Elly Dewan
Physical Therapy, Class 0f 2010
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I knew going to Niger would be different than anything I’ve ever seen. We learned in class that Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world. They have nothing, but it is not a sad place. They have so much to give: that is the main thing I learned from Niger.
When we arrived in any one of the many small villages all they did was look at us. They didn’t treat us like ignorant Americans or ignore us. I felt like a celebrity. Where else in the world can I walk down the street to the market, or even the bathroom, and have hundreds of little kids following me and saying “Sannu” and trying to shake my hand? When I smiled they smiled right back and laughed even though they had no idea what I was saying. A few of them actually did ask my name, and they all eagerly tried to pronounce it.
Even though they don’t have much in the way of materialistic possessions, they have so much in other kinds of wealth. The kids can still run around, smile and be happy to be alive and with their family. They were so welcoming, and eager to learn about us and our country.