top of page
Makilda Addico
Aug 6, 20233 min read

Learning Never Ends

There is a reason why some of the happiest people you will ever meet are those who quickly adapt to their surroundings, are not easily stressed or moved from their mindful states, and see the beauty in everyday life. Such people know the importance of accepting life's circumstances and resisting the urge to submit to outside forces.

"A person who maintains humility, mental awareness, acceptance, and honesty has all the resources and tools necessary to lead a blissful and fulfilling life."


I have been working as an intern in Ghana, West Africa, for the past three months thanks to a scholarship titled the "Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Scholar." The privilege and honour of working with an NGO focusing on youth protection and advocacy through research and policy analysis, and returning to my home country has been almost incomprehensible.


Every day as I take the trotro (bus) to work, I have been getting to know Ghana, allowing me to draw many conclusions and ask many questions from what I see. Intentionally observing my surroundings has allowed me to spark curiosity about the culture, which comes from a unique personal interest. For instance, the distinction made by locals between those like themselves and those with different skin tones, backgrounds, or racial identities is one cultural aspect that stands out. While roaming the city, I get looks of shock and disapproval based on my appearance or accent. Although adjusting to this took some time, I have filled the gaps in my understanding which has allowed me not to take judgments personally, as they are merely the extent to which a person understands something unfamiliar.


"We are prevented from learning, interacting with others, and exploring the depths of ourselves because of the perceptions we hold about other people. These depths can only be uncovered through the compassionate lens of self-reflection and analysis."

The idea of that "learning never ends" came up as I talked to my hostel roommate one evening. Before bed, we frequently pass questions based on our observations and impressions of the day. I stated that one who continually and consciously is prepared to change, reshape, and reconsider their worldview will always be in a place of learning and acquiring information. She refuted the thought when she first considered it because she believed that continuing to learn required rigorous academic work. On the other hand, I saw this as the capacity to take in knowledge wherever you are, which enhances and refreshes the mind. Just as I was able to quickly adapt to Ghana’s atmosphere through constant adaptation and understanding, the experiences we go through teach us new things about the world and those around us.


Experience is the Best Teacher.


Without going into the world and stepping out of what makes us comfortable, we are blocked by limitation and self-doubt. Gaining experience of any kind, whether reading a new book, taking a different route to work, travelling the world, or learning a language, takes us out of our shells and generates new brain cells and waves of curiosity. It is crucial to accept challenges, opportunities, and adventures with the mental framework that you will be changed for the better if you allow the natural flow of what is to come. Moreover, take time to assess your surroundings and gauge what you understand and don’t understand so you may reinvent yourself, ask questions, and find the beauty in the present.


In closing


Thank you so much for sharing in this dialogue about the importance of self-discovery, continual learning, and growth. I look forward to all that is to come, but until then, may we bask in the glory and laugh on the journey!



-X.O. MA

13 views

Recent Posts

See All

Comments

bottom of page