2024 Rwanda Delegation— Dylan Carter
International Relations ‘25
I’m going to Rwanda for a educational and personal experience as well as being a avid travel lover.
June 6, 2024
Saying today was late is a understatement. Going to the village and seeing the survivors was a different experience . Seeing how they forgave each other it just didn't make sense to me. Maybe my mindset needs tweaking I look forward to speaking to more people to get there perspective.
June 7, 2024
June 10, 2024
Being with the kids at the compound had been a real treat. I was a little shy at first it didn't know how they would receive me, would they stare or be scared, But they embraced me from the start. Everybody came up to be asking for hugs it was awesome. I truly felt there warmth and good energy. Each one of them had funny questions that only a lid could ask that helped make my time in Rwanda even better seeing how the youth were being taught and how the future of Rwanda is sprouting and learning. I can't wait to see there growth.
June 12, 2024
Hiking was surreal. It’s one thing to take a walk though a park. But walk over a ramp that’s hundreds of feet in the air ? That’s nuts man. Truthfully I didn’t know what the experience would have in store for me. I left my walking shoes in my other bag and was forced to use crocs so that was nice ! Being around all the fauna was really cool. I felt like I was in a Jurassic park movie. We even saw a monkey which really let me know, Dylan your in a real life jungle Buddy lol. But we all managed and trekked the walk. At times it was a little difficult and tested my cardio but it was worth it. I wanted to be first to finish the hike so bad. But I was second can you believe it! But ultimately it was a cool experience that helped us decompress from the previous week being at the school and genocide memorial.
June 14, 2024
Meeting with the teachers at the memorial center was very introspective for me. For the longest time I had the mindset that Africans on the continent viewed African Americans in a negative light. But hearing the teachers discuss with us that they were aware it so many of the historical injustices in America done onto black people and other atrocities such as school shootings was refreshing. Also being able to ask them questions about the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi was interesting hearing the nation was fixed and healed and from there pov how forgiveness is key. It makes you think in the states are we handling incarnation the right way ? I don't quite have the answer for that but this showed me compassion and understanding stretches world wide and we all need to Incorporate it.
June 15, 2024
I really enjoyed learning from the female corp of villages today. It was really cool to have them teach us some of there chores. Also having them have us take the trip to get the water was wild. I felt so at home when they had a meal prepared for us. Them also asking us questions as well was cool. I had a awesome time today and I'm looking forward to tomorrow.
June 18, 2024
Today was by far one of my greatest experiences in life. Ever since I was a small boy no older then five years old I dreamed of the wildlife. I constantly watched National Geographic taking in the animals scenery and different places of the world I encountered. Being able to go on this journey was incredible being able to see all the different animals so close and not behind a exhibit was incredible! I really want to thank Professor Kahn, and Jonise for making this happen for us. This really made my day, no maybe my year. I know I'm not very expressive but that was incredible my family members had so many questions. The boy in me definitely came out today. Rwanda is a incredible land with many different areas and the safari was by far one of the best!