- For my STEP project, I went on a service trip to Ghana, Africa. I stayed at an orphanage where I helped with daily chores and in the classroom teaching. Additionally, I got to learn more about the culture of Ghana.
- Growing up, everyone’s parents always told them that there are hungry kids in Africa as a way to get us to eat our food. This engrained one of the many stereotypes of African culture into all of our minds. Going into this service trip, I tried to keep an open mind but deep down, I had some expectations. I expected to get to our service site and see all of these malnourished, depressed kids. What I experienced was something that nothing could have prepared me for. From the moment that we showed up to the moment that we left, we were met with the most caring, selfless people. The children did not feel one ounce of sorry for themselves and I never saw them be anything but happy. Everyone was so genuinely happy to be in the presence of the others and it was truly inspiring. I look back at some of the things I would get upset about and find embarrassment in those moments. How could I be so ungrateful while these people that we deem as having less than us are nothing but joyful? In the future, I have a newfound gratefulness for those around me and the blessings that I have.
- There were countless interactions that left me speechless. I kept a blog of each day on my phone to be sure that I would not forget anything. First, I would like to highlight the importance of music in African culture. I remember waking up on some of the days and I could hear the children singing songs of worship. I couldn’t help but smile because of how joyful and together they became through music.
Next, I would like to highlight the selflessness of the amazing people I was lucky enough to meet. Every morning, we had chores to complete. The children would quickly finish theirs and try to do ours for us. They saw us as their guest and did not want us to do work. Additionally, the children gifted us with bracelets and necklaces. Without a surplus of money, they were willing to spend what they had on us. They even offered us their food.
Finally, I would like to discuss the relationships that I formed. The children were very well behaved and craved physical affection. I quickly became close with some of the children and we were inseparable the time I was there. The older kids were able to have some more meaningful conversations with us about their hopes and dreams. It’s hard to hear someone talk about their dream life and have it be your life that you complain about. Through these relationships and conversations, I have found a more grateful mindset about my life journey.
4.Overall, this trip changed my mindset on a lot of things. First and foremost, I am more grateful for my life and education. I value my family more because of the way they treated me as their family. In the future, this trip has made me want to pursue more service related opportunities and just overall help others more. I think this is an experience everyone needs to have. I now look at things that I or someone else has complained about before and see it as a blessing.
