“If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always gotten. Nothing changes until something changes” -Anonymous

My experience in Ghana has been nothing short of inspirational. I’ve had to step outside of my box and learn how to adjust to a culture that I was unfamiliar with. It has been a challenge but I’ve been making progress each day to learn more about Ghanaian culture and to adjust to living here. I have had to push myself to get out of my comfort zone and try new things and adapt to my living environment. I’ve been more successful some days than others but I’ve always kept in mind that what I am experiencing will greatly benefit me throughout the rest of my life.

Before studying abroad, one will probably hear stories about being abroad and what some of their friends, past students and even parents have experienced on their trips. One will strive to make the best of their opportunity: to travel, to meet people, to try unfamiliar foods, listen to music, learn a language, to volunteer … to do everything in their ability to have a so –called “life changing experience” and to come home with a story to tell. I have chosen to simply make the most of my experiences abroad whether good or bad. I know that I will have a story to tell when I return home and it will focus on how much I’ve learned about myself.

Ghana is definitely growing on me. This is a beautiful country and its culture has provided me with a greater appreciation for life, family, spirituality and time. There’s a lot to learn about and sometimes I feel a bit overwhelmed, but I’ve been trying to take in what I can for the short period of time I am here and plan to continue to learn more about the country once I return home.

Time seems to be going by fast. Today, I finally understood why it’s encouraged to study abroad for one year at the same place as supposed to one semester. There’s so much to learn and things to do and by the time one finally becomes adjusted and familiar with their surroundings, it will be time to head home. I lived in Las Vegas for 18 years and I still don’t know everything about it, let alone the state of Nevada, or the U.S., so imagine what it’s like to study abroad in a country for only four and a half months.

I plan to take advantage of what time I have left here in Ghana and appreciate this experience and hopefully I’ll get the opportunity to return in the future.