2024 Global Love Leader Alumna: Antwaniya Massie completes Navy Basic Training at RTC Great Lakes7/24/2025 I've been in Chicago for the past few months, and it's been quite a journey since I joined the Navy back in early November. After shipping out on 7 January to Navy RTC Great Lakes, I was really nervous. The first couple of days were tough since I didn't get any sleep, and I was exhausted, but I never thought about giving up. It felt amazing to wear the uniform, even though I quickly realized the challenges that came with it—my feet were in pain from the boots! Throughout boot camp, I learned valuable lessons about leadership and resilience. Embracing the Navy's core values of honor, courage, and commitment helped me navigate the ups and downs. There were moments of struggle, but I remembered the training I received during my cultural immersion. Leading with love and connecting with other females from diverse backgrounds using kindness was key for me. This approach not only got me through boot camp but also allowed me to share my insights and support other women, helping them push through their challenges as well. We even earned flags for our leadership, discipline, and teamwork, which taught us the importance of working together rather than alone to overcome both mental and physical obstacles. Antwaniyah Massie US Navy Global Love Leader Cohort 2024
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Beyond Cultural Immersion: 2023 Alumna Completes the Yoruba Fulbright-Hays Project Abroad in Nigeria8/25/2024 My name is Ameerah Thomas, or Àdùké, a sophomore philosophy major at Howard University from Miami, FL. This past summer, I had the amazing opportunity to study Yorùbá at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria for a duration of 8 weeks. Now that the fall semester has started and I’m getting back into my routine as an American student, I often look back at my recent experience as a Yorùbá student. My 8 weeks in Nigeria were nothing short of amazing, but equally as challenging. The many experiences I’ve had have shaped me into a more worldly person, more open than ever to take risks and experience different cultures. Being a lighter-skinned African-American woman, I certainly had trouble navigating Nigerian culture at first, and truth be told, my experiences surely kept me down at times. However, I think it takes such experiences to make someone more worldly, to unlearn the conditions placed by American society, especially when it comes to culture, race, and language. Once I became comfortable with my differences, my heart was open to experiencing all that Nigerian culture has to offer. The experiences I’ve had connecting with locals, eating traditional food, seeing different parts of Nigeria, and bonding with my group are all things that I continuously think about now that I am back in the States. It’s amazing how one person can live a completely different life from their own. I feel as though the Ameerah I met in Nigeria is drastically different from the Ameerah in the United States. It teaches you that there are so many versions of yourself to be discovered, and that travel and education are huge gateways for self-discovery. My experience was otherworldly, and words cannot fully express the gratitude I have for my group—my teachers, my peers, and the friends I made abroad. Peace and love! Sincerely, Àdùké Ameerah Thomas Cohort 2023 I began this journey with so many questions swirling in my mind: What does it mean to lead with love? Why am I nervous to meet new people? What if the kids or the girls don’t like me? What if the plane ride is scary? These questions marked the start of something transformative, a way for me to truly understand the purpose of this cultural immersion experience. This trip was about building deep connections, meaningful ones with people and nature alike. From the vibrant green grass to the red clay staining my shoes, from the bustling city streets to the serene, bumpy roads, every moment taught me to be present and grateful. I learned to cherish the sounds of laughter and conversation among family and newfound friends. The girls I met taught me invaluable lessons not just about myself but about embracing and appreciating others. They helped me see the beauty in loving and cherishing the world around me while keeping my mind open to new ideas. I realized it’s okay to begin with fear because it often leads to something greater. By the end of this journey, I was filled with hope and a sense of purpose. Fear became a stepping stone to faith and growth. Now, back in Miami, surrounded by the familiar noise of my family, I can answer the questions that once filled me with doubt. The plane rides weren’t scary; they were exhilarating, like the thrilling start of a roller coaster. The kids and girls I met didn’t just like me, they embraced me, and we created bonds that blossomed into a sisterhood. My nervousness wasn’t a sign of weakness; it was a reflection of my excitement to connect with new people. Finally, I understand the most important question: What does it mean to lead with love? It means building positive connections, approaching every situation with kindness, and carrying a spirit of love in all you do. This cultural immersion was just the beginning of my journey. It opened my eyes to new perspectives, revealed the person I aspire to become, and taught me to explore, learn, and grow. For that, I am endlessly grateful. Antwaniyah Massie Cohort 2024 I feel incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to explore different parts of the world while making a positive impact. This journey was truly unforgettable. The bonds I formed with the Love Leaders were nothing short of remarkable—from being strangers at the beginning to building deep connections as we got to know each other's unique personalities and backgrounds. Initially, I was anxious and unsure if I would fit in with the group, especially as the youngest with a bold personality. But as the trip progressed, my perspective shifted completely. I was able to connect