An exceptional young African man named Stephen Gyesi, who works as a brickmaker and bricklayer to fund his education has finally graduated with a first-class bachelor’s degree from the University of Ghana, Accra.
Stephen faced several challenges including being discouraged from earning a university degree because of his family background. Narrating his story on Linkedin, he said growing up, the idea of attending college seemed impossible for someone from his family and village.
“My journey to fulfilling a promise that seemed impossible began in a small village where dreams often wither. In a small village where dreams often wither, I challenged myself to change the narrative,” he said.
Despite facing mockery and insults from his villagers who told him no one from their village could further their education to university level, he remained hopeful and determined to prove everyone wrong.
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”Many people in my village mocked and despised me, making references to the village’s history and my family’s background. But I refused to let their opinions define me. I believed that determination and hard work could propel me to my dreamland,” he said.
Stephen stated that he promised his parents a better future and he fulfilled his first promise by completing senior high school.
However, a bigger challenge emerged, no one from his village who received their basic education had ever gone on to attend tertiary school, which made it seem like a challenging task for him. Not giving up, he worked hard to overcome the obstacle.
Stephen stated gaining admission to the university was a dream come true. However, he knew he had to work harder to fulfill his promise. He said while his colleagues enjoyed vacations and luxuries, he worked on construction sites and saved every little amount to support his parents and take care of all his tuition fees.
He said irrespective of his condition, he sacrificed his time, energy, and comfort to make sure others were happy. Stephen also said there were times he cried at night because his condition was too severe yet he selflessly helped fellow students, teaching them for free.
Stephen said despite all of the difficulties he faced, he always reminded himself of his promise which motivated him to persevere. In the end, his sacrifices paid off as he graduated with a first-class honors degree in Information and Religious Studies.
He was also given the Vice Chancellor’s award for the best graduating student from a less-endowed school in the humanities. Stephen said while a student, he also became a moderator for the Good Culture of Ghana Podcast.
He added that he achieved a lot and also made an impact on people’s lives and was a part of people’s stories. Stephen expressed his gratitude to God, his parents, his siblings, and everyone who supported him.
Advising other students, Stephen said they should not let circumstances define their destiny but rather trust in themselves and a higher power. He added that they should shield their mind from negativity and focus on their goals.
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