‘Me do gbe na mi.’ In my native Ghanaian language it means I warmly greet you all….
My name is Emelia Sefiamor Mensah, I am from West Africa, Ghana to be precise. I am a wife and a mother of three. I actually relocated to the United States through marriage. Coming to America has given me a lot of opportunities. For example, being a student at Springfield Technical Community College is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. As our college President said, “MassEducate aligns perfectly with their mission to provide affordable high-quality education to all”. This has made my dreams come true by removing the burden of tuition for students like me. At STCC and USA, there is freedom of worship, and I am fortunate to be a member of the STCC Christian fellowship. I believe one thing you cannot take away from STCC is the great professors willing and able to help students achieve their academic and career goals. Thank you STCC for accepting me to be a part of your team!
As Saturday dawned, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. Today was the day I would join my STCC Christian club members for their annual watershed cleanup event, and I was eager to make a difference. Armed with gloves, garbage bags, and a determined spirit, we gathered at Groff Park by the stream, ready to tackle the debris that had accumulated along the water’s edge. The event was organized by the Connecticut River Conservatory, whose vision is to restore and advocate for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities that support a diverse and thriving watershed. Their advocacy staff work to influence legislation that helps stop pollutants from entering our rivers. I am reminded of this funny saying from my country.
“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try spending the night with a mosquito.” – African Proverb
As I began picking up trash, I noticed the variety of items littering the area—plastic bottles and cups, beer bottles, old tires, candy wrappers, and an assortment of packing materials. Each piece of garbage told a story, reminding me of how careless habits can harm the environment. With every bag I filled, I felt a growing sense of accomplishment. Throughout the morning, we exchanged stories, ideas, and laughter, creating bonds over our shared commitment to making the world a better place.
By the end of the event, the transformation of the riverbank was astonishing. The group gathered for a photo, smiles wide and eyes shining with pride. We were congratulated by Mindy Domb, a State Representative in Massachusetts. As I posed, trying to spell STCC with our hands, I realized that change starts within us, one small action consistently. Everything is connected; what we do to the environment will come back to us. For the first time, I felt like I was part of something bigger than myself, a STCC community of like-minded individuals united by a common goal. I would like to thank professors Randhir for giving me this opportunity. I am grateful. I am inspired and will continue my efforts for a cleaner and healthier planet.
