Kyle Piehl, a current junior at the University of Utah, has enjoyed previous study abroad trips, but his inspiring time in Africa was unlike any other college experience. By having the opportunity to make an impact in Ghanaian communities, Kyle became a changemaker. Learn more about Kyle’s experience in our exclusive interview!
Interviewer: How would you describe this experience to someone who might be considering a study abroad experience?
Kyle Piehl (KP): This trip was thought provoking. Before the trip, I barely knew about the Ghanaian culture, so I enjoyed the immersive learning experience.
This trip allowed me to realize what is important in life and how priorities differ in the US and Ghana. I look forward to applying these lessons to my life now and in the future.
Interviewer: Was there anyone in particular that impacted your Prosperity U Global experience?
KP: There are three people that immediately stand out to me: Professor Alder, Stephanie Dutson, and Moselle Brown.
Professor Alder, the president of Ensign Global College, shared a wealth of knowledge about the area and provided important information in general. Our conversations were both engaging and enlightening.
Stephanie Dutson, the Student Experiences and Programs Manager at the Center for Business, Health, and Prosperity, helped organize the trip. She was incredibly helpful throughout the trip and is also a very enjoyable and pleasant person to talk to.
Mozelle Brown was another great person to talk to and learn from during this trip. She works at Ensign Global College and has lived in Ghana her whole life. I’m happy to call her a lifelong friend.
Interviewer: What was the most interesting thing you discovered during the trip?
KP: For me one of the most interesting things I learned during this trip was the importance of community. Some of the poverty and things people face were different than anything I had ever seen, but people always seemed to have each other’s backs. This is especially meaningful in a country like Ghana because exploitation was such a common thing in the country’s past.
There were hardships, but the people count on each other and dream with each other. It inspires me to not only help others in my community but also push through hard times even when things seem almost impossible.
Interviewer: Tell us about the coursework and project you did in Ghana?
KP: Our coursework on this trip was both interesting and thought-provoking. We read two books that were relevant to our experiences in Ghana.
One major topic we explored was how to make effective changes in a community. The emphasis on “effective” was crucial, and much of our coursework revolved around this concept.
Additionally, we helped create birthing kits for expecting mothers in the area. Since Ghanaian hospitals do not provide birthing supplies, we compiled a list of necessary items in a cost-effective manner. Our work supported expecting mothers who might not have the time or resources to gather these products themselves.
Interviewer: How did this trip inspire you?
KP: This experience inspired me to become a changemaker. Throughout the trip, I met many influential people who were effective changemakers despite having limited resources.
One key lesson I learned was the importance of community support. People had a network they could rely on when they needed help. If I can, in some way, help someone when they need it most or create positive change, then perhaps they can do the same for others. If this cycle continues, our current problems could become more manageable or even completely resolved in the future.
I want to help foster strong, effective communities that support people in times of need. By promoting collaboration and communication, I aim to teach people how to navigate problems and hardships.
Interviewer: Would you recommend this experience to other students?
KP: I would highly recommend Prosperity U Global experiences because these trips offer unique learning opportunities that you can’t find anywhere else.
Specifically, the experiences from this trip will stay with me for my entire life, and they are experiences that few others will ever have. Not many people have had the chance to speak at a school or visit a remote village in Ghana.
You will learn a lot not only about the people you meet but also about yourself. You’ll discover what’s important to you, especially when you gain a new and unique perspective from a different culture. Additionally, there are few times in your life when you can take a trip like this. Having a group of experienced people teaching you about the culture significantly enhances the trip, making it much more enriching than other travel experiences.