Adjoa Owusua Cofie

An afterword in this book (a collection of short stories and essays by Octavia Butler) stated how the author felt like the most interesting part of her is her fiction. I paused at that because her autobiographical essay (which she states she hated writing) was the part I liked and cherished the most. Her short stories were nothing but amazing, but in her autobiography, I felt seen....

Blood Child An afterword in this book (a collection of short stories and essays by Octavia Butler) stated how the author felt like the most interesting part of her is her fiction.  I paused at that becaus…

For the first time ever, I tried an e-book. I love physical books, the smell, the way the cover gets teared up as I get more invested, and the act of folding pages to bookmark my favorite paragraphs...it seems to me like a fuller experience. However, on a trip to Arizona last month, my flights were delayed so with nothing else to do I finished the book I was supposed to read over the book in a matter of hours....

Soul Sisters For the first time ever, I tried an e-book. I love physical books, the smell, the way the cover gets teared up as I get more invested, and the act of folding pages to bookmark my favorite paragraph…

One of the shows I watch yearly includes S*x and the City. During the fall I rewatch Gilmore Girls, in the winter Gossip Girl, I rewatch Friends all year round, and during the spring/summer, I rewatch S*x and the City. With season two of the sequel series "Just Like That" premiering this week, this seemed like the perfect time to revisit a show that has influenced my 20s and sense of fashion in a significant way....

Favorite Looks From S*x and the City One of the shows I watch yearly includes S*x and the City. During the fall I rewatch Gilmore Girls, in the winter Gossip Girl, I rewatch Friends all year round, and during the spring/summer, I rewa…

Finally back after a year...

Depression and Anxiety: An unexplainable story Depression and anxiety are two best friends. You see one, you know the other is right behind. They feel familiar but yet foreign. A part of you that you recognize, part of your normalcy…yet makes y…

Second puberty or "my grown woman weight" is what I have decided to call this recent weight gain I am experiencing. You know, I thought I had escaped the "Freshmen 15" curse in college just to encounter it in medical school. Might be because of a change in hormones, might be because I am not running around working three jobs and life has been pretty sedentary due to medical school....

http://understandingadjoa.com/2022/05/03/second-puberty/

Second Puberty Second puberty or “my grown woman weight” is what I have decided to call this recent weight gain I am experiencing. You know, I thought I had escaped the “Freshmen 15” curse…

I recently read "The Vanishing Half", and there was a line by a white character to the dark-skinned black woman along the lines of how she (the dark-skinned woman) was so lucky to have found her boyfriend because usually, men do not go for women like her. The other day a white classmate in my group said to me (jokingly?) he imagines my boyfriend is a great guy if he puts up with me, the other white classmate laughed along....

http://understandingadjoa.com/2022/03/16/unlovable/

Unlovable? I recently read “The Vanishing Half”, and there was a line by a white character to the dark-skinned black woman along the lines of how she (the dark-skinned woman) was so lucky to have …

I’m a bit (a lot, overwhelmingly much) of a planner and find joy in staying organized, in every aspect of my life. And that extends even to my hobbies. I like to watch anime and I’m the type that watches several different types at the same time. Ya girl gets bored fast and needs to switch it up often. But that can get messy and overwhelming at times too because I’m watching multiple, I fall behind, I’m either working multiple jobs or studying as a full-time student, I’m taking too long to watch them, I discover new ones and add to my list....

http://understandingadjoa.com/2022/01/09/keeping-up-with-anime/

Keeping Up With Anime I’m a bit (a lot, overwhelmingly much) of a planner and find joy in staying organized, in every aspect of my life. And that extends even to my hobbies. I like to watch anime and I’m the type that w…

What is the target demographic for this book? Am I too old to be reading this? Regardless, I’m also uncomfortable with the idea of pre-teen or early teens reading this. Why are these descriptions of teenagers having s*x so graphic? Amongst others, these were the main thoughts that went through my head as I read 2/3 of this book ( I could not finish it)....

http://understandingadjoa.com/2021/12/12/fly-girl-fast-girl-s*xualization-in-media/

Fly Girl, Fast Girl-S*xualization In Media What is the target demographic for this book? Am I too old to be reading this? Regardless, I’m also uncomfortable with the idea of pre-teen or early teens reading this. Why are these descriptions o…

