Hi, my name is Dallas. Na nga def? This is how we ask each other “How are you?” in Wolof, the main language here in the amazing African country of Senegal. Senegal is a long way from my home in New York, but even further away from Howell (4,340 miles)! This is my fourth visit to Senegal and I love it more each time.
I have also lived on the West Coast and the East Coast, but I spent most of my life in the Midwest. In fact, as Mr. Douglas may have already told you, I have a special connection to Highlander Way Middle School. Firstly, my daughter went to Highlander Way! Secondly, although I used to teach at Parker Middle School and then at Howell High School, I always worked closely with your teachers at HWMS. (Be sure to tell Mr. Hodge, Mr. Rowley, and Ms. Enciso I said “Hi!”). Mr. Douglas came to Howell after I left, so I'm excited that now I get to work with him--and you!
When I was in middle school, two of my favorite things were reading and sports. I never thought I would get to do a job that included both. After teaching in Howell, I went on to teach and get degrees at the University of Illinois and University of Virginia. As part of my program in the History of African Religions at the University of Virginia, I study how religion overlaps with other parts of culture.
