I originally chose a study abroad and internship in Africa because I wanted something that would push me, not only as a student but as a journalist. I thought Africa would bring a new thrill to my life. However, throughout the last few weeks, I quickly learned that my thoughts of Africa may have been one formed off of local stereotypes. I was too wrapped up in the idea of it being a foreign land of mystery, then realizing that it was someone else’s home.

There are 54 countries in Africa. Yet, when we think Africa we often refer to it as one. We forget that its a whole continent. Forgetting that each country has its own unique culture and history. It can be as different as traveling from Spain to Greece, a different lifestyle, fashion, music and culinary. However, we forget that so often. We don’t say, “I am going to Ghana” but, “I am going to Africa.” We refer to people from Africa more like Africans, rather than Ghanaians or Egyptians.

There is so much more to discover about the continent Africa. 54 countries of new stories and adventures to discover. As a journalist, we are often driven by curiosity and the unknown.  So, I hope this summer will be just that. That it will be the chance for me to strip the stereotypes that I have thought to be true about Africa and discover just one side of her beautiful story. I hope to take those lessons and bring them back home. So I can share with others the true stories of Ghana I hear. As journalists, our job is to educate people, bring them the truth that they may not know. In a way, we are all going to Ghana for individual reasons. We will gain so much during our time there. But Ghana will give us something back. It will let us in her home and let us know the truth of her country. So we can let people know the truth about Ghana.

I look forward with my arms open for the warm Awkwaaba welcoming embrace that the country will bring. Here’s to a summer of learning Twi, a new style of storytelling and discovering the truth behind the stereotypes that the media and society have placed on the country and growing away from the ones I found myself believing. Here’s to forgetting everything I know. Because to learn something, sometimes you need to walk in with a blank canvas of a mindset. And I am beyond thrilled for the colors Ghana will paint on my new fresh, blank canvas of a mindset.