Summary

In "Experiential Studies, Stela's Coming-of-Age Story," it was 2013 in Legon, Ghana and Stela was engaged to Johann. However, before she gave "herself over to him," she knew she "needed to go. To Africa. To figure herself out" (161). Initially she wanted to go to South Africa. Eventually she decided on Ghana.

Two months into the study abroad trip, Stela was on the verge of turning 20 on "the twentieth of the month" (164). Thinking the date was symbolic, she hoped the day would grant her clarity on her identity and life. One day in her painting class, she met an "African boy" named Edi (165). They started spending time together. In some ways Stela felt connected to and protected by him. Because "she was American" and "also black," Stela often felt alienated (168). Meanwhile, Stela continued pursuing her artistic goals. She particularly loved to paint. Though...