My relationship with clothes is one of my favorite things I like to nurture. Clothes are a way I care for my body so I take care of what I put on (and in) it. There are many reasons why I like to look put together. Because it comes naturally, I like to look good, I like the idea of exploring different styles and aesthetics, as a Black dark-skinned woman I am aware of the perceptions people make of me based on the way I dress…oh and did I say I like to look good?...

http://understandingadjoa.com/2021/11/21/boujee-on-a-budget-addressing-consumerism/

Boujee On A Budget- Addressing Consumerism My relationship with clothes is one of my favorite things I like to nurture. Clothes are a way I care for my body so I take care of what I put on (and in) it. There are many reasons why I like to l…

My journal entry in May 2020: “These past weeks, especially with significant steps being made for my future, my anxiety has been through the roof. I'm so worried because it's so crippling, I can’t even concentrate to practice for my exams because instead of paying attention to what I'm reading my mind is going over 50 scenarios of why I will not make it. ...

http://understandingadjoa.com/2021/10/30/anxious-christian-yep-thats-me/

Anxious Christian? Yep, That’s Me. My journal entry in May 2020: “These past weeks, especially with significant steps being made for my future, my anxiety has been through the roof. I’m so worried because it’s so crippli…

New Blog Post: Did I Make Being Single A Personality Trait?

http://understandingadjoa.com/2021/10/16/did-i-make-being-single-a-personality-trait/

Did I Make Being Single A Personality Trait? I never felt in a rush to be in relationship. Whenever I asked, I tended to run the other way. Sometimes I think I just enjoy dating, and I’m not in a rush to find the one. Sometimes I think it’s b…

My pastor stated that God is not further away from us. We are not deserving of God or closer to Him based on what we do or what we are able to accomplish. It reminded me of what Kimberly Foster (For Harriet) stated about how in our society we grant grace to the people we perceive as worthy, hardworking, or have something to show for the kindness they have been given....

http://understandingadjoa.com/2021/09/06/deserving-of-grace/

Deserving of Grace My pastor stated that God is not further away from us. We are not deserving of God or closer to Him based on what we do or what we are able to accomplish. It reminded me of what Kimberly Foster (Fo…

I see parts of myself in you and Lila but yet found myself rooting more for Lila. I couldn’t particularly understand why until the third book when I saw you taking more confidence in yourself and I started taking more of your side. I failed to root for you because you weren’t rooting for yourself, especially as much as, despite however much you claimed to wish her dead, you rooted for Lila....

http://understandingadjoa.com/2021/08/15/a-letter-to-elena-greco-my-brilliant-friend-series-by-elena-ferrante/

A Letter to Elena Greco (My Brilliant Friend Series by Elena Ferrante) I see parts of myself in you and Lila but yet found myself rooting more for Lila. I couldn’t particularly understand why until the third book when I saw you taking more confidence in yourself and I…

We spend a lot of time and money during college to gain a degree but none of those expenditures really go into preparing us for life after that degree. Especially, when it comes to mental health. We don’t discuss what happens if you don’t get a job immediately in your field, we don’t discuss how to navigate transitioning from a student to being an employee (or self-employer), we don’t discuss how to deal with the sudden “loss” of a community or routine that has been part of your life for four years or more....

http://understandingadjoa.com/2021/07/27/the-dread-after-college-vulnerable-thoughts-on-november-20-2020/

The Dread After College – VULNERABLE THOUGHTS ON NOVEMBER 20, 2020 We spend a lot of time and money during college to gain a degree but none of those expenditures really go into preparing us for life after that degree. Especially, when it comes to mental health. W…

Descriptive, wordy. At first it was hard to follow due to things not being explicitly clear but I guess that’s what mysteries do? I haven’t read a mystery novel since I was a kid, and it took some time to get adjusted. Some language used can be quite let’s say culturally unacceptable in our current time...but I had to actively remind myself that the book is set in a different time, in a different environment....

http://understandingadjoa.com/2021/06/27/the-art-of-language-nameless-serenade-by-maurizio-de-giovanni/

The Art of Language “Nameless Serenade” by Maurizio De Giovanni Descriptive, wordy. At first it was hard to follow due to things not being explicitly clear but I guess that’s what mysteries do? I haven’t read a mystery novel since I was a kid, and it took some …

