Shannell St. Brice, Duke University student and member of Duke Engage, reflects on her time spent at the WISER campus and its surrounding community.
In November 2022, I received incredible news that I had been selected for the DukeEngage Kenya trip. To say I was ecstatic would be an understatement! However, beneath the bubbling excitement, a torrent of nerves coursed through me. You see, I had never embarked on a solo plane journey, let alone ventured to an entirely different country by myself.
As the trip approached, my mind became a battleground of worst-case scenarios: an allergic reaction from accidentally consuming peanuts, complications at customs, misplacing my passport, forgetting my visa, and so much more. Yet, little did I realize that amidst the myriad of anxieties and uncertainties, I was on the cusp of an extraordinary opportunity. Despite the countless worst-case scenarios that could have happened (but thankfully didn’t), I was about to embark on a journey that I never could have imagined…..
As our DukeEngage team finally arrived at the WISER campus we didn’t come in with any expectations because we didn’t know what to expect! We were instantly greeted with smiles, cheers, handshakes, and hugs. The most memorable welcome was hearing the iconic WISER song for the first time. The lyric “Life is a Journey” will forever live rent-free in my head! During our time at WISER, we got to interact and formulate many bonds and friendships with the girls. My favorite thing was to visit the girls while they were doing their evening studies after dinner. I loved watching them use every opportunity to expand their minds, it was truly inspiring.
It wasn’t always serious business. I also cherished the moments when I would pop by and make them laugh as a little study break! But hold on, there’s more! I mustn’t forget to mention the epic showdown of the World Championships—the WISER vs. DukeEngage Volleyball and Soccer games.…..let’s just say If having fun and bringing laughter to the WISER girls was the prize, DukeEngage won hands down!
Outside of WISER, one of the highlights of my trip was the opportunity to learn about medicine at the Tagache and Tembo clinics. Extraordinary care and empathy were given to patients in the clinics despite low resources. I watched in awe as healthcare professionals innovated and provided care to the local community. I witnessed the meticulous care given to babies, from their immunizations to the simple yet profound experience of hearing a baby’s heartbeat with a stethoscope that wasn’t your normal-looking stethoscope: it was a metallic cone-shaped looking. It was a glimpse into the world of medicine that deepened my love for the field.
Throughout our time in Kenya, the DukeEngage team got to visit and teach at 19 different Primary schools throughout the community. Teaching at Senye Primary and Junesco Primary schools was another incredible part of my journey. While I was there to assist with English, Science, and Math, it was me who ended up learning the most. I discovered the true value of education, and the importance of hard work, and even picked up a few phrases in Kiswahili along the way. Being around these bright and eager children, and being a part of their educational journey, enriched my knowledge, sense of community, and, most importantly, my happiness.
Participating in DukeEngage was an experience I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have been a part of. Embarking on a journey to an entirely new country with people I had just met might not have been my initial idea of an ideal adventure, but it turned out to be nothing short of extraordinary. I couldn’t have asked for a more remarkable team to share this transformative experience with.
If you had approached me before my time at Duke and asked if I would ever contemplate traveling to Africa, my response would likely have been a resounding “no.” However, that was before I grasped the multitude of benefits and the profound sense of engagement that would accompany this experience, both in the lead-up to our journey, throughout our stay, and even long after our return home.
My life’s aspirations have evolved significantly over time. Initially, my goal was to major in Biology and pursue a career as a pediatrician. However, my vision for the future has expanded, and I now plan to major in Biology and Global Health, with a minor in African American Studies. This change reflects my deep commitment to addressing pressing healthcare challenges on a global scale, particularly in underserved communities. My newfound ambition revolves around conducting research to develop cures and treatments for Sickle Cell Anemia, with a particular focus on pediatric patients. Additionally, I aspire to collaborate with global health committees and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to enhance medical services, improve access to healthcare, ensure communities have access to clean water and teach Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH). My time at WISER has undoubtedly contributed to the refinement of my goals and the development of my global health perspective. It has further solidified my commitment to making a meaningful difference in the world through my academic pursuits and future endeavors. So all I can say is asante sana WISER!