I've never been one to be open about my feelings, but I feel that as being someone about to embark on an exchange you're apt to do just that. Of course I know that when I go to Ghana I'll be able to broaden my horizons, step out of my comfort zone and experience a culture entirely different from America's. As excited as I am about experiencing all of these new things, I'm also very nervous, anxious and a little scared. I know all of these feelings are normal and it takes a certain kind of person to want to study abroad in Ghana for a year, but these feelings are still there and they need to be addressed.
I'm afraid of having a host family that won't like me and having to switch. I'm afraid of missing a trotro or getting on the wrong trotro and not being able to get home. I'm afraid of going to school for the first time in a new country and sticking out like a sore thumb. I'm terrified of doing something culturally incorrect in Ghana and having someone get mad at me and not forgiving me for it. I'm afraid of all these things, but I know I'm going to be fine.
The surrealism of the situation is starting to go away and reality is starting to set in. Right now, I'm taking everything one day at a time. Whatever I come across in Ghana, I'll embrace it with open arms.
Life is a little bit like a Zebra;
There are black stripes and white stripes, and sometimes they are uneven. Sometimes the black stripes are wide, and just when you thought things couldn't get worse, they do. But you should never worry too much, because a white stripe always comes eventually.
Wise words from a Turkey finalist blogger,
"I'm terrified and that's OKAY"
Thanks for reading!