Hi everyone! My name is Akiliann. I was born and raised in Pittsburgh. I am a music composition major, and I have an Africana Studies minor, as well. I am currently a senior and graduate this winter. Although I find the question stressful, I will happily tell you what I’m doing after graduation…for 10 euros 🙂
Besides music and history, I enjoy watching comedy shows, looking at pretty flowers, makeup and skincare (I am a licensed esthetician in PA), and going dancing. I also enjoy a challenge, which is why I decided to tackle TWO summer abroad programs this year.
I just completed the Pitt Maymester in Dakar, Senegal, where I studied Traditional Medicine and Culture. I LOVED Senegal — the food, the weather, the beaches, and the culture. This was my first trip to Africa. which felt like a true privilege as a Black American. I was particularly overwhelmed while visiting the Door of No Return at GorĂ©e Island. I returned to a place where, centuries ago, my ancestors were forced to leave during the Transatlantic Slave Trade. I was heartbroken thinking about the torture and trauma so many ancestors experienced, and I was simultaneously thankful for their strength and survival.
Over the last month, I learned a lot about the role of traditional practitioners in Senegalese communities, and I learned some Wolof phrases, too. I even recorded a demo with a bandmate and cousin of Senegalese music icon, Wally Seck. Coolest experience ever. The last week of the Senegal program overlapped with IIP: Dublin’s Orientation Week, so I had to leave Dakar early to make it to Ireland. This was bittersweet, as I was excited to experience Dublin and start my internship, but I was so sad to leave my host family and the new friends I’d made.
Even though I’d have to sacrifice time in Dakar, I fought hard to participate in both programs because they both felt like once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. I really wanted to experience living abroad, as I am interested in working internationally after graduation. This internship seemed like a great chance to make connections in the Dublin music industry and experience a different society and way of living. Similarly to Dakar, I look forward to connecting with musicians here and creating some art.
I had to leave Senegal on Friday, since the Pitt group was traveling to a remote village over the weekend. However, orientation didn’t start until Monday. Enter: a two-day excursion in Paris! As Senegal was formerly colonized by France, Paris (CDG) is one of the few European cities with a direct flight from Dakar. I did all of the touristy stuff — seeing Notre Dame, walking along the Seine, sitting in the grass at Jardin du Luxembourg (you’re actually not supposed to do that…whoops). On Monday, all I ate were French pastries.
I will say, after spending two and a half weeks in Senegal and observing, firsthand, the negative repercussions of French colonialism, I’m a bit uncomfortable selling you the hype of Paris. France still effectively controls the currency of eight West African countries, including Senegal. Senegal’s high cost of living is a direct result of France’s continuous meddling.
And also, when I saw the Eiffel Tower for the first time, I called my mom and cried.
I got to Ireland on Monday. It’s taken me a few days to adapt. The pollen here has been kicking my butt, and I miss my family and my cat. But, I’m really starting to enjoy myself, and I’m excited to get started at my placement on Tuesday!
This summer, I will be working at Axis Ballymun! Axis is a community resource center and arts space that serves the Ballymun community, which is north of Dublin. At Axis, I will be handling administrative duties, as well as assisting with marketing and the operations of Axis’ community programs. Back in Pittsburgh, I work as an Assistant Office Manager at a local music school, so my current skillset will be utilized in my internship. At the same time, I will be learning new skills, which is exciting.
Three countries in four days is a lot. I’m an introverted person by nature, and a bit of a homebody. But, stepping out of my comfort zone has allowed me to experience so many things I’ve long dreamed of: going to Africa, seeing the Eiffel Tower in person, and visiting Ireland. This summer is definitely a marathon, not a sprint. I am taking each day as it comes and doing my best to be present and open to new experiences.
Hope you check back to see what I get up to next.