As I look back on my time in Ghana, I’m reminded of the highs and lows of the last 6 weeks. I can list the lows on one hand: being stranded at circle after work with no money and no way to get home, being in a car accident in an Uber, and 5 days before I leave and go to London, the ATM eating my card. But as for the highs, I have too many to list in this post. This trip has given me a great appreciation for a new culture and has helped me to become so much more confident in my ability to figure things out myself.
Before coming to Ghana I hadn’t done much international travel, although I’ve always wanted to. I was worried about a lot of things: how I’d navigate the city, what my internship would entail (I had never been an intern before), and what living here would really be like. I was excited, but I had no idea what to expect.
The last 6 weeks have been some of the best in my life, which I know is cheesy to say, but it’s the truth. I’ve developed such an appreciation for a culture so different to my own. I’ve grown fond of the trotros and hawkers that fill the streets. I’ve learned about what it really means to work for a written publication with deadlines and edits. I’ve enjoyed the time that I’ve spent just hanging out with my classmates, hearing about their internships and going on our weekend excursions. And I’ve eaten a lot of mangos and Fan Ice.
The experience has helped me to become more independent. Throughout the weeks here I’ve had to rely on my ability to figure things out with my internship and getting around the city. It’s given me a sense of confidence in that ability and has proven to me that I can travel and not worry about being completely helpless in a new place.
I’ll always remember Ghana as the place that got me started. As I continue to travel and experience new places, I’ll always think of it as an experience that gave me the confidence to do so. As I’ve watched everyone leave today, and knowing my plane leaves tonight, I’m sad to be saying goodbye after the last 6 weeks. I can’t imagine having spent this summer any differently and I’m so thankful to have had this opportunity. I know I’ll miss it immensely. But I also know I’ll come back someday, and I can’t wait to experience it all over again.