with these amazing women on a deeper level, forming a strong sisterhood with individuals who shared my values of giving back to communities. It was eye-opening to realize that despite our differences, we all shared the same common goal: making a difference in the world. The unity and support within the group were incredibly inspiring, and for the first time, I felt a true sense of belonging. Through our shared experiences and passion for helping others, I came to see the beauty in diversity and the immense strength that comes from coming together for a greater cause. This journey not only allowed me to see the world but also opened my eyes to the power of collaboration and the importance of building meaningful connections with like-minded individuals. I am deeply grateful for this experience and the lifelong friendships it brought into my life. Emori Dennis Cohort 2024 On our first night in Dar es Salaam, fear gripped me as I lay in bed, and I wanted nothing more than to go home. But when I woke up the next morning, everything changed. The delicious omelets and the sweetest watermelon I’ve ever tasted instantly lifted my spirits. I found myself excited about the week ahead and eagerly anticipating our upcoming travels. This trip taught me so much about myself. I realized I’m not as high maintenance as I once thought. Back home, people often joked that I wouldn’t last a day in a developing country, but I proved them wrong. I’m proud that I could spend a week away from home, away from all the comforts of America, and feel completely at peace. Disconnecting from my phone felt freeing, allowing me to truly be present and absorb the world around me. Even the language barrier in Tanzania, which initially seemed daunting, turned out to be a minor hurdle. With patience and effort, we managed to have meaningful conversations with locals. One of my favorite experiences was the journey to Kigoma and the bumpy ride to the village. Despite the rough roads, I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure. The massive hills, vibrant markets, and diverse villages along the way were fascinating to witness. Meeting the Rotary women of Tanzania was another unforgettable highlight. Their stories were deeply insightful, and connecting with them was both inspiring and humbling. This journey was truly transformative, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and experience a world so different from my own. Siara Lewis Cohort 2024 This trip was an incredible experience, and I’m so grateful I chose to come to Tanzania. I learned so much, including some Swahili! Now I can say “Jambo” and “Mambo” with confidence. The safari was a dream come true—I saw lions, monkeys, hippos, and even an elephant up close! Beyond the amazing sights, this journey taught me some powerful life lessons, especially about holding onto hope when things don’t go as planned. We faced a few challenges, like transportation issues, but it showed me the importance of perseverance. I gained so much respect for everyone on this trip, and I loved the bonds we built. There was never a dull moment—we were always laughing together. I was lucky to make new friendships, and my roommates were amazing. Even the food was great (despite some long waits), and it rarely disappointed. Every moment was unforgettable. The people of Tanzania welcomed us warmly, and I was able to step out of my comfort zone and try things I never imagined doing. Whenever someone asks if there’s anything I’d change about this trip, I always say, “No, everything happened just as it was meant to.” This experience has truly opened my eyes, and I hope to continue helping people in different parts of the world. Oldina Bigot Cohort 2024 Today was our last day in Africa, and I know I’ll miss it forever. We started the morning with some peaceful beach meditation and were amazed by the drastic low tide that had occurred overnight. The water had receded hundreds of feet, something I had never seen before! Afterward, we took a walk along the beach, enjoying the view of different resorts and spotting tiny, transparent crabs scurrying along the sand. Following a few hours of relaxing, we had lunch and then began our journey back to the port to catch the ferry. Unfortunately, I’ll never forget this ferry ride, but not for a good reason. I’m usually fine on boats, but this ride proved otherwise. It was extremely rocky, and almost everyone onboard needed a sick bag. Hearing all the sick people around me was, frankly, awful. After what felt like forever (but was only an hour and a half), we finally arrived in Dar es Salaam, where we were immediately met by a crowd of porters eager to help with our bags, for a tip, of course. We made a quick escape from the hustle and continued on to the airport. The first leg of our flight, from Dar to Amsterdam, was nine hours long, but thankfully, I slept through most of it, which made it go by quickly. The flight from Amsterdam to New York, however, was the complete opposite. I could barely sleep, and it felt like it dragged on forever. Once we landed in New York, we had to go through TSA and customs. Unfortunately, we missed our connecting flight to Fort Lauderdale. I was really disappointed because I was so ready to be home, see my family, sleep in my own bed, and eat some good old American food (even though the African dishes were absolutely delicious). Thankfully, the airline put us up in a hotel in Long Beach, and it turned out to be a beautiful place. It felt like a scene straight out of a summer vacation movie, with a beachside boardwalk and a local ice cream shop right off the path. I treated myself to a huge ice cream cone, and it was everything I needed. Later, we went out to an Italian restaurant for dinner, and I had the best Caesar salad and pasta I’ve ever tasted. By the time we got back to the hotel, I was beyond tired, but grateful to finally be back in the Eastern Standard Time zone, it felt like the first step to getting my sleep schedule back on track. The next morning, we woke up bright and early, packed our bags, and