My name is Gabriel Otoo and I am originally a member of Ashesi’s Class of 2015. After a total of three years being away from Ashesi because of family issues, financial stress and other challenges, my readmission request to Ashesi was fulfilled. Attached to my readmission letter was a document that bore the best news of my life. I was awarded financial aid covering my full tuition fees.
I can still recall the joy on my mother’s face when I broke the news to her, the tears that ran down her cheeks and the blessings she poured unto the institution and or individual(s) who have decided to support me to accomplish a milestone I have dreamed about over the years.
Returning to Ashesi has not been easy. The workload and the continuous demand for quality and scholarly work from students make the institution challenging enough to help bring out the best in the students.
I experienced some struggling moments during the first semester of the 2016/2017 academic year. This was mainly because I found it difficult adjusting to the system after being away for some years. After some time, I was able to catch up with the help of my new friends and family in the 2018-year group. Now, I am really having a smooth ride.
I am strongly convinced that this academic year will be one of the best for me. This academic year started with me choosing whether to take a class in Entrepreneurship, write a thesis, or, undertake an applied project. With the help and advice of my remarkable supervisor, I decided to undertake an applied project, through which I am developing a business model and an implementation plan for the Innovations Village Seed Company. This project is challenging me to put to use all that I have studied here at Ashesi. My project is still ongoing and I will complete my capstone presentation on it this semester.
I have also had the opportunity to partake in other astonishing projects. Some of which are my appointment to be a part of the research team for the Berekuso Impact Project/Study which was graced with team members such as Mrs. Rebecca Awuah, Professor Sena Agyapong, Professor Charles Jackson, Professor Douglas, Professor Stephen Armah and other talented students. During the long vacation, I was selected to also be a part of another research team to undertake a project in the Volta Region of Ghana. This project brought to light the advantages of engaging in farming and how useful it is in the modern era. The impact of the project was tremendous.
My personal best achievement over the period occurred when I was contacted by the Ashesi Human Resources Department to be part of the student body that helped evaluate the New Dean of Students and Community Affairs.
Usually, at the end of the day, I just think to myself and wonder how my life would have been today if I did not receive this financial aid. No day passes by without me being thankful to my donors, and to Ashesi University for making this dream gradually become a reality.
Through this scholarship, my network has broadened, my knowledge and skills have been impacted massively, and I have found the joy of being with friends and colleagues. And most importantly, the burden of depression has been lifted from me.
I honestly can’t thank you enough. Modifying a quote by Abraham Lincoln, I can sincerely say “all that I am and ever hope to be, I owe it you.” I am grateful. Thank you!
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