Anticipating Africa
Looking ahead to five weeks of teaching, learning, and exploring in Ghana
It’s difficult to explain why I will be devoting six weeks of my summer and $2500 out of my own pocket to embark on a service learning trip to Africa. As I sit comfortably on a couch in the student-filled UCC atrium, sipping an Island Breeze smoothie from the Spoke, I can only imagine how different my surroundings will be in just a few short days. The sweltering 35-degree weather, the Ghanaian cuisine, the African students — everything will be foreign. Even though I have no idea of what to expect in Ghana, I am certain that I will come back with a changed perspective on my life and the world.
Leaving a Familiar World
Having grown up in a stable and privileged environment, I have never wondered where my next meal would come from, or where I would sleep at night. I have never experienced a day without instant access to clean water and electricity, nor have I ever been robbed of my basic human rights. I have never fought my parents for the opportunity to go to school — rather, I have tried to argue my way out of benefitting from Canada’s free, high-calibre education.
Why am I complaining about my luxurious life? In many ways, I am incredibly grateful for the family, society, and country that I live in. My life could have easily been drastically different if my parents had not fought to provide a better life for me. They grew up with minimal resources in Hong Kong, and both of them faced the loss of a parent during their teenage years. They did not have enough money for school, so they had to work hard to finance their own post-secondary education. After I was born, they decided to immigrate to Canada in hopes of providing me with better schooling and opportunities. They sacrificed their hard-earned careers, beloved family and friends, and comfortable lifestyles to move to a foreign country with unknown job prospects, languages, and cultures — all for me.
Growing up, I never understood the full weight of my parents’ decision. Often, I grew frustrated with their broken English and misunderstanding of Canadian culture. I was jealous of my “Canadian” friends, and I even got embarrassed when they interacted with my socially awkward parents. However, my perspective began to change in university as I learned to live independently. Suddenly, money became a real issue — paying bills, buying groceries, and purchasing school supplies depleted my savings. Surviving on my own gave me a tiny glimpse into the hardships faced by billions who live on the edge of poverty everyday. I voice my thoughts with a gigantic grain of salt — living in an extremely privileged country with free healthcare, developed infrastructures, and political stability, I know that my worst days pale in comparison to the daily struggles of the less fortunate.
By going to Ghana, I hope to gain a deeper appreciation for the lifestyle and opportunities that I take for granted in Canada. I want to hear the unique stories of students, faculty, and locals from all over Africa, and learn from their cultures. My soul craves to see the world beyond the air-conditioned walls of my suburban neighbourhood.
Experiencing an Emerging Africa
Discovering and understanding new things has always fascinated me. As a curious, free-spirited extrovert who thrives off new experiences, I love embracing opportunities and challenges. In a strange way, I resonated with many of the protagonists featured in the indigenous African cases written by previous ASL participants. I also share a common desire to start businesses that generate profit while contributing to the betterment of society.
From Dr. Donkor in Bella Springs to Innocent Kimenyi in Sawdust, I was amazed by the authentic integration of “corporate social responsibility” into African entrepreneurial ventures. In contrast to most businesses in capitalist America, where profit is king and CSR is an afterthought added for positive public relations, the motivation of business is completely different in Africa. As foreign investment continues to drive economic development across the continent, I am excited to engage with the rising movement of African entrepreneurs and corporations. I yearn to learn more about building viable businesses from a strong foundation of sustainability and community-oriented values — an important skill that is overlooked at Ivey.
For many people, entrepreneurship is a necessity rather than a luxury. After reflecting more on that notion, I have become both inspired and convicted. I have always seen entrepreneurship as a long-term goal, a difficult task, a faraway dream — but in Africa, it’s not that complicated. All it takes is passion, determination, and access to resources (which can be found with the first two attributes). That makes me wonder: why does entrepreneurship seem so unattainable in the Western world? I don't know the answer now, but I hope to start uncovering the mystery over the next five weeks.
Becoming a Glocal Citizen
Beyond exploring, learning, and teaching, I want more from my Ghanaian experience. I aspire to develop my perspective on life, the world, and my purpose on Earth. As ambitious as this may seem, I genuinely believe that there is a greater purpose to this trip. Ultimately, I hope that this experience will shape me into a glocal citizen.
GLOCAL: reflecting or characterized by both local and global considerations
Recently, I have been contemplating the purpose of life beyond graduation. The instinctive answer is to find a job that pays well, and preferably aligns with my interests. Next, find a loving husband, get married, start a family, and settle into a comfortable lifestyle. For the more ambitious crowd, climbing the corporate ladder or exploring the world are also on the agenda.
But is that truly my calling? I don't believe it for a second. I see so much potential in the next generation of leaders — people who understand both their local communities and global perspectives. As technology accelerates communication, information sharing, and innovation, endless opportunities are being created for the leaders of tomorrow. By applying our knowledge and skills to emerging glocal issues, future leaders can fix the mistakes of past generations and change the world for better.
Embarking on international service learning experiences is just one aspect of becoming a glocal citizen and future leader. At this pivotal point in my life journey, I anticipate that this experience will have a significant impact on my future aspirations and actions. I do not know what the future will bring, but I aim to make the most of what I am given in each present moment.
With an open mind and an eager spirit, I can't wait to see what Ghana will bring.
