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Miniya Ali

My name is Miniya Ali and I'm extremely passionate about learning the history of new cultures, and traveling. One major issue that is important to me is environmental cleanliness and the preservation of the earths natural habitats. The second issue would be insuring that people in all parts of the planet have access to the resources they need to build their communities. My ultimate goal for this year is to improve in a second language (French) and the learn as much as possible about Senegalese culture. My all time favorite quote is by Will smith in the movie "After Earth" “Fear is not real. The only place that fear can exist is in our thoughts of the future. It is a product of our imagination, causing us to fear things that do not at present and may not ever exist. That is near insanity. Do not misunderstand me danger is very real but fear is a choice.”

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African American in Senegal

Miniya Ali

2018-06-03

I don’t think I will ever get completely reaclimated to America beacuse Senegal has changed me so much. Although I haven’t processed all the lessons and unique situations I was put in I can say I matured alot because of them. Please enjoy my final commentary on my difficult and amazing experiences as an African...

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The Gorée Commercial

Miniya Ali

2018-03-15

“The Door of no Return” stepping foot on the infamous Gorée island is dream many of us who are descendants of slaves. We ponder the action of going back and defying the notion that the spirit of those who where taken and tortured on Gorée could never find their way back. Gorée as well as...

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Kwanzaa in Senegal

Miniya Ali

2018-01-03

Unfortunately no, there were no Kwanzaa celebrations going on in the Theis or Touba Toul areas that I knew of. This is the first year in my life that I’ve ever missed a Kwanzaa celebration, but Senegal isn't a bad place to be missing it. Many people incorrectly believe that Kwanzaa is a traditional  “African”...

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This Woman’s Work

Miniya Ali

2017-11-01

The wait to receive the slip of paper that would detail our host family members names and ages was one of the most anxious and nerve-wrecking times of my life. What kind of people would we be staying with for the next eight months? Since I was one of the last people to receive my...

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We Are the Ones We’ve Been Waiting For

Miniya Ali

2017-09-29

It is nightime in the funky Sahara town of Touba Toul and like most nights it is significantly cooler than the day. My host family sits under a neem tree to discuss the highlights of the day. They passionately gossip about about un-married women and crazy men and of course me. I am a new...

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No Preconceptions

Miniya Ali

2017-08-13

As an African American I've always had a cloudy idea of what and who Africa is. I've been left to sort of fill the gaps and ponder the endless different lifestyles and philosophies that exist on the vast continent. However this time I've decided to approach Africa with a blank canvas. I won't assign any...

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Packing Makes It Real

Miniya Ali

2017-08-03

The time I have here in America is dwindling and its not necessarily a bad thing. In fact I find my self being hyper aware of the little things I might not have when I’m in Africa. Ever since I got the amazing news that I would become a global citizen year fellow, I’ve been...

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