began the final stretch of our journey home. Siara Lewis Cohort 2024  Today marked another day of adventure for us. We awoke in our stunning hotel in Dar es Salaam, and I found myself not wanting to leave. The drive was enjoyable, but as we approached the port in Dar es Salaam to travel to Zanzibar, I felt a bit overwhelmed. The porters were rushing toward our car, which made me feel scared and anxious. We had to hurry due to some transportation issues from the hotel to the port, which caused us to be late for the ferry. Initially, I was afraid to board the boat because of my history with motion sickness, but the ride turned out to be fine. Upon arriving in Zanzibar, we embarked on a mini road trip that lasted about an hour and a half. The hotel seemed a bit sketchy at first, but once we entered the gate, the scenery was breathtaking. What I loved most about the hotel was its unique African art and culture, which provided a very welcoming experience. After settling into our rooms, my roommate and I quickly changed into our bathing suits and took a refreshing dip in the pool. We then had lunch and returned to the beautiful beach. The soft sand, clear blue water, and perfect scenery made it an ideal place to spend most of our day. As we relaxed on the beach, a local tribe called the Maasai began setting up a display of souvenirs, including keychains, mini animal figurines, bracelets, and waist beads. I was thrilled to find the perfect souvenir to take home from Africa to my family. After purchasing some items, we freshened up, put on nice clothing, and enjoyed dinner on the beach featuring delicious traditional African dishes. Throughout the evening, a friendly cat kept coming by, and I found myself quite fond of it. After we finished dinner, we conducted our interviews with the videographer and relaxed in the room while each person took their turn. The photographer then grabbed us to show that the water at the beach was actually 20 feet away from where we had been earlier. After that, we went to bed because we were exhausted from all the water activities we did today. Emori Dennis Cohort 2024 I had to wake up at 3:30 a.m. and be ready to leave for the safari by 4:00. As soon as I got on the bus, I drifted right back to sleep. The ride to Mikumi National Park took a few hours, and we arrived around 8 a.m., giving me a chance to catch up on some much-needed rest after such an early start. By the time we arrived, I was starving. We hadn’t eaten breakfast yet, and my stomach was definitely making it known. We climbed into our safari jeep, which looked like something straight out of the movie Madagascar and I could already tell we were in for a real adventure. The jeep took us to a small breakfast hut, where I had scrambled eggs, fruit jelly, and bread. The jelly was surprisingly good, honestly better than most I’ve ever had. I was glad I took a chance and tried it. After breakfast, the adventure truly began. As we rode deeper into the park, wildebeests were everywhere, often accompanied by zebras. Fun fact: wildebeests can actually smell water and often lead zebras to it. Zebras really just follow along, kind of lazy, right? A little while later, we spotted a group of wild antelope. One male stood proudly, surrounded by a group of females, apparently, he had fought to earn that position. Nature really doesn’t play around! Next came the water crossings. Our jeep plowed through puddles and muddy paths, making the ride bumpy and exciting. At one point, I seriously thought we were going to flip, but thankfully, we didn’t. Whew! We stopped at a small camp area for lunch and bathroom breaks. Lunch was unexpectedly delicious, we had burritos (I’m not entirely sure what was in them, but they were really good) and bananas. Although, I’m not a fan of overly soft bananas, so I passed on those. Back on the road, our mission was to find elephants, but instead, we stumbled upon a lion! It looked like he’d been rolling around in the dirt and could definitely use a bath, but it was still so cool to see one up close. A little later, we also saw some warthogs, they looked almost unreal, like cartoon characters come to life. This safari was truly unforgettable. From the early morning start to the wild animal sightings and the thrill of the bumpy jeep ride, it was a day I’ll always remember. If you ever get the chance to visit Mikumi National Park, go for it! It’s 100% worth it. Antwaniya Massie Cohort 2024 Today was a busy day! We woke up around 6:30 a.m., grabbed some breakfast, and headed to the Kigoma Airport to catch our 8:00 a.m. flight to Dar es Salaam. Thankfully, we made our flight and arrived safely. Once we landed, we got a ride to our hotel. The hotel was beautiful, it had three bedrooms and three bathrooms! We arrived around 12:00 p.m., and then had a Rotary meeting scheduled for 2:30 p.m. At the meeting, we met some wonderful women who are part of the Rotary International Dar es Salaam, Oyster Bay Board. We learned so much about how the system works in Tanzania, as well as about each and every one of the women who were invited to fellowship with us. It was inspiring to sit with women who are deeply committed to service and hear about the impact they're making in their community. The meeting ended around 5:00 p.m. and we had some time to chat with each of the women individually. The conversations were filled with purpose and meaningful exchange, reminding us how powerful it is when women come together to support one another across continents. After our Rotary connection, we headed back to the hotel to get ready for our annual cultural immersion raffle. We prepped our speech and then went all the way live! Going live, really worked up an appetite. Unfortunately, our dinner took so long to arrive. It felt like we were waiting for hours. When the food finally came, the fried rice with that chili sauce was well worth the wait! When we got back from dinner, we took showers, relaxed, and headed to bed, so that we were well-rested for another exciting day on the horizon. Oldina Bigot Cohort 2024  |