For Gifty Owoo, a third year English student, the vacation break became a season of discovery, one that blended professional exposure, personal growth and a change of scenery beyond Ghana’s borders.

Gift began her vacation at the High Court, where she undertook an internship lasting a month, with an extension. Though she is not a law student, the experience proved both challenging and enriching, offering her a close look at a field she has long been passionate about.

“Law was my first choice, but I didn’t get it and I was offered English instead. I’m told I can further into law after school, so this internship meant a lot to me,” she shared.

At the High Court, Gifty worked with lawyers, judges and other court officials some of whom she had previously only seen on television.

Her English background came into play as she assisted with proofreading legal documents, made entries, and familiarised herself with legal terminology.

“I learned some of the law terms lawyers use, and I got the chance to work in the courtroom, with a registrar, and even with a lawyer,” she said. It was very educative.”

The transition from lecture halls to the corporate environment was not without its challenges. Gifty admitted that the experience initially left her anxious, as she adjusted to working with new people and navigating workplace dynamics. Despite the initial fear, the internship helped her build confidence and taught her how to function professionally.

“It wasn’t easy because I was scared. Working with people is very different from being in class,” she explained. “Sometimes in the workplace, not everyone likes you, and you have to learn how to manage that.”

After completing her internship, Gifty took another bold step to travel alone to South Africa to spend time with family and unwind. The journey, which included a tense moment during transit when she nearly missed her flight, became another lesson in courage and independence.

“I was scared because I was travelling alone, but people helped me along the way. The South Africans were very friendly, and I really enjoyed changing my environment,” she said.

The trip offered a welcome break after months of academic work and professional training. Gifty relished the opportunity to relax, explore new places and try different foods. Reflecting on her long vacation, Gifty sees it as a defining chapter that sharpened her career interests and life.

“After studying for the whole year and doing an internship, I needed that change. It helped me grow, not just academically, but personally too,” she concluded.

By: Abena Agyeiwaa Brefo