I used to be the type that copied and pasted skincare routines. If something worked for someone, I would just buy the product without doing any sort of research to understand my skin or the product really. It always baffled me because I will literally research into everything I’m into, but not what I put on my face? MY FACE! ...

http://understandingadjoa.com/2021/06/13/skincare-is-personal/

Skincare is Personal I used to be the type that copied and pasted skincare routines. If something worked for someone, I would just buy the product without doing any sort of research to understand my skin or the product…

New Blog Post "Reasons why I Love Naruto"

My lil sis started watching this recently and it just reminded me what a great anime it is!

https://understandingadjoa.com/2021/04/30/reasons-why-i-love-naruto/

Reasons Why I Love Naruto Naruto’s storyline and growth. Whenever I am going through a hard time in life, I always think about Naruto. He literally overcame so much darkness but did not allow that to affect his kindness or …

Naruto’s storyline and growth. Whenever I am going through a hard time in life, I always think about Naruto. He literally overcame so much darkness but did not allow that to affect his kindness or outlook of life. Often things can be so hard, it is easy to be negative and take your frustration and anger out to your surroundings....

http://understandingadjoa.com/2021/04/30/reasons-why-i-love-naruto/

reasons why I Love Naruto Naruto’s storyline and growth. Whenever I am going through a hard time in life, I always think about Naruto. He literally overcame so much darkness but did not allow that to affect his kindness or …

So I recently read this paper (which I link below) that posed this question: “Do these results indicate that Africans are more integrative into the white dominant culture than African Americans are?” My immediate answer was yes. My experiences and observances so far demonstrated a higher likeness towards Whiteness that begun to significantly change only once my interactions with African Americans grew....

https://understandingadjoa.com/2021/02/12/navigating-my-own-anti-blackness/

Navigating my own anti-Blackness So I recently read this paper (which I link below) that posed this question: “Do these results indicate that Africans are more integrative into the white dominant culture than African Americans are…

So I recently read this paper (which I link below) that posed this question: “Do these results indicate that Africans are more integrative into the white dominant culture than African Americans are?” My immediate answer was yes. My experiences and observances so far demonstrated a higher likeness towards Whiteness that begun to significantly change only once my interactions with African Americans grew....

http://understandingadjoa.com/2021/02/12/navigating-my-own-anti-blackness/

Navigating my own anti-Blackness So I recently read this paper (which I link below) that posed this question: “Do these results indicate that Africans are more integrative into the white dominant culture than African Americans are…

Hearing stories of how people overcame a situation I find myself in always helps me reinforce my motivation and faith. However, these stories often come when that happy ending has been achieved, and while there’s comfort in that, it makes it difficult to know what really goes on in those moments when the happy ending is nowhere in sight. I know my success is coming....

http://understandingadjoa.com/2021/02/03/the-grass-is-not-always-green/

The grass is not always green Hearing stories of how people overcame a situation I find myself in always helps me reinforce my motivation and faith. However, these stories often come when that happy ending has been achieved, an…

*In no specific order, here are my top favorite moments of this incredible trip* Visiting Cape Coast with my cousins and friend Hugging my grandma for the first time in 14 years Visiting East Legon Botanical Garden Christmas night at Kikibees Watching The Princess and Frog with my little cousin and getting to know her Reconnecting with my first best friend from elementary school ...

http://understandingadjoa.com/2021/01/21/ghana-travel-blog-top-moments-of-my-trip/

Ghana Travel Blog: Top Moments of My Trip *In no specific order, here are my top favorite moments of this incredible trip* Visiting Cape Coast with my cousins and friendHugging my grandma for the first time in 14 yearsVisiting East Legon B…

Today I’ll be sharing some old and new tips and lessons from my stay in Ghana. By all means live the best life that serves you, but I think it would helpful to keep these in mind. Number 1: Get that hair braided. Me realizing my frontal was not holding up against the heat Me after getting braids/rocking my natural hair …...

http://understandingadjoa.com/2021/01/19/ghana-travel-blog-traveling-tips-lessons/

