By Ariyana Griffin, Particular to the AFRO
Right now we rode via the busy streets of Ghana till we made it to a magnet main college into town of Tema. Upon arrival we had been warmly met by the principal. Escorted in teams of two, we had been assigned totally different school rooms to talk to college students in addition to distribute college provides.
I used to be assigned to a fourth grade classroom. Their faces lit up after we arrived –as did mine. I used to be full of 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 cherished how curious they had been. They requested numerous questions resembling what the climate was like, and what sports activities and meals had 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 resembling what they wished to be once they grew up, what was their favourite topic in class and what hobbies they loved.
Earlier than arriving we had been assigned to organize a bag of “Me Stew.” It is a bag stuffed with keepsakes from residence to speak and share with college students that will give them an thought of our life in the US. I introduced my Morgan State College identification card, a photograph of my canine, a newspaper I used to be revealed in, a clay turtle– which is my favourite animal– and a hip-hop historical past photograph e book.
I assumed it will be enjoyable to point out them a few of the kinds and fashions we have now in the US. With 2023 marking the fiftieth Anniversary of Hip-Hop, I wished to share my favourite artists and the way their artform has impacted my life. Not solely had been they shocked to see chains and clothes with the map of Africa on the rappers, they had been amazed that every rapper’s hometown may have totally different climate. They had been fascinated that it snows and rains in some areas, however not a lot in others. The scholars had been additionally to be taught that ladies will be rappers too.
Earlier than lunch time we gave them a spelling check with 5 phrases: division, mid-term, journal, residence and duty. I cherished how the trainer made it a precedence to rejoice all the scholars regardless of what number of phrases they received proper. He spoke in regards to the significance of attempting, even if you happen to get it incorrect the primary time. That is really a life lesson that I’ll make sure to implement in my life. I cherished that they had been getting reassurance and optimistic affirmation so early on.
After our “Me Stew” present and inform session, and some extra questions, the scholars had been launched for lunch and play time. Though it was scorching 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 finest strikes and we confirmed them a few of ours. The scholars additionally taught me a brand new strategy to play “rock, paper, scissors.” In contrast to in the US the place we use our palms, they use taking part in playing cards. Whereas sharing a standard lunch of jollof rice, rooster and potato salad, we spoke in regards to the day’s expertise and what we discovered from each other.
On the finish of the day, we stated our goodbyes and it was tougher than I imagined. Although it was just some hours, the scholars we frolicked with really had an impression on me. Feeling a spread of feelings, I used to be unhappy but additionally pleased I received to expertise them. I used to be unhappy to depart the group so quickly– however pleased that I received to expertise the subsequent era of Ghanaian docs, legal professionals, engineers, actors and perhaps, musicians.
I instructed them all of them had a spot ready for them at Morgan State College!
