When I think of myself as a computer science graduate, the first thing that comes to my mind is “Hephzibah, you have grown exponentially, and the world awaits you for greater impact!” The past four years at Ashesi University have been a growth journey and I am excited to have made it through successfully. Since the first day I arrived in Ghana in August 2018, I have passed through several experiences that have shaped and molded me into the person I am today. I am glad to say studying at Ashesi University has been one of the best decisions of my life! Thank you to the Jim Ovia Foundation Leaders Scholarship program for the opportunity to come to Ashesi. My overall Ashesi experience can be summed up in three words which are: gratitude, growth, and impact. 

I am grateful for the connections I have made within and outside my university community who have in one way or the other shaped me. I am grateful for diversity within the Ashesi community which gave me the opportunity to work with and build relationships with lecturers, staff, and students from other African countries. Through the classes I took, interactions I had, and the projects and extracurricular activities I worked on, I have gained a better understanding of different cultures. I have participated in over 20 extracurricular activities within and outside Ashesi, from being a work-study student at the library, to an ambassador of other organizations. I have also interned for companies in South Africa and USA, and am currently managing a student-led project with the Open Society University Network (OSUN). My skills in leadership and problem-solving have developed, and my community spirit, concern for others, and drive for impact has skyrocketed. I see myself as a value creator and a driver of positive change wherever I find myself. Even though there were a few challenges along the journey, especially during the pandemic, I have built grit, adaptability, and resilience, which I will utilize in whatever situation I find myself in.

My education at Ashesi has provided me the right foundation on which I can build as I prepare for the working world as a software engineer and an entrepreneur. I plan to work for a year before going on to pursue a Masters degree in a computer science related field to gain more knowledge I can use to solve real world problems. I am excited for the next phase of my life and I look forward to embarking on more impactful projects globally and harnessing the endless possibilities in the world. Words are not enough to describe my gratitude in being a part of Ashesi University. Thank you to all the donors and my sponsor, JOFLS, for the opportunity to access quality education. Thank you to the lecturers, staff, faculty, faculty interns, and third-party workers. Every labor and investment in me will never be in vain. I believe that there are greater days ahead for Ashesi, and I will do my best to live the Ashesi dream as I go out into the world.