Traveling as an African American

Growing up, my family did not have the resources to travel outside of the country, let alone across the United States. I was a product of a single parent, poverty, and the foster care system. It was not until I was in college until I started traveling. I went on away football games, visited friends/family, traveled for track meets and I traveled with my fraternity brothers on “road trips.” It was not until 2011, when I rode on my first airplane. I was terrified, but it was a joyful experience. College was a big part of my traveling in reference to having access to resources, specifically track and field. I did not end up running track until my junior year of college. This was honestly one of the best years of my life.

I had the opportunity to travel and compete with some of the best competition around the country. My most memorable moment was traveling to Manhattan for the New Balance invitational that was held at the Armory. Having the chance to go to New York, not only for track and field, but to tour was an awesome experience. This was an important aspect and I feel the same about the rest of my opportunities up to this point.

It was not until I graduated form my undergraduate institution in May of 2013, until I had the opportunity to travel outside of the country. My fifth grade teacher, whom was also my foster mother for a year or so planned a trip for her son and myself to travel as graduation gifts. We were heading to three countries in South America, which included Peru, Chile, and Argentina. Although this was a new experience for me, her son had been across the world and was very knowledgeable in traveling.

Once again, this resource and network allowed me the opportunity to travel. It was truly a humbling experience. In Peru, I had the opportunity to stand in the ocean for the very first time in my life. I had the opportunity to try foreign food and to be a “tourist.” While in Peru, there was a life changing moment, in which I sat back and reevaluated my entire life. While sitting on the edge of a stone wall that was apart of the Inca civilization they call Machu Picchu, I took that moment and really put my life into perspective. This is what life is about, getting out of the “norm” and experiences new things.

While in Chile, I had the opportunity to go horseback riding across the Chilean terrain and witness beautiful natural waterfalls. I also had the opportunity to hike up a dormant volcano. My favorite part of the trip was going to Argentina and having the ability to travel to the Lujan, in which I had the ability to interact with lions, tigers, and bears within a caged environment. Talk about once in a life time experience and I took advantage of the given opportunity.

I was moving back to Indianapolis, my hometown because I was offered a teaching position. Prior to starting my new job, I had an opportunity to travel with my fifth grade teacher, whom I look at as a mother figure and some family friends who happen to be German. We were meeting them in Canada, but we were driving from Montana. A day ahead of our German friends, we decided to find a Native American reservation in order to sleep in a Tipi. It was such a great experience to sleep in on a reservation and experience a culture that has almost become extinct. During our time in Montana, there was an opportunity to learn about the Black Feet Nation and its people.

This was a humbling experience that allowed me to once again reflect on oppression amongst a people and correlate it to my own experiences as an African American male. While in Canada, I had the opportunity to hike up many trails and camping outside. My longest hike totaled 13 miles. 6.5 miles each way and it was steep. I hiked with Nils, my German friend who is around my age. While taking risks walking on this narrow and treacherous trail, I was not afraid and instead I was excited. This was a thrill and something I had never encountered.

After teaching a year, I decided that I wanted to pursue a Masters degree in another field. Little did I know that opportunity and resources would be available at this institution. I accepted a graduate assistant position, in which I would be conducting research. My first year in the program and I had the opportunity to travel to Little Rock, Arkansas to present on the findings from our research.

As I am currently in my second and final year of my program, I have had continuous networking opportunities as well as career opportunities. Just this past month in October, I had the opportunity to present at an international social science conference in Hawaii. Not only did I present more findings on our research, but I had the opportunity to explore Hawaii. Snorkeling in the sea with wild dolphins and sea turtles was breath taking. Sitting back and riding on the boat out on the open sea and having the ability to look out and view the beautiful scenery was a very personal moment for me. Here I am, 25 years old and I have had the the many opportunities come my way. I reflected and told myself that it was more than having the opportunity come forth, but taking advantage of each opportunity played a crucial part as well.

My last day in Hawaii, I traveled to visit Pearl Harbor. I have a big respect and interest in history and this really took the cake. To stand in the very places where America joined World War II and where World War II ended was beyond words. I had a chance to sit back and reflect on history that was so important for the development of this country. As I traveled back to Arkansas, I realized that I have two more opportunities approaching in the next semester. I have the luxury of presenting a paper in D.C and a poster in New Orleans, both in which correspond to my research.

My journey has not been an easy one, but I have placed myself in a position to receive and take advantage of opportunity. As an African American people, there may seem to be barriers to receiving opportunity, but there is opportunity and a lot of it. Having the determination and with hard work, I have made an impact on different parts of the world. Taking advantage of resources that are available and creating some that are not is essential to opportunity. I would also recommend building a strong network that consists of people in our own communities and others who are apart of another community.

#Travel #International