Reflections from Ghana

Despite sharing with all I have learnt about Ghana in my travels, I think what is more important is the things you learn about yourself and here are a few reflections I have decided to share with you...

1. Kids

The first thing I learnt about myself related to children. In London, I am never drawn to kids and if I have to be honest I never bother with them because I always said I didn't want to have kids. However, when I went to Ghana I discovered a maternal side to me that I never knew I had. I found myself whenever I had spare time going out talking to and playing with kids. I absolutely loved it. The lady I worked with when she introduced me to locals would say 'This is Komilla, she is from London, she loves children'. This is quite a shock to those who are close to me just because it is so unlike me but I guess Africa changes you because now I want kids!

2. Animals

However, bizarre this may sound for many years I was scared of animal particularly dogs. Some years ago I decided this needed to change and I managed to overcome my fears and I have been asking my parents in the last year or so to buy me to dog. When I went to Ghana, I was constantly surrounded by animals, as I mentioned before I lived with them and it occurred to me that I always wanted a dog because I wanted to prove to myself that I really have overcome my fear. And it was then I realised I don't need a dog to do that because I have already proved by being here in Ghana that I am a changed person and this was quite a revelation for me.


3. Flexible

Similar to the previous reflection, I learnt that I am quite a flexible person. Having to live with power cuts in dirt, cooking with ants even showering with ants I realised that I am quite a flexible person. I never thought I was because I just don't ever do things that I don't particularly like e.g. being a vegetarian. So it was nice for me to see that I do have this positive quality in me and if I want to continue my African studies in Africa its not an impossibility anymore.

4. Don't judge a book by its cover

I met loads of people in Ghana and established many relationships. The biggest thing I learnt is the age old saying about don't judge a book by its cover is true. Even after a week of knowing someone it is not sufficient to make a judgement because you can entirely and absolutely incorrect so I have learnt to have more patience and refrain from making judgements too soon about the people I want to be associated with and those I don't.

5. Privilege

I thought I knew what poverty was, as an economics student and having been to India. However, I was wrong, I believe it is one thing to see poverty and another to SEE it. When you live in 'poverty' you really understand it, just seeing a photo, video or a beggar really is ineffective. So coming back home has made realise how privileged I am, just the mere fact that there is hot water in the taps and that electricity never runs out has really made me appreciate the privileged life that I have.