By Angel Smith with the SGJC Student News Network
MONROVIA, Liberia – This country in West Africa that borders the Ivory Coast, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and the Atlantic Ocean. I am here because there was a death in my family during the winter break. My mother's aunt, (my great aunt), who raised my mom and sister recently passed away. We came to Liberia to attend her wake and see her grave.
My professor asked me to describe the environment. Liberia is a very beautiful country. Everything we eat here is made fresh because of our heavy vegetation.
The country is still developing, but the parts that are developed are very nice. Most of the houses are made of clay, mud, and zinc. Transportation here is very hectic. Most people get around via motorbikes or k-cabs.
The way of life here is very innovative. The way people go about making things or using their environment to their advantage is very interesting. I am obsessed with the scenery the country has to offer.
On the other hand, Liberia is a third world country, so although the nice parts are nice and advanced, the parts that are bad are devastating. Those streets are packed with markets for those trying to sell and make a way. Some people don't have any running water, so they use wells. When entering certain villages, the road is either made of complete dirt or mud.
The type of poverty I have witnessed in this country I didn't even know existed in the world. However, somehow the people are still inviting, happy, and spiritually fulfilled.
I cannot wait to meet my COMM 370 Media Law and Ethics classmates upon my return!
Angel Smith is a senior, multi-platform production major in the School of Global Journalism & Communication