From LAX to Dakar: The Beginning of a Journey to Decolonize Global Health

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After months of anticipation, my journey to Senegal for the School for International Training's program on Decolonizing Global Health and Curriculum finally began. It started with a 1:30 AM drive to LAX—three hours in the dark, chasing purpose more than sleep.

Once at the airport, I managed to squeeze in a quick shower and a bite to eat at the lounge before my first flight to JFK. A short layover later, I was on my second leg to Senegal. Although the flight was on time, we ended up sitting on the tarmac at JFK for over an hour—a reminder of the summer travel chaos.

Touching down in Dakar was only the beginning. It took nearly 90 minutes to retrieve our bags amid finger-pointing between Delta and airport staff. Still, the moment we stepped outside and began the drive to our hotel, I could feel the shift. The hour-long drive was a visual narrative of contrast—underdevelopment near the airport giving way to vibrant city life as we approached central Dakar.

Sunday morning in the city felt alive—children playing football, taxis being washed, vendors preparing for the day. After arriving at the hotel, a delicious lunch and some much-needed rest set the tone for the week ahead.

Orientation begins Monday morning, and I’m buzzing with excitement. I can’t wait to dive into conversations about decolonizing global health, explore Senegalese culture, and meet the rest of my cohort. This week marks the start of something transformative—and I’m ready.