Isaiah Murray is a Ship alumnus who received his Bachelor of Arts in sociology in 2021, and his Master of Science in organizational development and leadership in 2024.
Now, Murray has found a purpose in using travel as a way to give back to the world. He began his traveling journey in Ghana – with his first trip there in the summer of 2023. Murray was able to go to Ghana through the CARE Foundation (Continuous Acts to Restore Encouragement), a Philadelphia-based organization dedicated to fostering positivity and encouragement in communities facing hardships. This foundation granted him the opportunity to embark on a mission trip that would leave a strong impact on him as a person.
During this first trip to Ghana, Murray and his mission trip group visited a school that served students from kindergarten through high school. Their mission was to help, educate, encourage, uplift and share their experiences with the students. Murray and his group donated essential items which included school supplies, clothing, books, hygiene products and toys. They also sponsored 13 academically gifted students who were struggling to afford tuition and were later able to raise additional funds to support even more students.
“Education is very important in life, ” Murray emphasized. “It’s one thing that nobody can take away. Knowledge is power!”
A significant part of Murray’s first visit included a tour of the Elmina Slave Castle, a historic site where enslaved Africans were held before being transported to America. Murray described it as a horrific yet essential experience, providing him with a deeper connection to his ancestors’ suffering and strength.
The visit to the dungeons and the infamous “Door of No Return” left a lasting impact on Murray. “For everyone who visits Ghana, this is a must-see landmark full of knowledge,” he noted.
While on his mission trip, Murray also engaged in Ghanaian culture. With a background in culinary arts, he enjoyed exploring the local dishes and thinking of ways to recreate them. Murray was also captivated by the vibrant colors and patterns of traditional African clothing.
The food, traditional garments and the welcoming hospitality of Ghana made for a great stay. “The overall environment and nature of Ghana is so relaxing and peaceful,” said Murray.
Murray’s experience in Ghana has helped broaden his worldview. His first visit provided him with a sense of gratitude for the privileges that are often taken for granted in America.
“Growing up, I always heard phrases like, ‘Don’t waste your food; kids in Africa would love to eat that,’ but being in Africa, I actually saw those phrases firsthand.”
Murray’s second visit to Africa reinforced the importance of joy and happiness. He spent time with children who, although facing daily challenges, were filled with joy.
“Seeing the children overflowing with joy and happiness to see me, despite what they had to overcome to get to school, is impressive. They taught me to never give up despite the obstacles that life throws my way.”
“My number one takeaway from traveling is that we as humans have more in common than we think; we just need to focus on building each other up.”
In the future, Murray hopes to continue his mission trips and build upon his view of life – seeing it as a sacred and beautiful gift. By doing so, he aims to leave more of a significant impact on the lives of those he encounters. His goal is to show that life isn’t only about personal desires but also about learning new cultures, helping others and fostering love and understanding among all people.
Murray’s experiences in Ghana show that there is a lot of power in compassion, educational and cultural exchange. His work in Ghana and his goal to return next summer shows how life changing going abroad can be and that we can all make a difference in the world.
