From RA to Global Service: How Residential Life Prepared Blessing Nwina for a Medical Mission in Ghana

When Blessing Nwina became a resident assistant (RA) at LSU, she knew the role would challenge her as a leader. She didn't expect those lessons to follow her thousands of miles away.

Through LSU's Global Brigades organization, Blessing traveled to Ghana on a medical mission with other LSU students. Together, they served two communities and helped 732 people, working alongside physicians, pharmacists and optometrists.

Learning to Lead Through Service

Blessing had known about Global Brigades since her freshman year, but it wasn't until her junior year that she opened an email and applied for the opportunity.

In Ghana, she helped with medication administration, triage stations, taking vitals and home visits for people who couldn't make it to the clinics. The experience pushed her to step into unfamiliar situations, take initiative and learn from the healthcare professionals around her.

"Through service, I think it really challenged me to lead as a leader in that aspect, especially since it was my first time doing things that I've never done before."

From the Residence Hall to Ghana

Now entering her third year as an RA, Blessing credits Residential Life with teaching her valuable skills that help her adapt to situations.

"I think the most important and most clear thing being an RA taught me very early on was humility."

As an RA, Blessing learned that leadership isn't about having every answer. It's about asking questions, learning from others and being open to correction. She carried that mindset into the medical mission, approaching the experience like a "sponge" and being ready to learn.

"I think the RA role has made me a teachable person. It's allowed me to be more open-minded when it comes to learning, taking corrections, all of that kind of stuff."

A Small Act Can Make a Big Impact

Ghana changed the way Blessing thinks about healthcare. Seeing how economic and living conditions can shape access to care deepened her passion for medicine while giving her a new perspective on what she has at home.

Some of the most memorable moments were simple ones, providing eyeglasses to people who hadn't been able to see clearly for years or helping someone receive medication for a headache or fever.

"You don't have to do too much to make an impact in someone's life."

Coming home was emotional, but Blessing returned to LSU carrying the connections she made and a renewed sense of purpose.

"I definitely will appreciate and cherish Ghana forever."

For Blessing, the lessons she learned as an RA didn't stay in the residence halls. They traveled with her across the world and will continue to shape the way she leads, learns and serves wherever she goes.

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