From the Motherland, with Love

I always envied my peers in the U.S., who went to schools in urban/diverse or predominately black areas in Chicagoland, who had the opportu...

I find myself waking up everyday by  6:30 am ; I think it's because I don't want to waste a single second of my time in this beautif...

Dear Niani, You are about to go on an adventure of a lifetime. As you prepare to go, stay calm. Everything is going to work out just fine. E...

Pretoria, South Africa  I am in awe of the cultural and physical differences here. The first thing I noticed when I arrived, was...

I am beginning to think that the best way to combat stereotypes, is by laughing at them. Stereotypes will always exist, so I try not to be s...

I finally started school today, which I had been very eager and nervous about. School here is very different than at home. When we walk ...

On August 23, 2014, my family hosted a going away party for me! We invited friends and family from across the country to come celebrate...

I went to a Baha’i gathering with my host mom, and a friend from Italy. None of us are of the Baha’i faith, but we were fascinated by it. Th...

I leave in 4 days and I am so anxious! The journey from Chicago, to Johannesburg, to Pretoria, seems like it will take forever, but I...

Holiday vacation is a big deal in South Africa. Most people take a month off of work. Tourist attractions close during what could be their...