Leaving home can feel like stepping into the unknown, especially when the home you know is as rich in history and culture as Ile Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. For me, Ile Ife was more than just a city; it was the cradle of Yoruba civilization, a place where tradition, spirituality, and family shaped every part of my identity. When I left, I was filled with excitement for new opportunities but also nervous about what life in Saint Louis, Missouri, might bring. Little did I know, this journey would teach me something profound: home is not just where you’re from—it’s where your heart expands.
Leaving the Heart of Yoruba Culture
Growing up in Ile Ife, I was surrounded by vibrant traditions and a deep sense of history. The Ooni’s Palace, the sacred groves, and the annual Olojo Festival were part of the rhythm of life. Family gatherings around bowls of Amala and Gbegiri, the sound of Yoruba drums echoing through the streets, and the comfort of a community where everyone seemed to know each other made leaving difficult. My heart was tied to this place in ways I couldn’t fully express. Yet, I knew that going to Saint Louis for my studies was an important step in my journey.
First Impressions of Saint Louis
When I first arrived in Saint Louis, I remember seeing the Gateway Arch towering over the city. It felt so foreign at first—an imposing symbol in a place that was nothing like home. The bustling streets, the American accents, and the fast pace of life left me feeling like a stranger. I missed the familiarity of Ile Ife’s markets, the warmth of greetings in Yoruba, and the sense of belonging that came with knowing my roots.
But as I settled in, Saint Louis began to reveal its own beauty. The Arch, much like the Ooni’s Palace, was a symbol of strength and progress. I found myself drawn to its history and what it stood for: a gateway to new opportunities. In a way, it mirrored my own journey, standing as a reminder that I was on the cusp of something new.
Finding a Community
The first few months in Saint Louis were tough. I missed the close-knit community of Ile Ife, where everyone was like family. I craved the connection that came so naturally at home. But slowly, I began to find my footing. I connected with other Nigerians, some from Lagos, some from Abuja, and even a few from my beloved Ile Ife. We bonded over familiar foods—jollof rice and pounded yam—and shared stories of home. Together, we created our own sense of community in this foreign city.
I realized that even though I was far from Ile Ife, I could carry my culture with me. I didn’t need to leave behind the traditions I grew up with; instead, I could share them with others. We celebrated Nigerian holidays, cooked meals that reminded us of home, and found comfort in the familiarity of our shared experiences. In those moments, Saint Louis started to feel less like a foreign city and more like a second home.
Embracing New Traditions
While holding onto my roots, I also embraced the culture of Saint Louis. I experienced my first Mardi Gras celebration, with its lively parades and colorful costumes reminding me of the festive energy of the Olojo Festival. Exploring Forest Park brought a sense of peace similar to wandering the sacred groves back home, and I found myself discovering new places that held the same sense of wonder.
Saint Louis has a rich history, just like Ile Ife. From its free museums and beautiful parks to its thriving arts scene, I began to see that this city had its own unique traditions worth exploring. Just as Ile Ife shaped me with its deep connection to Yoruba culture, Saint Louis offered me new experiences that expanded my worldview.
Finding Home in Two Worlds
Over time, I came to a beautiful realization: I didn’t have to choose between Ile Ife and Saint Louis. Both places had become a part of me. I was able to honor my Yoruba heritage while embracing the opportunities and experiences that life in Saint Louis offered. I started cooking traditional Yoruba meals for my new friends, introducing them to the rich flavors of Egusi and Efo Riro, while also indulging in local Saint Louis favorites like toasted ravioli and Gooey Butter Cake.
Through this blending of cultures, I found that I could create a home wherever I was. My sense of identity wasn’t tied to one location—it was shaped by the people I met, the experiences I embraced, and the lessons I learned along the way.
A Personal Gateway
Saint Louis may have seemed like a far-off place when I first arrived, but it became more than just a city—it became a gateway, much like the Arch itself. It led me to new friendships, new traditions, and a deeper understanding of myself. I had left Ile Ife with a heavy heart, unsure of what was ahead, but I found that I could carry home with me wherever I went.
In Saint Louis, I discovered that home is not just about where you were born. It’s about where you grow, where you love, and where you find connections that resonate with your heart. For me, Saint Louis became a home away from home—an unexpected chapter in my journey that I will cherish forever.
