Meet Micaiah, who hopes to change Africa through design and design thinking. At Ashesi, Micaiah serves as the photographer and co-graphic designer on The Ink Magazine, the University’s first ever student-run magazine.
What inspired you to apply to Ashesi?
I believe that education is not what one learns in the classroom, but rather what you remember after you leave the classroom. I applied to Ashesi not really knowing exactly what to expect, but I was certain that I was going get a great educational experience in the end.
What I had heard from friends, who were already in Ashesi, concerning the school, was nothing short of amazing. I had heard about how relatable the lecturers were, the structure and the approach to learning, internships, study abroad opportunities and many others.
What probably struck me the most about the whole Ashesi education was the Honor Code. I found it intriguing that students on a large scale trusted one another to not lie, cheat or steal, or tolerate anyone who did. I definitely wanted to be a part of this.
What is the greatest thing you have learned so far at Ashesi?
One thing you learn at Ashesi is taking the bold step to do something new. I was only in my freshman year when I joined the team that would start the University’s first ever student-run campus magazine which has received a lot of support over the past couple of editions. I must say it sometimes gets awfully stressful trying to balance schoolwork with having to run a magazine. However, the motivation and positive feedback from the students, faculty and the rest of the Ashesi community encourages me personally to not relent in my efforts. As such, I am always willing to try new things.
What is your proudest accomplishment at Ashesi?
Getting into Ashesi is a great accomplishment on its own but I would say that within the short period of time I have spent at Ashesi, my fondest product of all my preoccupations would be The Ink Magazine of which I am the photographer and co-graphic designer. Being on the design team has given me an avenue to express myself as a creative. I am really proud of what we’ve been able to create with our time in college and look forward to everything the future has to offer.
In your opinion, what is the most important work that Ashesi does?
I think Ashesi does a great job in providing an equal opportunity for students by means of its scholarship program with 55% percent of the current student population on scholarships. It is often the case where there are ever so brilliant minds that have the potential to become even better, especially in Africa, but are facing financial difficulties. To me this is the greatest thing Ashesi could ever do.
How do you see yourself as a change-maker in Africa?
I won’t pretend that I have myself all figured out and all. I don’t know how exactly I am going make a change in Africa and the world at large. I enjoy challenging myself with new tasks, learning new things and new ways to develop myself as a better designer. I believe that “design will change the world” and being the design enthusiast that I am, I hope to change Africa through design and design thinking.
What is something we would be surprised to learn about Ashesi?
I don’t know whether it would come as a surprise to whoever is reading this or not, but Ashesi’s new Design Lab has been recognized as an autonomous entity. Being a design fanatic as well as a Design Lab Fellow I get so excited when I think about the limitless possibilities that will come from the Design Lab. All I can say at the moment is that the world should expect nothing short of amazing things from the Design Lab.
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