many of the customs I enjoyed, and hope to maintain in my everyday life, like sharing everything, especially food. I think it helps enforce a culture of care instead of isolationism. I will definitely miss the generosity of everyone I met, and I hope to improve my own generosity.

Most of all though, I miss the friendships I made at Starfish. I have been in contact with several of the people I met there, but it’s not the same as being around them everyday. I’m realizing the impact they have had on my life now that I’m home. I’m looking around, and seeing certain aspects of my own privilege I didn’t really recognize before. A lot of things I’ve taken for granted, in my family life and in my education. The materialism in America is a little bit jarring too. I’ve been going through my room and donating a bunch of things. It’s amazing that I didn’t realize how much useless stuff I had before.

My experience at Starfish International was extremely memorable for so many reasons. The people I’ve met have definitely changed my life, and the experience has given me the opportunity for some much needed self reflection. I am incredibly grateful that I was given the opportunity to be a Global Fellow, and that I was able to experience another culture through service. Like the Starfish mentors told us, “This isn’t good bye, it’s a see you soon!”