Posted by student DIMAS ESPINOLA – At times, I find it difficult to explain the Clinton School experience to family and friends, but from the events this past weekend, I can sum it up in one word: opportunity.
Currently completing my International Public Service Project (IPSP) in Accra, Ghana, I was delighted to find out that President Obama would be visiting the country during my time here. And of all the cities in all the countries of the world, he just completed his visit to city where I am currently spending the summer.
The history behind the event is evident: the first African-American President of the United States traveling to Ghana for his first historic trip to sub-Saharan Africa. It also exemplifies the wonderful, and often times unexpected, opportunities I have as a Clinton School student.
I spent Saturday outside the Accra International Conference Center, walking with Ghanaian citizens and hoping to catch a glimpse of President Obama before his speech to Parliament. Men and women walked the streets with shirts and dresses made from special Obama fabric. Groups paraded through the area beating drums and chanting songs. Luckily, I was able to listen to his speech on the radio, and then I watched his visit to the Cape Coast Slave Coast on television. To say the least, it was an exciting weekend here.
Six months ago, when I solidified my IPSP with Unite For Sight (UFS), I had no idea what to expect. An organization focused on eliminating preventable blindness in underserved communities, my experience with UFS in Accra has been both educational and meaningful on many fronts.
Little did I know, though, that during my time here, I would also have the opportunity to welcome President Obama to a wonderful city. And it was an opportunity, like many of the amazing opportunities I have as a Clinton School student, that I took full advantage of.
This sign was one of many welcoming President Obama to Accra, Ghana.
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