Twenty-eight-year-old Alice Atswei Mensah from Teshie, in the Greater Accra Region, stands out as an embodiment of perseverance in a world filled with stories of resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit.
Alice extraordinary journey from a modest family of seven, her tireless pursuit of education, and her unwavering dedication to her family have set her on a path to success and inspired many along the way.
Alice is the youngest in a close-knit family of seven, comprising four boys and three girls. Her elder brother, Alexander Mensah, is a 45-year-old mason with three children, while her second brother, Emmanuel Mensah, 43, makes his living as a fisherman and is a father of two.
Benjamin Mensah, her third brother, also engages in fishing but occasionally works as a laborer. At 40 years old, he is a father of five. Samuel Mensah, the fourth brother, is 38 years old and works as a mason with one child. Alice’s fifth sister, at 36 years, is a trader and a mother of three. Janet Mensah, her sixth sister, is 33 years old and works for a government institution, NADMO, with one child.
Alice, the seventh-born, has emerged as a source of hope and inspiration. As a devoted Christian who fellowships with the New Covenant Worship Centre, she resides on Teshie Bush Road with her mother, elder brother, an aunty, and cousins.
Alice, the youngest of four boys and three girls, hails from a family where educational opportunities were scarce. Her father, Mr. Joseph Mensah, a retired fisherman, and her mother, Mad. Salomey Adjei, a retired fishmonger, worked tirelessly to provide for their children but couldn’t afford the luxury of formal education. As a result, Alice’s older siblings, despite their dreams, had to drop out of school at an early stage, primarily during their primary education.
The determination to break this cycle and create a better future for her family and herself fueled Alice’s pursuit of higher education.
She recounted, “Financially, my family was struggling, and we couldn’t afford to send my elder sister, Janet, to the university despite her completion of Senior High School. Witnessing the challenges my siblings faced in pursuing education, I promised myself that I would find a way to go to the university, even if it meant working multiple jobs to support myself through college.”
Her academic journey began when she enrolled at Jackson College of Education, an endeavor fraught with financial uncertainties. Alice faced the daunting challenge of paying her college fees, as her parents couldn’t provide financial support. In a heartfelt admission, she revealed, “I was the happiest soul on Earth when I received the admission letter, but the happiness was short-lived as the deadline for fee payment approached, and I still lacked the necessary funds.”
Alice’s unwavering spirit, determination, and love for her family inspired her to take a bold step. She approached one of her aunts, explaining her situation and seeking financial assistance. The compassionate aunt agreed to support Alice, allowing her to pay her fees in installments and kickstart her academic journey.
As Alice embarked on her college adventure, she continued to encounter financial challenges. There was no support system in place, but she refused to let this deter her. Instead, she worked diligently to make ends meet. Her resilience led her to teach at Aldridge Eastenfield Christian School in Spintex, where she spent one year and three months.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought a temporary halt to her teaching journey as all the teachers were sent home. Undeterred, Alice sought alternative teaching positions and found a job at Amazing Star Nursery and Preparatory School in Teshie Camp 2, where she worked for three years while pursuing her three-year Diploma in Basic Education at Jackson College.
Even during the pandemic, Alice’s indomitable spirit shone through. Her dedication and love for teaching led her to assist a student from East Airport International School, a commitment that provided her with an additional source of income to support her education.
Despite the challenges, she persevered, teaching the young girl while maintaining her teaching responsibilities at Amazing Star Nursery and Preparatory School.
As her academic journey continued, she was forced to take on even more responsibility, taking other children for home tuition in her neighborhood. This commitment saw her juggling multiple teaching roles, often returning home late, but it allowed her to cover nearly 80% of her academic fees.
Alice’s incredible sacrifices weren’t just for her own future; they were to provide for her family. With her mother and father both unemployed, and her siblings struggling to support their own families, Alice stepped into the role of provider for her parents and extended family.
Alice’s academic journey was guided by her unwavering determination and commitment to her goal. She set out to excel in her studies, avoiding resits and maintaining a strong focus on her education. Her friends and colleagues from Jackson College of Education provided an invaluable support system, constantly encouraging her and helping her overcome academic challenges.
Reflecting on her journey, Alice shared, “Balancing the demands of academics, work, and potentially family responsibilities during my college years was not easy. However, my unwavering determination to complete my education and ease the burden on my family was my driving force. My goal was to finish my studies, get a better job, and provide for my family.”
With a heart full of wisdom and gratitude, Alice offers advice to other first-generation students embarking on their higher education journeys: “Go after your dreams, and have a clear motive for starting. Stay focused and committed to completion, despite the difficulties you may encounter. The courage to begin is crucial, and with determination and faith, the rest will fall into place.”
Alice’s inspiring journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and unwavering determination. She broke the cycle of limited opportunities within her family, carved a path to a brighter future, and continues to aspire to become a professional in her field.
She is currently pursuing a Post-Diploma in Basic Education Program at Jackson College of Education, with a bright future ahead.
Alice’s story serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us that the pursuit of education and the determination to make a difference can overcome even the most challenging circumstances. Her journey is a tribute to the indomitable human spirit and the enduring power of hope.
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