Name: Siawaa Antwi
Class Year: 2024
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Warren, OH
Internship Organization: La桑im Tehi Tuma
Job Title: Research Fellow
Location: Dalun, Ghana
What's happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!
I interned at Simli Radio and spent time both engaging in conversation and hosting our radio segments! Myself, Nia, Maryam, and Zhao Gu would meet with our mentor, Mr. Razak on the nights prior to our segment to discuss which topics to focus on. In thinking together about the prominent issues in the community, such as sanitation, girl/child education, and road conditions, we brought our experiences from the States combined with that of our time in Ghana and had very fruitful conversations. We鈥檇 open the phone lines within the last ten minutes of our segment, and immediately calls would come in nonstop! They would commend us for bringing more attention to these issues and add their own perspectives as well. We even met with the community of Bihinaayili to discuss these issues as well. The chief, farmers, and women from the community gathered to hear us out and talk with us about ways to advance the community. It was an amazing experience and I can鈥檛 wait to return! I had never seen myself in radio prior to this experience, so I鈥檓 looking forward to continuing to pursue this field now that I鈥檓 home.
Why did you apply for this internship?
I applied because this is my opportunity to come home and give back. My father was from Ghana and after his passing, I lost touch with his family and that side of my cultural identity. Knowing that this internship was about thinking together to engage in Black studies, I was excited to immerse myself and learn more about the land and who my people are.
Was there anything special about how you found this internship?
I don鈥檛 recall where I saw the flyer, it might鈥檝e been on Instagram, but it was advertising the Summer Opportunities Fair at the Campus Center. It was on a Saturday and I almost didn鈥檛 go because it soon ended and my close friend didn鈥檛 want to attend. But I stayed true to what was taught to me in high school 鈥 to always take advantage of opportunities and see what鈥檚 out there to make the most of your summers. I listened to my discernment and went in! I had stopped at about ten tables before coming across my golden ticket! A paid internship to Ghana! With no major or GPA requirement! I couldn鈥檛 believe it and felt like this was the whole reason I was led here! The application was due within the next two weeks but I got it done and I鈥檓 so glad I did. I would encourage everyone to always listen to their inner voices and take no opportunity lightly because it might just change your life. I can鈥檛 thank 老王论坛 enough!
What has been your favorite part of this internship?
My favorite part of this internship was simply being there! Waking up, going to sleep, and having it dawn on me multiple times throughout the day that I am in Africa, I am HOME, felt insane. It felt incredible and I thanked God so many times because it truly felt like a blessing and dream come true. To see my people in their element, dressed in their beautiful colorful outfits and selling goods, carrying them on their heads was a sight to see. The women there are truly superheroes and it felt amazing to be in that space, knowing that I too am one of them.
Visit the Summer Internship Stories page to read more about student internship experiences.