Experiencing life in Ghana is as I expected it to be, a life-changing experience. Halfway through week 6, and almost done with this adventure, I’m here to say that the only expected aspect was that everything was UNexpected. There was really no way to prepare for this journey besides the packing list that Leslie gave us, our readings and discussion in the orientation class, and the advice given to us by former Media in Ghana participants. I have found myself to be completely at the will of Ghana, and whatever she throws at me I will have no choice but to accept it and deal with it.

I found myself first battling with Ghana in terms of sickness. I was always questioning if the food was going to make me sick, but at times I was so hungry that I just ate the food and had to accept the “damned if I do, damned if I don’t” attitude. Some low-level sickness lasted the entirety of the trip since the second week so there was really nothing to do besides accept it.

Another tough thing that I had to deal with was the constant marriage proposals, staring and borderline sexual harassment by many Ghanaian men. Going into this experience we were told that the men might be inappropriate or pushy and to just brush it off if we could, then confront, and report it if more serious and if these strategies didn’t work. For the majority of the trip I really was able to brush it off. Most comments were harmless jokes. During the fifth week, the harassment was taken to a level that needed to be addressed more firmly. During a daily newsroom meeting at CITI FM, one of my male coworkers was giving a presentation from his laptop. A picture of his adorable daughter popped up and the lot of office females cooed at the cute baby girl. Immediately this man insinuated that he might want to have a baby with me. I quickly responded that I did not, and I just couldn’t believe that man had the audacity to make such a personal comment at all, let alone in a work meeting. I was also shocked that none of the many women who were present confronted him. I did report the incident to one of the managers.
Another thing I learned to deal with was really being constantly tired. This taught me that I am really capable of doing things while I’m tired. Before I went to Ghana if I was tired I would most likely go lie in bed for an hour or so before continuing on. Coming to Ghana has taught me that I can really stay up for two whole days if need be.
Ghana has been an amazing, life-changing, and memorable experience that I am so truly grateful for. I will look back at my time in Ghana for inspiration for the rest of my life, to prove to myself that I can do anything and go anywhere. Thank you to everyone that helped me get there and to my classmates, teachers and program assistants for everything that you did while in Ghana.