A couple of days ago our TA told us during our tutorial that we only have three more weeks of classes left. That happened and now I only have two weeks of class left.

That news shook me to my core. That meant with my revision week and my exams, I only had more or less 30 days left in Ghana. I only have 30 days left to say that I am a study abroad student. 30 days left of this whirlwind experience that has turned my life upside down and inside out. 30 days to pack up my backpack and head off on my next life adventure. How did this happen so soon? As I look back on my experience here, I now realize where the time went and the incredible (and tough) experiences that I have had here.

I have been to some pretty rad places within Ghana. Kumasi, Cape Coast, Mole, and the Volta region this past weekend. I have had my fair share of cabin fever since I was moving around so much for the past few months. It was hard to stay in the same place for so long, but I guess it is just a taste of what I am going to deal with when I finally go back to my permanent mailing address in the States.

My time in Ghana has been a special time. The other day I was thinking and came to the realization that Ghana is the first place that I have been to, both internationally and nationally, where I am surrounded by people of color that are my age and in a very similar stage in their lives. I grew up in schools where I was one of the only Latina females in my classes and where people did not really understand my dynamic at home. Growing up as a person of color definitely has its perks. For the most part many of us share similar stories of getting in trouble, of that crazy aunt or uncle, or sayings that our parents once and again told us. I think that the most valuable lesson one learns from being raised in a family of color is that we have an infinite support system. Every individual in our family, regardless of what they have done in the past will always have the support of their immediate family, cousins, and beyond. I remember going to Mexico in the summers as a kid and all of my aunts, uncles, neighbors, and even the stray dogs being involved in everyones business. It is a community that is unexplainable. Many of the individuals in this group share very similar experiences as people of color. It is brilliant to be surrounded by people like me, and a huge learning experience.

Even though three months have passed since I first got here, Ghana continues to mess with me. The smells still manage to catch me off guard, and somehow it is getting hotter as each day passes. If someone out there doesn’t believe in global warming, come to Ghana and walk for 5 minutes. You will become a believer. I promise. Sometimes someone yelling and preaching outside of your window wakes you up at 6am. Other days the power goes out and it becomes way too hot to stay in one place. Most days you get in a beat up taxi and have multiple near death experiences. I thought drivers in China were crazy, but Ghana definitely sets the bar high. I am lucky to have a solid group of friends to laugh with when everything goes wrong.

Here is to another month in Ghana. Lets see what life throws my way, because it will for sure be something I won’t be expecting.

-L