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I will never forget waking up…to a view of Mt. Kilimanjaro. No photo or description can do its size and grandeur justice.

 
About two weeks have passed since we arrived at KBC for the semester. The initial shock has worn off and I have gotten to the “wow, this is my life now” state of mind. Everyone knows how important first impressions are and I assure you, SFS Kenya does not disappoint. Immediately after stepping off the classic khaki-colored land cruisers onto campus from the airport, we were welcomed by smiling staff faces, waiting to greet us with fresh mango juice. The campus is stunning – bright green foliage, dik diks and butterflies everywhere you look, and vervet monkeys ready to put on a show in the trees. It was cloudy for the first few days after arrival, but I will never forget waking up on the third morning to a view of Mt. Kilimanjaro. No photo or description can do its size and grandeur justice (you’ll just have to see for yourself, but I’ll include one anyways). The sights and wildlife around camp have not gotten old, and I don’t think they ever will.
 

Mt. Kilimanjaro, as seen from campus. (Photo: Kelsie Seigle).

 
The most important first impression I got from KBC was from the staff. Never have I had more engaging professors – it truly makes a difference to learn from people who genuinely care about what they are teaching. I’d never experienced such optimism amongst local hardships. I was initially worried about not being able to make friends, but our group of 20 students are beyond friendly and welcoming. The first few days are awkward, getting to know everyone and figuring out your place here, but the comfort comes quickly after. The positivity and genuineness of everyone here is sure to make a lasting impact on me. The academic aspect is rigorous, and the 6 day-a-week schedule is hard to get used to, but most classes don’t even feel like classes – you’re chatting with local Maasai people or monitoring elephant movement in Kimana Wildlife Sanctuary. These first few weeks have flown by, and I can’t wait to be here for the next three months!
 

Wildlife at the Kimana Wildlife Sanctuary. (Photo: Kelsie Seigle).

 
These first few weeks have flown by, and I can’t wait to be here for the next three months!
 

Elephants photographed at Kimana Wildlife Sanctuary. (Photo: Kelsie Seigle).
 

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Curious to learn a bit more about the SFS Kenya Center? Click here to read about why we’re based there, our environmental research focus, how we connect and support the local community, and even take a tour of the Center.