"Impactful" is a sentiment you will sense from several Ashesi graduates when describing their experience at Ashesi. The Ashesi experience is built around community, yet how one navigates the terrain, moving on from year to year can be exciting or in some ways daunting. Here, a few members of the Class of 2016 share parting advice for future students of Ashesi.
Alfred Achiampong '16
Business Administration
Out of all the people I met at Ashesi, majority said they actually wanted to come to Ashesi. It was the exact opposite for me. Driven by passion to become an artist, I honestly did not see how such an institution could be aligned with my passion and further help me accomplish my goal. However, my four years here have had a major impact on my previous perception of Ashesi. I didn’t get the chance to have any art classes or push my artistic prowess to its endless limit. However, with a vision of wanting to raise entrepreneurial leaders, Ashesi has showed me how to combine my artistic gift with the entrepreneurial skills I acquired, making me a product of that vision.
Ashesi, may not be for everyone. However, I can guarantee you that it will definitely have an impact in your life. Regardless of whether the impact is small or colossal in nature, this is an experience that will leave an indelible mark. In the same way, before you leave as an alum, give the Ashesi community a reason to remember you. Welcome to Ashesi!
Esohe Ivymaria Osagie-Erese '16
Business Administration
Being an International student, Ashesi became a second home for me. In four years, I learnt so much about myself. Ashesi helped me know who I wanted to be and what I needed to do to achieve that. I realised that the healthy competition between my peers awoke a hunger and the zeal to make a better Africa.
So, Welcome to Ashesi! I promise things will get tough, but everyday you spend learning, not just in but outside the classroom, will definitely be worth it. So enjoy the fun times and learn from the difficult times no matter how difficult it is. And eventually when your name is called to receive that certificate, every step you take towards it will only reassure you that excellence truly is in you. Ayekoo, and welcome to Ashesi!
Israel Agyeman-Prempeh '16
Computer Science
Ashesi gave me a different perspective on solving problems in an analytical manner. All my lecturers were great sources of encouragement, who taught me to dream big. My outlook on life has changed and I no longer understand what the word impossible means.
Welcome to Ashesi! Take a stab at every opportunity you have! Have fun, and meet people! Lastly create your own future and let no-one tell you otherwise, you have just joined league of extraordinary ladies and gentlemen!
Effie Bartels-Kodwo '16
Business Administration
Ashesi is really what you make it. I have come to understand that diligence in anything you do brings good results. Whatever you think you want to do or are interested in doing, DO IT! Do not listen to people too much, do not compare yourself to others and do not quit when it fails. These fours years are supposed to be some of the best in your lives so enjoy Ashesi and have no regrets.
Welcome to Ashesi and GO BIG, always!
Dan Gyinaye Poku ‘16
Computer Science
As I moved up from freshman year to senior year, Ashesi made me realize it’s not really about me and a cool education. It’s about a shared value where we act as catalysts for positive change for our world. I saw the defect of the African society (in particular) creatively laid bare in most of my classes for truth to be told and known. Knowledge was not what I only came here for; I was taught to carefully melt it into a key cast with action and equity to unlock Africa’s door latch to prosperity, starting with my immediate community.
Trust me, there is a lot of fun and pretty cool stuff up here on this hill, but be moderate in your expectations. Ashesi is not recreating a fantastic learning experience unheard-of, or renewing the world for you, Ashesi renews you for the world. And when the time is due, toss your graduation caps in readiness to help reshape lives and systems, and to create a better experience for all than what you see today.
Welcome folks! Welcome to the beginning.
Ibrahim Khalil Soumahoro ‘16
Business Administration
My time at Ashesi taught me the importance of diversity and networking. Being among a pool of some of the smartest students from all over the world helped me challenge myself constantly, understand different cultures, and have a better understanding of some of the worlds pressing issues from different perspectives. I was able to build a strong network and now I can feel at home wherever I find myself in Africa.
To future students, congratulations on making it to one of the best educational institution in Africa.
One piece of advice: Do not be afraid to succeed! There will come many times when you will find yourself challenged but at the same time, Ashesi will provide you with all the resources and infrastructure that will help you overcome them.
Always seek for help. From your colleagues and those before you who are some of the smartest students, to your lecturers; some of the most brilliants in their field of study, everyone is willing to help. Make good use of them. Also, Ashesi will give you exposure to so many opportunities. Make great use of them. Finally, make sure you have fun and enjoy your stay.
Dorcas Amoh-Mensah '16
Business Administration
Ashesi was a challenge. I realized if an educational system does not challenge you to think differently and critically, and push you out of your comfort zone leading to deeper self-discovery and transformation then you have not been educated. This is what Ashesi exposed me to. I realized there is hope for the continent if many students are educated this way.
Welcome to the system that would challenge you beyond your imagination but the most important thing is that every challenge can be surmounted with determination and focus. So take up this challenge of being an Ashesi student and bet me, you will be happy you did. Welcome to Ashesi.
Kofi Genfi ‘16
Business Administration
Welcome to the one of the most defining periods of your lifetime! Make use of your few years here with razor-sharp focus, especially in your first year! Do not forget to make some amazing friends along the way while making an impact! As an Ashesi graduate, I now believe beyond all reasonable doubt that I will be part of the generation that changes Africa!
All the Best!
Vanessa Nana Darkoa Amoako '16
Business Administration
Ashesi taught me the value of empathy. It is necessary to empathize with a community’s people to understand why they do things in certain ways before even daring to think about improving their situation. This has enabled me to develop a better appreciation of the world and has fueled within me a desire to create a positive change everywhere I go. I really enjoyed my experience at Ashesi and I’m forever grateful to the students, faculty and staff who have contributed to my personal and career growth.
Welcome to Ashesi! You’re in for an amazing four-year rollercoaster ride of challenging yet fulfilling experiences that would strengthen your perspective on life! Embrace positivity, welcome failure as a learning opportunity to grow, explore your environment, create a solid network of diverse friends, have fun but don’t lose sight of your larger goals, and most importantly, make a difference in the life of someone else!
Click here to learn more about joining Ashesi. Deadline for Round 2 ends June 30, and deadline for Round 3 ends August 25, 2016.