Boyer learns from time in Ghana

While most IU students spent their summers at home, working local internships or other seasonal jobs, IU field hockey redshirt senior defender Hannah Boyer spent six weeks in Ghana teaching children math and English during summer 2012.

Boyer has been a selection on the Big Ten All-Academic team twice and has also been a part of the National Field Hockey Coaches Association academic team two times.

She has started all 59 games that she has played in while at IU, and she was also a Second Team All-Big Ten selection in 2012.

Boyer received her undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Science and Applied Health Science with a major in human development and family studies in May 2013.

Although she has been known for her play on the field and her hard work in the classroom, others might not know Boyer always wanted to take a trip to Africa.

She was finally able when she was offered an internship through her undergraduate degree program last summer.

“Ever since I was little I’ve wanted to go,” she said. “I figured it was my one opportunity to get over there and have it count towards something.”

IU Coach Amy Robertson wasn’t surprised that Boyer decided to go to Africa. Robertson, who has also been to Africa, said she knew Boyer would love it there.

She also said Boyer has always been someone who enjoyed volunteering and giving back.

“Knowing Hannah’s personality and her love for doing the greater good, I knew it would be great for her,” Robertson said. “I thought she was going to fall in love with Africa. I was a little worried that she wasn’t going to come back.”

Boyer spent six weeks in the small city of Frankadua, in the Volta region of Ghana. While there, Boyer was able to experience how the Ghanaians live on a daily basis.

“I woke up early when the chickens were waking up and went to sleep when the kids did,” Boyer said. “There was no running water or air conditioning, and I also took bucket baths. It really was a true African experience.”

When Boyer wasn’t teaching students, she spent most of her time with them absorbing their culture.

“I played a lot of football games, which is soccer in America,” she said. “My favorite part was being a part of their culture for six weeks. All of the Ghanaians were extremely welcoming and really made me feel like I was right at home.

“It was a great experience to be a part of their community and welcomed into their lives.”

Boyer said although children in Ghana have a different lifestyle, they are very similar to children in the U.S.

“It is a completely different world,” Boyer said. “Kids are the same everywhere you go. They like to play tricks on you everywhere you go.”

Along with the children and lifestyle, Boyer said almost everything, from food to the people, differs from the U.S., but in a good way.

“Their food is different, as is their diet and interaction with one another,” she said. “It’s all a lot different. They are such welcoming, happy and truly glorious people to be around.”

Robertson complimented Boyer on her maturity and growth since her trip. She said she thinks the trip has not only helped Boyer grow as a person, but it also has helped her on the field.

“It helped her gain some extra perspective,” Robertson said. “She has always been Her trip to Africa definitely helped her gain some confidence and helped her grow as a
person.”

Boyer said the most rewarding part of teaching the students was teaching them how to speak English.

“They honestly probably taught me more than I taught them,” Boyer said. “They all spoke a local language, so teaching them English was the most enjoyable part.”

Boyer said she was excited about her experience in Frankadua. Although she was unable to return this past summer, she still has plans to return to the country whenever she finds the next opportunity.

“I would absolutely go back,” Boyer said.  “I’ve been itching to get back badly. It’s one of those things where I wanted to go back there, but it didn’t work out, but I know I’ll make it back there someday.”

Follow reporter Dan Matney on Twitter @Dan_Matney.