Her Journey to Ghana: Lynette Burrowes Siewe '98

I wanted to make this particular trip to Ghana for numerous reasons. First and foremost, the history!!! I really wanted to learn the history of Ghana, its people and the slave trade. I also wanted to see the historical sites with my own eyes. In short, I wanted to experience the culture, sights and walk amongst the Ghanaian people. 

I was also pleased that there was a community service aspect to the trip. The cultural aspect of the trip coupled with the community service component made this trip to Ghana the perfect way to celebrate 50 years of the Black Student Union and the 30th Anniversary of the African American Studies Program with other Hood'Lums.

I am going to cheat a bit here, I have so many favorites from the trip, it is difficult to choose just one. While doing our community service project at the community center in Winneba, we happened to witness the pomp and circumstance of a traditional funeral procession through the village. It seemed to truly have been a celebration of life, which I am blessed to have witnessed.

My other favorite story (of many), was Sylvia Kirkpatrick (Class of 2000) teaching us to line dance to "Boots on the Ground". Sylvia was a better teacher than we were students but there was lots of laughter and fun that night!

Traveling with my fellow Hood BSU alumnae and friends of Hood BSU alumnae made this once in a lifetime trip that much more valuable and rewarding. Although we didn't all know each other prior, we clicked from Day 1 of the trip. We learned so much from each other throughout the time we were in Ghana. It was truly a time of sisterhood (even with our honorary member, Mark). We reminisced, shared, leaned on, and celebrated each other. I can't imagine traveling with a better group of ladies and gent.

Next, I would love to go to Japan.