UGA - FACS - Ghana Service-Learning Program : Testimonials (Accra)
The following program testimonial responses have been selected for publication by UGA StudyAway
Final Reflection Questions
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
|
The most significant take-aways for me are that I feel a much greater sense of worldwide community and that I have confidence in my choice in medicine as a career field. By working at community health clinics and getting to know people in Ghana, I feel like I became a part of their world, and I would love to practice medicine outside of the States because of it. Working at Ridge Regional Hospital and observing different medical procedures gave me confidence that I can stomach watching surgery (and that I even enjoy it!). I also learned how to live outside of my comfort zone, and this made me grow immensely as an individual.
— Nicole Bisel, Summer 2016 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
|
Experiencing Ghana taught me that there is no "right way". Every culture and people have their Way which is right for them. It is not up to us (foreigners) to decide what is right and wrong for people who have a completely different way of life. I really appreciate that perspective being presented to me because I had always felt that way but could not really put it into words. Now my thoughts have been confirmed and I know for certain that the way I do things is not the way everyone else does things and that is okay. There is really not right or wrong, it's all about what works for you as long as you are not causing harm to others.
— Aniya Hamilton, Summer 2016 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
|
Ghana is a diverse place with distinct customs and cultures, and Africa is even more diverse. You can't refer to a specific city in Africa simply as "Africa" because there is no way you can accurately describe that specific place by identifying it simply as a piece of a continent. Also, pristine facilities and abundant supplies are luxuries that most of the world lives without.
— Madison Rudnick, Summer 2016 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
|
Living in Ghana for a month was like living in a completely new world for me. For the first time in my life I was a minority and that is a feeling that I can't even begin to describe. Ghana was a huge reminder that life in Athens Georgia is just a minscule part of our huge world. I needed that reminder because it revealed that there is so much more opportunity and experiences in our world that I haven't even let myself consider.
— Lauren Tinkey, Summer 2016 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
|
There were so many important lessons I learned from this trip, but two of my most important take aways were to step out of your comfort zone to truly get involved in the things you love and to never take what you have for granted. This trip challenged our group to try new things and how to adapt to a completely new and unusual setting. It was the first time I was subjected to life in a developing country, which I believe made me value the little things I have in my life and taught me how to not be afraid to meet new people and try new things.
— Anna Murphy, Summer 2017 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
|
There were so many take-aways that I got from this trip. The most important take-away was my resolved desire to purpose medicine. After shadowing in the children's hospital and the main hospital in Accra and volunteering in the health clinic in various communities, I know without a doubt that I want to be in healthcare. I loved the feeling of being able to provide some sort of service that benefits the overall health of the community. It was so interesting shadowing in the hospitals and being able to see the types of patients that come in and the type of problems that the doctors deal with. Another take-away was experiencing a culture that somewhat different than my own. Observing the way of life that Ghanaians live and seeing the difficulties that they faced was definitely an eye-opener. It is one thing to hear about the struggles others face, but it is a whole other thing to witness those struggles firsthand. This trip has definitely given me a broadened view of the world and has also taught me to a bit more compassionate towards others. It has also made me realize just fortunate I am in my life. The final take-away that I got from this trip is learning about social interaction. I had always been a very reclusive and reserved individual. On this trip, I had to share a living space with eleven very extroverted girls. While living with them for a month, I got to see how others interact socially. The exchanging of stories and laughs was definitely something we experienced every night. Living with them has taught me that being a more open person is definitely more beneficial, and not all that difficult. By being open, you expose yourself to learning more about others and their experiences. It helps you grow as a person. — Florence Urum, Summer 2017 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
|
The most important take away that I have from my experience is that stereotypes are so confining and you never know what the world really holds for you outside of those preconceived notions.
— Chastity Grooms, Summer 2018 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
|
This program provided affirmation of my love for medicine. I found myself overwhelmed by the passion that serving these patients stirred up inside me. I learned how self-sufficient Ghana is, despite the picture that the world paints of it. I learned the importance of surveying an area before coming in to provide a service. I learned the importance of building a team and setting goals and expectations ahead of time. Most of all, I learned the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone because this program allowed me to learn more than I have in most of my life.
— Erin Harman, Summer 2018 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
|
This program allowed me to grow and develop in both a professional and educational setting. It exposed me to culture, tradition, and history which influenced my perspective on both developing countries and the western world which I am accustomed to. It solidified my interest in my career field and also allowed me to explore more of the world! It broke down my predisposed perspectives on developing countries and showed me that they're actually very similar to developed nations.
— Olga Morean, Summer 2018 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
|
The importance of understanding culture while working in health care.
— Lindsey Woller, Summer 2018 |
What are your words of advice to students considering this program?
|
If you are on the pre-medical track, I would highly suggest this program. Be prepared to be elated by all that these incredible Ghanaian people have to share with you. It's the most valuable experience.
— Rachel Cleypool, Summer 2017 |
What are your words of advice to students considering this program?
|
DO THIS PROGRAM! Best decision I've made in my life so far. SO rewarding. Make sure to do your research on the country of Ghana before and go in with a positive attitude. Be ready to take in every experience possible.
