Each year, Dr. Laurie Brinklow’s intrepid students from her Islandness: Culture, Change and Identity class take a “walk on the edge,” then document their experience – through words and images – of what it’s like being out on the edge of the Island. And because our class is in the winter semester, the experience isn’t of the usual sun, sand, and sea…

Here are the assignments from the 2024 cohort. Enjoy!

Ama Kwaama Bremansu: A Historic Walk on the Edge

Arriving on the Island that fateful Sunday dawn is a day I will not forget. As I took my first steps off the plane, I realized that I had stepped into a totally different climate, time zone, weather pattern, landscape, culture, identity and lifestyle. Some days after arrival I decided to take a short walk along Victoria Park. So early that morning, I wore my winter boots, packed my small backpack and set out. The air was crisp, it was snowing (apparently this was my first time experiencing snow) and the rhythmic sound of trees and birds filled the atmosphere. Continue reading…

Taiwo Ogunsanya: A Walk on the Edge

As I set off on my journey to Atican Beach in Lekki-Ajah, Lagos state, Nigeria, I could feel the refreshing air and smell the sea. This adventure would take me to the furthest point of what is familiar, both in a literal and figurative sense. Walking on the edge symbolizes the excitement of venturing into unfamiliar territory, challenging limits, and delving into unexplored realms of both the external world and one’s own psyche. Continue reading…