Adventure Awaits: Five Days Before Leaving For Dakar, Senegal

I glance around my room, struggling to keep my heart rate steady as I take in my surroundings: clothes strewn across my floor; a pile of books towering over my half-filled duffle bag; a daunting to-do list I want to hide from. By Saturday, the clothes will be neatly folded, the books systematically tucked away, the duffle bag stuffed full and zipped, the to-do list finally complete. In these next few days, Dakar, Senegal awaits – as does the rest of my packing!

My name is Rachel Wachman. I live outside Boston, MA, where leaves turn rusty in the fall, snow reigns in winter, and flowers blossom in the spring. This summer, while the sun blazes down on my state, I will travel to a new continent, trading one summer’s heat for another.

On July 6th, I will begin the adventure of a lifetime with CIEE’s Mentoring Youth and Connecting With Community program in Dakar, Senegal. During these three weeks, I will have the incredible opportunity to work in an orphanage in Dakar, live with a host family, and immerse myself in Senegalese culture.\

 I have been looking forward to this trip since last fall, when I first applied for the program. As soon as I read the description, I knew this was something I had to do. I’ve always wanted to work in an orphanage, and I hope to form meaningful connections with the children I will meet this summer. I am striving towards being fluent in French, so living with a family in Senegal will give me ample opportunity to improve my language skills. 

As someone who hungers to see the world, this voyage will broaden my horizons and provide me with unforgettable experiences abroad. In preparation to travel, I have tried to learn a little conversational Wolof, which is another language commonly spoken in Senegal. I have also done some reading about life in Senegal. Soon, I will have the chance to try out my Wolof and experience Senegalese life for myself. 

I could not be more excited for Saturday to approach. Sure, I’m nervous too, but my nerves will melt away after the first few days in Senegal. I already know I will meet amazing people and have a trip that will change my life! Here’s to the upcoming adventure!