— Jenna Reinhart, Summer 2017 |
What are your words of advice to students considering this program?
|
My words of advice to students considering this program is to keep an open mind. Ghanaian culture is very different from the culture you are probably used to; the environment is also very different. Be patient with yourself if you find that you are not adjusting very quickly to the new environment; seek out the support of your peers who are also going through the trouble of trying to adjust. You are all in the same boat. You will really be immersed in Ghanaian culture. Always remember to be respectful and polite. Some things may not make sense to you, but it is a different culture. And people have different ways of responding and going about things. You will be forced out of your comfort zone many times.
— Florence Urum, Summer 2017 |
What are your words of advice to students considering this program?
|
I would advise anyone participating in this program to be prepared to be challenged in ways that you wouldn't expect and be open to growing in who you are as a person and trying new things! Go into the program with your mindset on teamwork.
— Chastity Grooms, Summer 2018 |
What are your words of advice to students considering this program?
|
I would say go for it. Know that once you arrive, things will be different and go ahead and prepare yourself to be okay with that. People do live in these conditions and they are just fine. You will be too. It will be well worth it.
— Erin Harman, Summer 2018 |
What are your words of advice to students considering this program?
|
For students considering this program, I would tell them to go into it with open minds and hearts. This country had such an infectious love that it got to all of us! Students should also be aware of the physical challenges that will come with the program such as walking, heat, sweating, and the change in diets.
— Olga Morean, Summer 2018 |
What are your words of advice to students considering this program?
|
The program is a life changing experience if you allow it to be, but to learn to have patience is all that you do and enjoy living in the moment because time flies by.
— Lindsey Woller, Summer 2018 |
How did the experience impact you and your future educational/career/personal goals?
|
This experience made me realize that I'm passionate about the preventative side of medicine as well as the treatment side, so I'm now considering obtaining an MPH before starting medical school (or doing a dual MD/MPH program). I also had the opportunity to shadow in fields of medicine which I had not experienced before, like surgery and NICU. Overall, this trip gave me a taste of the career field I've chosen, and I'm more excited to go into medicine now because of it!
— Nicole Bisel, Summer 2016 |
How did the experience impact you and your future educational/career/personal goals?
|
This program offers so many opportunities for career exploration and self-introspection and observing surgeries and questioning physicians helped me discover new interests I didn't realize I had.
— Madison Rudnick, Summer 2016 |
How did the experience impact you and your future educational/career/personal goals?
|
Going on this trip gave me my first real opportunity to be involved in the hospital setting. Witnessing surgeries, live births, the treatment of malnourished children, and the general modus operandi of healthcare in Ghana really forced me to evaluate whether or not I wanted to career in medicine. I had always held reservations about some aspect of healthcare. Prior to this trip, the thought of open bodies had always made me a little squeamish. I thought I would not be able to handle looking at someone's insides without feeling the need to leave the room. Because of this feeling, I thought I was not suited to become a doctor. I did not make sense to me before. What kind of doctor did not like the idea of insides? Would they not have to deal that sooner or later? This trip has given me the chance to test out my reservations myself. As previously stated, I got to witness a couple of surgeries. They were both hernia repairs. They were not groundbreaking surgeries, but I still got the chance to watch someone being cut open, I got to see their blood and organs, and got to watch someone maneuver through them to fix the problem. Throughout it all, I was able to remain levelheaded. I was pretty surprised by my reaction. It was not as gruesome as I had anticipated. In fact, I was amazed at how the surgery was able to identify the different parts of the body. Everything just looked fleshy and bloody. The fact that he knew which parts to manipulate was incredible. This small feat has increased my confidence in pursuing medicine. I know now also that is not necessary to be intrigued by all aspects in healthcare, as I only plan on specializing in one area anyway (general pediatrics), but it is nice to conquer your fears and at least not feel restricted by which fields to go in to. — Florence Urum, Summer 2017 |
How did the experience impact you and your future educational/career/personal goals?
|
I was fortunate enough to witness a vaginal birth and several C-sections during my time in Ghana and as soon as the first baby came into this world I knew that I was meant to become an OBGYN. Before the program, I could not decide what kind of career I wanted to pursue in the medical field but now I without a doubt know that I belong in the delivery room.
— Chastity Grooms, Summer 2018 |
How did the experience impact you and your future educational/career/personal goals?
|
I realized the influence that I can have on the world and feel empowered to do something big in my lifetime. We allow ourselves to give up far earlier than our bodies can handle. Isn't it worth pushing on and ultimately changing the world? I also found my love and passion for caring for people. I realized that it is in my nature and it allows me to feel most alive.
— Erin Harman, Summer 2018 |
How did the experience impact you and your future educational/career/personal goals?
|
It solidified my interest in working with communities that don't have access to all of their necessities, so I'll continue on the path to a masters in nonprofit management or public administration with a nonprofit emphasis. I'd also love to work abroad so this gave me a 'taste' of what's to come by immersing me into a culture very different from my own.
— Olga Morean, Summer 2018 |
How did the experience impact you and your future educational/career/personal goals?
|
The experience affirmed my decision to be in the major I am in and continued to help me grow my knowledge of working with patients in a hospital and clinical setting.
— Lindsey Woller, Summer 2018 |