Class of 2013

Biology major

Marketing minor

It was very beneficial to reflect on my experiences with my peers in an open setting, and hear how the experience is different for everyone involved. We considered the views of those we were serving, each other, and recognized that not all communities want assistance. Understanding this was very important in connecting what I learned from the community to any preconceptions I, or my team, may have had of the Ghanaian way of life. Reading conflicting works on the opinions of service during my class was requisite on my future approach to service. I often apply what I learned during these reflections on my time in Ghana, to service in healthcare in my community now.

During my experience abroad in Ghana, I was exposed to a very diverse culture. This is so valuable. I learned to interact with communities that didn't speak English, had completely different traditions, and lifestyles. At first glance, I approached time abroad as merely an amazing opportunity. However, it wasn't until interacting with the community and returning to reflect that I saw the impact service can have. Learning to appreciate a different way of life and be sensitive to that is also an imperative skill that I developed during experiential learning. Beyond a sensitive attitude to the Ghanaian way of life; I learned that you must provide service within the realm of that communities values. Just as in healthcare, one's belief system should be honored, so is in service. If a communities' values aren't respected then they may not readily seek help that is needed. On another note, my team built a water harvester and latrine for two families. I now possess some invaluable masonry and cement mixing expertise. On another occasion, during a medical brigade I was able to develop skills in triage, patient diagnoses through physician observation, and public health.