Being in Ghana was absolutely amazing and it would not have been possible without the amazing scholarships such as the “MSUFCU Endowment Study Abroad scholarship” that I was awarded. Having this scholarship truly took some weight off of my shoulders which allowed for me to full experience Ghana and learn without as much worry of how I would pay for it all. So, Thank you. So very much, I am truly so grateful.

Ghana represents resilience. Not just on a personal level, but as a national and cultural identity. After my group and I visited Cape Coast Castle, I began to understand more about why certain systems in Ghana function the way they do. That castle wasn’t just a tourist site—it was a brutal reminder of history. Like many other countries impacted by slavery and the Atlantic slave trade, Ghana, in my opinion, never fully recovered. It’s evident in many of the systems within the country—in the economy, in infrastructure, in education, and more. At times, it was very sad to see just how deeply that history still affects the present. But what moved me even more was witnessing how the Ghanaian people have responded to those roots. They hustle. They have unwavering faith in God. They incorporate their belief in God into every part of life and culture—in school, work, family, and politics. There’s brokenness, yes, but also so much beauty—so many beautiful people who are hopeful, optimistic, and full of enthusiasm and passion for change.

Throughout my time in Ghana, I was constantly reminded of just how good God is. From my everyday interactions with the people to the moments of stillness and reflection, God’s presence was undeniable. One moment that deeply impacted my faith was our visit to the assessment center, where we worked with children with cerebral palsy. There was one little girl whose story I’ll never forget—she had experienced trauma during birth when the oxygen was cut off to her brain, which led to developmental delays and her diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Her story touched me in such a personal way because it could have easily been mine. I, too, was a premature baby and experienced birth trauma when my umbilical cord was pressed against me, ultimately suffocating me for a moment. But God. The realization that He spared me, allowed me to live, grow, and now stand in that very moment with this child, was overwhelming. It reminded me of His mercy and divine purpose for each of our lives. That moment, among many others in Ghana, reminded me that God’s grace is real, His protection is constant, and His plan is always working—even when we don’t fully understand it.

In conclusion, I was deeply moved by my time in Ghana. Not just career wise, but personally as well. Studying abroad, in my opinion, is definitely an opportunity that all students should take advantage of to not only gain experience, but perspective. It is truly amazing. Thank you.

Name: Zuriel Phillips
Status: Senior
Major: Social Work
Hometown: Inkster, Michigan
Program: Child Development in an African Context in Ghana