By Ariyana Griffin, Particular to the AFRO
At this time we rode by means of the busy streets of Ghana till we made it to a magnet main faculty into town of Tema. Upon arrival we have been warmly met by the principal. Escorted in teams of two, we have been assigned totally different school rooms to talk to college students in addition to distribute faculty provides.
I used to be assigned to a fourth grade classroom. Their faces lit up once we arrived –as did mine. I used to be crammed with pleasure and just a little little bit of jitters. After warming up a bit and introducing ourselves, questions from the scholars began pouring in. This was my favourite half as a result of I liked how curious they have been. They requested varied questions equivalent to what the climate was like, and what sports activities and meals have been conventional for America. They requested what video games we favored to play, how our household dynamic is and so many extra. Their eyes widened with every reply they usually smiled whereas hanging onto our each phrase.
We had questions as properly equivalent to what they needed to be once they grew up, what was their favourite topic at school and what hobbies they loved.
Earlier than arriving we have been assigned to organize a bag of “Me Stew.” It is a bag filled with keepsakes from residence to speak and share with college students that may give them an concept of our life in america. I introduced my Morgan State College identification card, a photograph of my canine, a newspaper I used to be printed in, a clay turtle– which is my favourite animal– and a hip-hop historical past photograph e book.
I believed it will be enjoyable to indicate them among the kinds and fashions we’ve got in america. With 2023 marking the fiftieth Anniversary of Hip-Hop, I needed to share my favourite artists and the way their artform has impacted my life. Not solely have been they shocked to see chains and clothes with the map of Africa on the rappers, they have been amazed that every rapper’s hometown may have totally different climate. They have been fascinated that it snows and rains in some areas, however not a lot in others. The scholars have been additionally to be taught that girls could be rappers too.
Earlier than lunch time we gave them a spelling take a look at with 5 phrases: division, mid-term, journal, residence and accountability. I liked how the instructor made it a precedence to have a good time all the scholars regardless of what number of phrases they bought proper. He spoke concerning the significance of making an attempt, even for those who get it incorrect the primary time. That is really a life lesson that I’ll remember to implement in my life. I liked that they have been getting reassurance and optimistic affirmation so early on.
After our “Me Stew” present and inform session, and some extra questions, the scholars have been launched for lunch and play time. Though it was sizzling out, we loved taking part in leap rope, volleyball, and basketball. A DJ was current and performed each American and Ghanaian music. We danced and danced to the rhythmic beats like we didn’t have a care on the planet. The residents confirmed us their greatest strikes and we confirmed them a few of ours. The scholars additionally taught me a brand new option to play “rock, paper, scissors.” Not like in america the place we use our fingers, they use taking part in playing cards. Whereas sharing a conventional lunch of jollof rice, rooster and potato salad, we spoke concerning the day’s expertise and what we realized from each other.
On the finish of the day, we stated our goodbyes and it was tougher than I imagined. Despite the fact that it was only a few hours, the scholars we hung out with actually had an impression on me. Feeling a spread of feelings, I used to be unhappy but additionally joyful I bought to expertise them. I used to be unhappy to go away the group so quickly– however joyful that I bought to expertise the following era of Ghanaian medical doctors, attorneys, engineers, actors and possibly, musicians.
I instructed them all of them had a spot ready for them at Morgan State College!
