You Are the One We’ve Been Praying For

Dziffa Akua
Jul 21, 2017 · 2 min read

Ghanaians in the Bronx all aspire to become health professionals. They start off as Home Health Aid, then CNAs and if they are very lucky and smart, they become registered nurses.

I know, you must be thinking that Ghanaians must be some of the most caring and empathetic people in the world and they are, but that’s not their motive for being in the health field.

To the average Ghanaian, the health sector is a safe space with a lot of opportunities and a stable income. They don’t strive to be doctors because that’s too much work, you’ve really reached your peak if you can become an RN.

From childhood, the Ghanaian boy and girl child is encouraged aspire to be a nurse and fall back on another role within the health field if they don’t succeed at nursing.

“Don’t be a Doctor, it’s too hard and expensive.”

“Don’t be a lawyer, they are so broke they rush you with their cards when you have an accident.”

“Don’t be an accountant, don’t do anything in finance, all those things are reserved for white people. The person interviewing you will look at your black face and reject you.”

The child already has a defeatist attitude before the world has a chance to kill her dreams. She tells herself everything she aspires to be should be seen as a hobby, do nursing first, if you succeed, then, maybe you can try the other thing that won’t make you any money. Never mind the getting an education to nurture a skill you are deeply passionate about.

Part II

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