Yoruba Fulbright-Hays Project Abroad Reflections from Amina

By Amina Wague, Undergraduate Student, Human Development Major with a concentration in Social Work
Yoruba Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad - Summer 2024 

My name is Amina Wague, a junior majoring in Human Development with a concentration in Social Work. I grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as a first-generation American, born to a Guyanese mother and a Malian-Nigerian father. This summer, as a Fulbright-Hays Scholar, I had the extraordinary opportunity to study Yorùbá for two months at the University of Ìbàdàn in Nigeria.

Experiencing my grandmother’s birthplace while immersing myself in her culture, language, and religion was profoundly healing. I can feel the impact of my journey within myself, as if my ancestors rejoiced in my presence on their land. I am deeply grateful for the support of my educators and the warm welcome from the community of Ibadan, who were committed to helping us, as Americans, truly understand their world. The perspective I've gained is invaluable, enriching my personal development and reinforcing my identity as an American of Yoruba descent, shaped by multiple cultures.

The friendships I formed and the family members I met for the first time made this experience unforgettable. Each day I reflect on my journey, I carry with me a newfound sense of pride in my lineage, a connection that was previously unknown to me as a child of divorce.

I am especially grateful for the formal introductions to historical landmarks that we toured throughout Yorubaland, each in a different state, each contributing uniquely to the rich tapestry of Yorùbá culture. This journey was not just about learning a language; it was about discovering a part of myself that I had longed to understand.