Rose’s Blog: Trepidation- A Pre-Departure Reflection

Terror

Reflection

Excitement

Preparation(?)

I need to pick up my mosquito net from REI today

Dreading the 19 hour flights

Anticipation

Tentative confidence

Inquisitive

Optimism

Nature-deprived

As I write this, there are two days until our little BIOS 323 collective departs from Houston and begins our trip to Tanzania. Two days. 45 hours. Not that I’m counting. The last-minute errands and assignments are coming to a close, and I find myself with an overwhelming feeling of trepidation. Excitement, anticipation, anxiety, and a singular goal of being licked by a giraffe (have you seen their tongues???). 

The other day, my coworker in a lab at Rice took it upon himself to teach me a few words in Swahili to prepare for Tanzania. We focused on the essentials: “hello,” “how are you,”, “thank you,” etcetera. Swahili spelling is largely phonetic, making many of the words look surprisingly familiar. Their context, however, was novel to me. He taught me “Shikamoo,” which is used when speaking to elders or those in authority to convey respect. The literal translation is “to fall at one’s feet,” or, more colloquially, “accept my respect.” 

In the midst of my trepidation, this idea has grounded me. My myriad of concerns– whether my safari hat is too dorky or if I’ll recognize a Grant’s gazelle on sight–fades into a profuse sense of gratitude and respect. Not only for this opportunity, but also for our hosts, human and non-human alike. So, to the savannahs and field researchers and residents alike, I say, “Shikamoo.”

Rose Clarke

June 13th, 2024