Ghana Travel Blog: Traveling Tips & Lessons Today I’ll be sharing some old and new tips and lessons from my stay in Ghana. By all means live the best life that serves you, but I think it would helpful to keep these in mind.  Number 1: G…

During my trip I got this wonderful opportunity to visit and shadow some physician-scientists at the University of Ghana and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. I know nerddddd but hey I network wherever I can. Please note that I will refrain from sharing specific details about my shadowing experience. Even if it might not be the case, I find it crucial not to invade a patient's privacy more than necessary (being there to shadow)....

http://understandingadjoa.com/2021/01/13/ghana-travel-blog-shadowing-in-science/

Ghana Travel Blog: shadowing in science During my trip I got this wonderful opportunity to visit and shadow some physician-scientists at the University of Ghana and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. I know nerddddd but hey I network wherever I…

Ghana Travel Blog: Patriarchy, Who Asked For It?
P.S. Gentlemen, if the shoe doesn't fit...no need to be fake hurt.

http://understandingadjoa.com/2021/01/03/ghana-travel-blog-patriarchy-who-asked-for-it/

Ghana Travel Blog: Patriarchy, Who Asked For It? This post is going to contain a lot of unpopular opinions and it’s not meant to convince or persuade anyone to let go of certain views. This is just me expressing how some aspects within the cultur…

Whenever I travel, I always have multiple books with me to read. It helps pass time at the airport while waiting to board, a great alternative for entertainment in case of a phone dying or a lack of internet connection, or during a long car trip. I mostly like the idea that as my body travels to new different places, my mind also travels to different worlds through books....

http://understandingadjoa.com/2020/12/30/ghana-travel-blog-reading-while-traveling/

Ghana Travel Blog: Reading While Traveling Whenever I travel, I always have multiple books with me to read. It helps pass time at the airport while waiting to board, a great alternative for entertainment in case of a phone dying or a lack o…

It is sad that this trip was brought about by a death in the family. However, Ghanaians have an especially extraordinary way to not only mourn the dead but celebrate their lives. Ghanaian funerals are usually held on Saturdays and Sundays. Saturdays are for viewing of the body and the burial service. Sunday is the thanksgiving service. Other days like Friday, is the “lying in state” when the body is transported and prepared for viewing....

http://understandingadjoa.com/2020/12/17/ghana-travel-blog-day-3-4-insight-into-ghanaian-funerals-and-families/

ghana travel blog day 3-4: Insight into Ghanaian Funerals and families It is sad that this trip was brought about by a death in the family. However, Ghanaians have an especially extraordinary way to not only mourn the dead but celebrate their lives.   Ghanaian fu…

As a child of immigrants, you are sort of always aware of the hard work and sacrifices your parents have invested into building a better life. It’s like a subtle knowledge that presents itself always in your life. You embark on a new journey or things get difficult, and you remind yourself to embody the same bravery your parents had or you tell yourself not to give up to make your (parents’) hard work in vain....

https://understandingadjoa.com/2020/12/15/ghana-travel-blog-day-2-my-parents-really-did-that/

ghana TRAVEL Blog Day 2: my parents really did that! As a child of immigrants, you are sort of always aware of the hard work and sacrifices your parents have invested into building a better life. It’s like a subtle knowledge that presents itself alwa…

Returning to my homeland (Ghana) after 14 years! Check out my new travel blog series and embark on this journey with me!

https://understandingadjoa.com/2020/12/15/ghana-travel-blog-day-1-returning-home/

GHANA travel blog day 1: RETURNING HOME St. Louis to Newark: I haven’t had the time to really sit and think about this trip. So much happening around me, trying to live one day at a time, I hadn’t allowed myself to think ahead or plan as…

As a child of immigrants, you are sort of always aware of the hard work and sacrifices your parents have invested into building a better life. It’s like a subtle knowledge that presents itself always in your life. You embark on a new journey or things get difficult, and you remind yourself to embody the same bravery your parents had or you tell yourself not to give up to make your (parents’) hard work in vain....

http://understandingadjoa.com/2020/12/15/ghana-travel-blog-day-2-my-parents-really-did-that/

ghana TRAVEL Blog Day 2: my parents really did that! As a child of immigrants, you are sort of always aware of the hard work and sacrifices your parents have invested into building a better life. It’s like a subtle knowledge that presents itself alwa…