This summer I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to spend four weeks abroad in Ghana with 15 other awesome Northeastern students. It is through a program at my school and the goal of the trip was to take two classes on education and psychology as well as do service learning and visit many different types of schools. As this was my first time in a non developed country, as well as my first time traveling alone, I was a bit nervous to begin. Now as I am writing this, I have been here in the capital city of Accra for about a week. I already can feel myself becoming a different person. Maybe not a different person so much, but rather a truer version of myself. I have learned so much in just seven days and I feel obligated to share some of my stories.
Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
The first night when we had arrived in Ghana we had been travelling for over 24 hours. Everyone was exhausted, being bit by mosquitos and extremely cranky. Not the best combination. We crowded into a bus with all of our luggage stacked on top like cans in a grocery store. It was a situation I was sure was bound to go very, very wrong. I had never felt so uncomfortable in my own skin. Any confidence that I had ever mustered up left me in that moment and I was so unsure of everything. I honestly didn’t believe that I would be able to make it through the next four weeks. Then something amazing happened. I went to bed. I woke up. And the world hadn’t ended. What this experience taught me was that it is okay not to feel okay all the time. You don’t always have to have everything all put together.
New experiences are often uncomfortable at first, but that’s how you know that it is new. You aren’t supposed to know what to expect. So my advice would be to just learn to roll with it and know that whatever is bothering you will have to come to an end at some point.
Be curious.
It is amazing what you can learn just by asking questions. So far we have visited one high school as well as the school for the blind. The insight that those children have shared with us has been mind blowing. They also have been so willing to share with us what they know. They took our many questions with grace and responded with a clear “yes miss”. They were so polite and I was able to learn so much about Ghana that I could never learn in any book or any classroom. If you’re curious about the world go out and find the answer for yourself. Be open to looking in unexpected places. A conversation with a stranger on the street could change your entire perspective.
Know your own worth.
I spoke with one girl at the Akropong School for the Blind named Vanessa. She was asking me if I had any talents like acting or singing. I replied that I didn’t and that I was “basically useless”. Her response was one that I’ll never forget. She said to me, “well if you’re useless then I must be useless because I’m blind. But I know I’m not useless so you aren’t either.” This girl was 17 years old and had the knowledge and confidence of a queen. She knew her own worth. She knew that although she was visually impaired she was still worth something. I only wish that I had as much self efficacy. However, from now on I’m going to keep her words in my mind and I encourage you to do so as well because no one is worthless.
Value education.
In the United States especially, we really take our education for granted. Learning about the way that education works here made me appreciate what I have received at home so much more. In Ghana free public school only goes through junior high. Uniforms, books, and food are not included and those prices often put a burden on families. There is also the opportunity cost that is lost when a child goes to school. Instead of learning that child could be doing work for their family. So those students here who are able to go to school take it very seriously. Every question asked about school was answered with enthusiasm and vigor. Not one person had any complaints. Some of these kids had to walk for miles to get to school while another took three buses and more than an hour just to be able to learn. And yet, they were so grateful for the chance to better themselves and to better their country. If we all had that attitude, I’d bet it would make such a difference in our lives.
Be respectful.
Part of going to another country is learning to respect a new culture. In Ghana, it is inappropriate in many places to wear short shorts or clothing that is too revealing. And while us Americans may be sweltering in the heat it is important to try and respect the way that people live here. Don’t swear loudly in public. Don’t drunkenly wander the streets in the middle of the day. It is common courtesy wherever you are. It may also teach you a thing or two about yourself along the way. It’ll show you what your true character may be.
Understand privilege and perspective.
These two words often go hand in hand. Being born in America is automatically a privilege, especially compared to some of the severe poverty that I have seen. Being white, being a male, being cisgender, being heterosexual, being able bodied, all of these attributes are privileges that people often have difficulty in understanding. If you are any of these things then congrats, life just handed you a get out of jail free card. You have the leg up. However, there is no need to be ashamed of that. As long as you can understand the second part which is perspective.
As privileged individuals we must try to “walk in someone else’s shoes.” Try to imagine what it would feel like to live in a one room house with a dirt floor and no windows. Imagine your entire livelihood resting on your head as you try to hawk peanuts by the roadside. That doesn’t mean you need to feel pity. Our lives are what they are and for the most part that is unchanging. Sure there are some ways to better yourself, but for the most case you live the life that you were born into. If you were born into privilege great. If you weren’t then that’s okay too. The key thing is just to understand that the world is a very diverse place and we must all respect each other for that.
Be kind.
This is the biggest piece of advice for everyone. Kindness is a universal language. No matter where you are people will understand a smile. Treat others how you want to be treated and chances are they will treat you that way too. You can so easily make someone’s day by stopping to chat, complimenting someone on their outfit, or helping someone pick up some trash. Small selfless acts really make the difference in the long run. They determine the kind of person that you are and I promise that you’ll feel pretty great about yourself too.
I am so grateful for being able to go on this amazing journey. I can’t wait to see what lies in the weeks ahead. If you get the opportunity to travel, do it. You won’t regret it. The world is such a big and incredible place so get out there and make it your own.
