Jaida's Dream: Study Abroad in Senegal & Gambia

Hello! My name is Jaida Ellis, and I am a first-generation graduate student at North Carolina State University. I am a first-year traditional student in the social work master's degree program. I am trying to raise funds for a study abroad trip my department is taking this summer to Senegal and Gambia.

To provide more background information about myself, I received the Gilman Scholarship in 2020 while I was in undergrad to travel to Argentina for a month to learn Spanish. I was so excited since it's been a dream of mine since I was a child to visit multiple countries and understand how the other people we share this world with live. I grew up low-income with a single mother, so I always knew that this was a dream I would have to fulfill on my own. Unfortunately, as we all know, 2020 was the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and all international travel came to a halt. Since Argentina was on the US Travel Advisory list due to the pandemic, the Gilman program was unable to release the funds to me for travel. The program held scholarship funds for students until the restrictions were lifted. In 2020, I graduated with a B.S. in Psychology (summa cum laude) from Elizabeth City State University. Since there were many lockdown protocols still in place, there weren't many chances for career advancement -- especially for someone starting out in the professional world. Furthermore, since I didn't want to tie myself down to a career in the event restrictions loosened up, I worked part-time jobs and blended my research expertise as a freelance researcher. In late 2021, the Gilman program sent me an email stating that while travel restrictions had eased up I had to decline my funds since I was no longer an undergraduate student -- regardless of the extenuating circumstances. I was completely devastated as I knew that scholarship was the best chance I was every going to get to travel abroad.

I continued to work and applied to different graduate programs until I found the MSW program at NC State. The field of social work called to me since I've always had a heightened sense of justice and I believe that everyone deserves the chance at a quality life. I always knew I wanted to do something to help others, but I never knew what since I always had such large-scale ideas. Since, delving into social work the metaphor I use is: we shouldn't automatically strive to be the Guardians of the Galaxy, we should strive to be a Daredevil, or a Spider-man. Sometimes you can't save the whole world in one fell swoop, sometimes it's best to focus on improving the lives of those within your community first.

I am interested in studying in Gambia and Senegal because I want to understand how these nations are navigating the complex landscape of globalization. West Africa's rich cultural tapestry, coupled with the region's unique responses to global trends, presents a compelling context for study, especially regarding social justice issues and local perspectives on globalization.

One of my primary motivations is to gain firsthand knowledge of the effects of globalization on Gambian and Senegalese societies. Both countries have been significantly influenced by global economic changes, cultural exchanges, and technological advancements. However, the ways in which these influences are accepted or resisted can vary widely. For instance, I am eager to engage with local communities and academic institutions to explore how globalization impacts traditional practices, local economies, and social structures. This immersive experience will provide me with a nuanced understanding of how globalization is perceived—whether as an opportunity for growth or as a source of discontent.

By participating in programs focused on social sciences, I aim to study the local responses to globalization, such as the rise of youth movements advocating for social justice and environmental sustainability. Senegal’s recent activism surrounding issues like climate change and economic inequality demonstrates how globalization can spark grassroots movements. I envision participating in workshops or research projects that involve collaboration with local activists and organizations, allowing me to witness and analyze their strategies in real time. This engagement will not only enrich my academic perspective but also deepen my commitment to social justice issues.

Academically, the chance to study in Gambia and Senegal will provide me with access to unique resources and insights that are often absent from traditional Western curricula. For example, understanding the cultural significance of the Senegalese wrestling tradition, which has roots in both sports and social commentary, can offer a profound insight into how globalization influences cultural identity. This knowledge will enhance my critical thinking and analytical skills, allowing me to examine globalization from multiple viewpoints.