“Growing up, my parents always encouraged my siblings and I to travel, meet new people, step outside of our comfort zones and explore the world. As a first-generation college student, studying abroad was something I always hoped I would have the opportunity to do. It was important for me to challenge myself by being uncomfortable and placing myself in an environment that was completely new,” reflected Mar’Kia Williams, a criminology & criminal justice major on the pre-law track who is participating in the ‘Genocide and Its Aftermath in Rwanda’ program.
During the three-week program, students learn about the causes of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, its impact on Rwandan society and the country’s recovery. The group attends daily lectures about the Rwandan genocide as well as other genocides around the world, exploring topics such as justice, healing, reconciliation and how societies rebuild after mass violence as well as the legal responses to genocide.
“My interest in Rwanda started before entering high school; I read a book about the Rwandan genocide that left a lasting impression on me. Since then, I have wanted to learn more about Rwanda’s history and the resilience of its people. Being able to study these topics in Rwanda itself and learn directly from those who experienced them has made this opportunity even more meaningful. This opportunity has pushed me to grow both academically and personally while fulfilling a goal I have had for many years,” said Williams.
Outside of engaging classroom lectures and discussion, the group visits genocide memorials and museums, meets with survivors, perpetrators and victims' family members and learns from local experts. In country, students stay with host families to experience everyday life in Rwanda, participate in activities like basket weaving and visit women-owned businesses to learn more about community development and entrepreneurship.
“The most memorable moments have been speaking directly with survivors of the Rwandan genocide and individuals who participated in the violence. Hearing their personal stories has given me a new perspective on healing, forgiveness and what it means to carry the legacy of loved ones after they are gone. These conversations have also taught me that everyone processes grief and trauma differently, and there is no single right way to heal. Listening to people share their experiences with such honesty and vulnerability has been incredibly powerful and is something I will carry with me long after this program ends,” Williams shared.
This experience has been deeply impactful for Williams on a personal level, who had a loss in her family before departing on the program.
“I have learned that fear can either keep you stagnant or push you to explore. Through this experience, I realized that I am much stronger than I thought. My mom always wanted me to travel the world, and instead of letting my fear of being alone and away from my family stop me, I chose to continue the journey. Being in Rwanda has shown me that sometimes growth comes from stepping away from what is familiar and giving yourself the space to understand what you need for your individual journey,” she said.
Through the individual and academic benefits of studying abroad, Williams will take her newfound knowledge and skills back to Columbus to continue her journey at Ohio State and eventually apply them to a future career.
“This experience has given me a deeper understanding of trauma, resilience, healing and the long-term effects of violence on individuals and communities. As someone who hopes to work with populations that are often overlooked, including individuals experiencing homelessness, survivors of human trafficking and sexual violence and people dealing with grief and trauma, this experience has shown me that every person's journey is different.”