Blog Issue 3: What is home to me?
Co-Written by Fatmata Bah (she/her), former Communications and Social Media Manager and Chance Eliah (he/him), former Youth Leadership Devlopment Intern
"Home is more than a place, it's a feeling. It’s the sound of laughter echoing through the walls, the aroma of familiar spices in the air, and the warmth of a community that moves at its own pace."
-Fatmata Bah
"Being away from family for so long has been challenging, but the hope of reuniting with them, especially my grandfather, fills me with joy and anticipation."
-Chance Eliah
Something truly unique is happening at ARYSE: two of our interns, Fatmata and Chance, are visiting their home countries for the first time, at the same time, since arriving in the US.
At the time you are reading this they have both been in their respective homes for a week, but before they left, we asked them to reflect on this moment and what home means to them.
We are honored that they wanted to share their experiences and feelings with the ARYSE community and wish them both the best time during their visits home.
Fatmata’s Reflection:
"Home is more than a place, it's a feeling. It’s the sound of laughter echoing through the walls, the aroma of familiar spices in the air, and the warmth of a community that moves at its own pace.
Home, for me, is Sierra Leone.
It’s not just where I was born, it’s a place that holds a deep part of who I am. Even though I left when I was young and have lived in the U.S. for the past 10 years, Sierra Leone has never left my heart. It lives in my memories, in my cravings for traditional dishes, in the language I speak, the music, and the stories I carry with me.
Fatmata (right) posing in her school uniform.
Ten years have passed, and I know things have changed. People have grown up. Places I once knew may look different. But the love I have for home? That hasn’t changed at all. The thought of seeing my family again after 10 years, eating the food I’ve craved, hearing the languages, and being surrounded by my culture makes me feel whole in a way nothing else has.
Home, to me, feels like love. It feels like a community. It’s being around people who understand you without needing to explain much. It’s slow mornings, shared meals, familiar jokes, and loud laughter. I can’t wait to see my family, to hug them, to laugh with them, to sit down together and eat meals rich with flavors that feel like healing. I miss the calm, the slowness, the joy of simply being present and surrounded by my community. Life back home isn’t perfect-but it’s real.
Fatmata (front left) with her siblings at the Freetown International Airport in Sierra Leone.
But this joy is also bittersweet. Some of the people I loved deeply, like my grandma and my dad, won’t be there when I return. Their absence will hurt. I don’t know how I’ll feel when I step off that plane and they’re not there to meet me. But I also know they’re part of what makes going home so meaningful, because their love is tied to the memories I carry.
Still, I’m grateful. Grateful for the chance to go back, to reconnect, to feel the soil of Sierra Leone beneath my feet again. Home is where my heart never left."
Fatmata Bah has been involved with ARYSE since 2017 when she first joined as a student at PRYSE Academy. Since 2017, Fatmata has been a counselor-in-training, Youth Steering Committee, and ARYSE's first Communications and Social Media Intern. Fatmata is currently a student at the University of Pittsburgh where she will begin her junior year in the fall.
Chance’s Reflection:
"Home is a multifaceted concept that evokes a sense of belonging, comfort, and acceptance. For me, it's more than just a physical place; it's a sanctuary where I can be myself, surrounded by loved ones who care for me. As I prepare to return to Uganda after 6 years, my heart swells with excitement and nostalgia, reflecting on the experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today.
Growing up in Uganda - watching childhood friends, playing night games, and exploring the local environment have created lasting memories that I'll always treasure. Uganda's cultural heritage, warmth, and hospitality of its people, and the beauty of its landscapes all contribute to my sense of home.
Chance at a PRYSE Academy 2021 - he was a counselor-in-training (CIT).
Being away from family for so long has been challenging, but the hope of reuniting with them, especially my grandfather, fills me with joy and anticipation. Giving him a big hug and having in-depth conversations will be a cherished experience, as he's always been my mentor and source of guidance.
As I step in Uganda, I want to explore new adventures. I'm excited to explore Uganda's natural beauty, including the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where I'll have a unique opportunity to see African gorillas in their natural habitat. This experience will allow me to appreciate the different nature of parks and animals that live in them, broadening my understanding of conservation efforts.
Chance at PRYSE Academy 2023 - his second year as a counselor.
Returning to Uganda will bring a sense of familiarity and comfort, as I'll be surrounded by the people, culture, and environment that have shaped my identity.
I'm looking forward to creating new memories, trying new things, and deepening my connection with my roots"
Chance Eliah has been involved with ARYSE since 2020 when he joined as a student at PRYSE Academy. Since 2020, Chance has been a volunteer, counselor-in-training, Youth Steering Committee member, counselor at PRYSE Academy, ARYSE's first Youth Leadership Development intern, and this summer will support in the supervision of our junior counselors. Chance is currently a student at CCAC studying nursing