Author Archives: chichamanze

Bravery is a term I feel I have encountered several times during my gap year. I had to be brave entering into a new environment, trying new things, learning a new language, making new friends, and leaving it all. I was brave when I first came to Tanzania with my mom and 3-bags having noContinue reading “Bravery”

Solomon is unlike anyone I have ever met. He understands me. Solomon Shujaa is the Director of Golden Aya, the N.G.O. children’s stem program I volunteered with in Tanzania, and he is like a second brother to me. I see him as a real role-model because he is someone I am actively connected with moreContinue reading “Solomon”

In all earnest, I feel I am progressing towards my goals slower than I would have liked. I feel after weeks: I am finally starting to make real progress on my documentary; but I dread all the emotions and encounters that have been blocking me from progressing towards such. Transitioning from being in Tanzania toContinue reading “My Goals”

Since my high school graduation everything has changed. The world seems a little clearer and a little less hopeless, and I have Tanzania to thank for that. It is constantly amazing to me that such a place can exist because to me it is practically heaven on earth. Strangers that always make sure I amContinue reading “My View of Myself”

Never before I have encountered a people more genuine, real, and kind than when I met Lightness and her family. From the way she instantly greeted and took in my mom and I like we were family to how she is always checking on me and goes out of her way to make sure IContinue reading “A Personal Interaction in Arusha”

I think something that surprised me about my gap year experience is how hard it has been to detach from the on goings of America to fully embrace Tanzania. So often have I had my eyes locked on American media, news, and television (just purely out of habit) that at times I can forget thatContinue reading “What Surprised Me About My Gap Year Experience”

It is already four days into my arrival, and Tanzania is gorgeous. Africa is not what I expected but so much more! Everything here is just allowed to grow and nurture. The people take care of one another, and they take pride in conserving their traditions and culture. The women are never perceived as masculineContinue reading “Life in Tanzania 💕”

So when I tell you I have been mentally planning a study abroad for the longest time; I have been picturing and researching these trips since my junior year of high school. With time as I built my passion for film and black history and culture, I dreamed of getting the opportunity to go andContinue reading “My goals for my Gap Year!”

Hi my name is Chisara (my nickname is Chichi), and I am going to be a student at Florida State University’s undergraduate film school! As such, my favorite material to document and film is African and African diasporic culture and history. So, this year I am very excited to travel to Arusha, Tanzania and theContinue reading “Introducing Chichi !”