Govinda Davis

Political Science Major, Class of 2007

Hearing the ‘why you should not go to Niger’ speech the first day of class did not jar my interests in the trip. However, I found myself becoming nervous when Professor Dewan began talking about the necessary vaccines for the trip. Most people looked at the vaccinations as a precaution to prevent disease; being somewhat of a hypochondriac, I started imagining all the sicknesses and diseases I could possibly contract. After getting over my mini panic attack at the thought of all the germs and diseases I started to look at the big picture.

The trip went so far beyond any expectations that I could had. Professor Miles had told us how friendly and personable his Nigérien friends were during class but I think that was an understatement. Everybody that we met on the trip went out of their way to help us. We felt welcomed and at home wherever we were. Normally I do not like being in large crowds of people. However, whenever I was surrounded by villagers or large crowds of children I felt as though I was among friends and not once did I feel uncomfortable.

The people that I met on this trip were so genuine and kind. I had expected Moussa and his drivers to simply be our tour guides. I was amazed how quickly they learned each of our names and that they were interested in talking to us, learning about America and learning some words in English.

It was so interesting to meet the university students. That was one of my most memorable experiences since these were students who shared the same goals of higher education as we did.

Sitting in on the town meeting in Yekuwa and meeting with the council in Magaria showed me that although issues at hand may differ between these small villages and towns in the United States the municipalities go about solving problems in similar ways.

It was small things that made this trip one of my most memorable travel experiences. Being able to observe similarities between two vastly different countries and creating ties with people and villages continents away from the United States were the most important aspects of this trip. I am glad I was able to get over my initial skepticism and enjoy this trip for what it was — a life changing experience.