My new name is Ansara Balde. I was given this name as a Tokara, or namesake, from my new host sister. This is a tradition in the Pullar/Fulani culture. The people in my village call out my new name repeatedly wherever I go. I respond by offering an Arabic greeting, or peace, or I shout Nam, which is an acknowledgment that someone has said my name.
A new name, a new country, a new schedule, new clothes, job, language and feelings; everything is new.
I came to Senegal just under seven months ago with the Peace Corps program. This program is offered by the United States government for college graduates to spend two years living and working in rural environments. Usually, this is in developing countries where we can offer our professional services, demonstrate American culture, and learn about their culture. I’ve pursued this opportunity because I want to work in international relations (IR) with refugees and immigrants, and the Peace Corps offers practical experience in this area for me to better understand this type of work. Some people always know what they want to do with their life, but I have never been one of those people: trying and failing and then trying something else is much more my style.
