The generosity of our supporters across the globe has enabled us to provide scholarships to many deserving students that could not otherwise afford an Ashesi education. To demonstrate what a difference these gifts have made, we have collected a group of short essays by scholarship recipients about their university experience. We hope you will enjoy the selections below.
Rose Dodd
Class of 2009
Rose Dodd decided to attend Ashesi because of its Liberal Arts curriculum. Ashesi offered her the chance to pursue a degree in business while having the opportunity to learn more about African culture, economics and philosophy.
“I found the small class sizes and student-lecturer ratio very different from what existed in our public universities. Ashesi was the obvious choice and I have enjoyed every single day here.”
Throughout her education Rose was able to pursue her diverse interests in and outside the classroom. Rose has worked with the Corporate Credit Department of Barclays Bank, Ghana, the telecommunications company MTN, and VOICES Ghana, an NGO that empowers school children to solve local problems. “I loved working as a Business Relations Officer with VOICES Ghana. I was in charge of recruiting volunteers for our various projects.”
For her senior thesis Rose is investigating the commoditization of African culture. She conducts and economic analysis of how indigenous African cultural elements - music, sculpture, crafts - have been transformed into internationally traded goods and the effect this transformation has had on African culture itself. In the future she hopes to pursue a Masters Degree in Economics.
She says of her Ashesi experience, "the time I have spent here has contributed immensely to shaping my values about life. Ashesi's financial aid program allowed me to access an international-style education. I am grateful for this opportunity and confident my future will be bright.”
Diamond Kpesese
Class of 2009
Diamond Kpesese came to Ashesi because he found that Ashesi’s mission greatly resonated with him. “It was refreshing and different and I like different” he says. Diamond accepted Ashesi’s admission offer because of the generous financial aid package he received. “There was no way I could have paid to attend Ashesi if I had not been given financial aid.”
Diamond was Senior Prefect in both his Junior and Senior High Schools serves as a Class representative and excelled in mathematics. Upon joining Ashesi, Diamond continued to participate in student government, serving on the Judicial and Electoral Committee of the Ashesi Student Council. He is pursuing a major in computer science and or his senior year thesis Diamond is developing a software application that enables voice over IP communication. He looks forward to a career in web application development with emphasis on solving day to day problems.
Araba Amuasi
Class of 2007
In December 2003 when I was completing my application forms for Ashesi University, I was hoping against all hope that I would be admitted in order to pursue my dream of becoming a great African programmer. At the same time I knew at the back of my mind that if I did get admitted to Ashesi, I might be unable to attend without some financial aid.
I was thrilled when I received my letter of admission together with information that I had a grant from Ashesi University. I joined the Ashesi community in April 2004 and so far I have no regrets for making the decision to attend.
For me, everyday at Ashesi is a great learning experience. Any student who has a passion for learning and discovering new ways of doing things as I do, fits perfectly into the Ashesi community. Any student who does not believe in mediocrity, is willing to do things the right way and wants to change the image of Ghana and Africa, will find Ashesi the right place to be.
Sarah Mills
Class of 2007
"A fane from which boys and girls can seek the highest form of inspiration." A place one can not leave without experiencing how vast and exciting the world is. Through club activities, class sessions, general sessions, lunch time conversations, students experience the heart of the matter: intellectual growth.
I chose to come to Ashesi because I wanted an educational experience which would be challenging and allow the analytical part of my mind to come alive. Also I wanted a medium through which I would be free to rediscover myself and that is exactly what Ashesi has offered me.
At Ashesi, you are provided with avenues to excel. Our lecturers try hard to bridge the gap between faculty and students and they do it with such undisputed success. Without a doubt the pace of life at Ashesi is challenging but with dedication and focus on my part I have come to realize that the Ashesi experience is an excellent teacher.