For my STEP Signature Project, I traveled to a children’s home and school in Akokkwa, Ghana with Buck-I-Serv. My daily activities included chores, teaching in the school, traveling to other cities, and most importantly spending time with the children. We also were fortunate enough to have the ability to fundraise enough money to rebuild the dining room, which was previously unusable. 

This trip will definitely leave a long-lasting impact on my life and my world views. Initially, I was nervous to travel across the world with a group of students I hardly knew, but I would return in a heartbeat. The sense of community in Ghana is indescribable and I felt such pure happiness during my trip. I have never met such kindhearted, selfless, hardworking people. The trip made me gain confidence in myself for stepping out of my comfort zone. It also made me really appreciate my privilege and all that I previously took for granted, especially my access to education. I learned so much about life and happiness in Ghana, which has definitely changed the person I am today.

I could write about my experiences on this trip forever, but one specific interaction that stood out to me occurred while teaching in the 5th-grade classroom. During class one of the girls named Benedicta began to eat what she had leftover from lunch and she practically begged me to take some of it which I politely declined. This is something that continued to happen throughout my trip, all of the kids were so generous and willing to give you what little they had to offer. I then realized all that I take for granted and her kindness was admirable. 

Every night after dinner and chores, I would stay up late talking with the older boys at the children’s home who were also my age. Richmond, the 5th-grade history teacher soon became one of my closest friends on my trip, we would have many meaningful conversations which would often leave me feeling very emotional after learning more about his life and growing up at the orphanage.  One night he told me how badly he wanted to attend University, but he could not afford it and access to scholarships is very limited in Ghana. Richmond and I both graduated high school in 2021, except after graduation he became a teacher at the children’s home so he could have a place to live. This made me realize how much I take my education for granted.

I connected with so many amazing teachers, staff, members of the community, and children who inspired me in so many aspects of my life. This trip has taught me to take a step back and appreciate the little things which I previously took for granted. It related to my academic, personal and professional goals because it genuinely changed who I am today. I am beyond grateful for this experience and I am extremely inspired to continue service learning throughout my life.