Written by: Ajaylah Humphrey, MSW/MBA ’24
Traveling to new places and immersing yourself in another culture is crucial to being a well-rounded human being, let alone a professional in the working world today. Everyone lives a different life, and we all come together in one way or another. I took my first trip abroad when I was 15 years old and it changed my life. My whole perspective shifted – as a young teen, it was the moment I realized I truly didn’t know it all.
My trip to Africa through UB Global Programs was the 16th country I have visited. Yet, this experience was different from the others. Many of my previous trips were for leisure and adventure. I believe that the various experiences from participating in the class as well as attending the in-person trip to Ghana were once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Working with students from other schools within the university brought effective and interesting brainstorming sessions as well as innovative plans and ideas moving forward. Our class project extended our networks to professionals and organizations in Africa; traveling abroad linked us to students from the All-Africa Students Union bringing enticing conversations and new perspectives.
Some of my favorite adventures on this trip were our time spent at Mfantsiman Girls School, an all-girls boarding school, and Kpone Bawaleshie, a co-ed elementary school; visiting Cape Coast Castle; and a trip to Kakum National Park. At the schools, we spent time in the classroom teaching youth about entrepreneurship and leadership as well as getting time to enjoy games, music, dance and food with everyone.
The visit to Cape Coast Castle, a historic place known for playing a significant role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade, was an experience I will never forget. The dungeons were dark and cold, yet, the emptiness screamed volumes. Placing myself in the exact spot where thousands felt their most hopeless days, remembering the lives of my ancestors and why we work so hard today to rise to the occasion, was an extremely powerful moment.
The canopy walk at Kakum National Park was an adventure much different from all the others. The hike is made up of 7 bridges that extend over 330 meters (1,080 ft) and rest over 30 meters (130 ft) above the forest floor. The hike was intense but the views were insane and made every part worth it. As a thrill seeker, this absolutely checked off boxes on my bucket list!
Bio: Ajaylah grew up in Buffalo with her siblings, mother, cousins, and grandparents. She is very family-oriented, which includes many of her friends, and her 5-year-old pitbull-mastiff pup, Paxton.
Earning her undergraduate degree, a BA in Psychology, from UB in 2018, she went to work in the human services field servicing youth in local foster care agencies in the Buffalo area. Ajaylah returned to UB in 2021 to begin her MSW program where she found herself further intrigued and inspired. From there she became a dual degree MSW/MBA student learning what it takes to be a leader in any field she enters.
Balancing and maintaining a successful school-to-work-to-social life is very important to Ajaylah so this requires taking time for self-care. Ajaylah de-stresses by going to the gym and also playing for a local women’s rugby team. Always on the go, any chance she can get to travel she will, covering over 15 countries thus far. Her carry-on always has headphones, a good coloring or sketchbook, playing cards, and a pack of gum.