In Conversation
Student spotlight: Nana Ama Akowuah ’18
Why did you choose Yale?
I chose Yale mainly because of the people. I attended a reception [hosted by Yale] in Ghana, and I got to meet some of the Yale faculty and students. Just to hear them talk about their experiences, it sounded like such a great place.
I think another [reason] is the [Yale Office of Undergraduate Admissions’] “That’s Why I Chose Yale” video. If it worked on anyone, it was probably me! The video was great, but the main thing was just seeing the students devote so much time to working on a video just to get people in. It definitely speaks to the sense of community here. The opportunities also seemed really great. But overall I think the one thing that really stood out to me was the people.
What is your major and what drew you to it?
I’m studying chemical engineering. I really liked chemistry in high school and math as well. I came to Yale initially thinking I wanted to work in engineering, particularly in the oil sector in Ghana. So I came in and decided to major in something with that competency, and for me that was chemical engineering. I’ve learned a lot from the major, but it’s also made me realize that it’s not necessarily what I want to pursue. I want to work more in management or business and entrepreneurship, just because I think that's more rampant on the [African] continent right now.
What are you most passionate about?
Two things, I’d say: First, trying new things and having different experiences, and second, helping people.
I really enjoy just being adventurous and doing fun, outdoorsy things — just challenging myself to try new experiences. But I enjoy helping people as well just because the more I do that the more I realize that there are people out there who are unable to decide to do something adventurous or challenge themselves in a certain way just because they don’t necessarily have the resources or capabilities. So it’s kind of both for me — just doing new things and being able to help other people also do new things.
What extracurricular activities are you involved in and what do enjoy about them?
I was the president of the Yale Undergraduate Association for African Peace and Development. We’re a conference planning board that hosts an African development conference here at Yale. It’s the largest undergraduate African conference in the northeast, and last year brought nearly 300 students of African descent and people who were interested in Africa in general to Yale’s campus. It was amazing just seeing all of that happen!
What challenges have you experienced as an international student?
It is challenging not being able to go home for Thanksgiving break as often or go home over the weekend when you feel like it. There are definitely times where you’re homesick and just want to be with your family.
I think the second challenge is just the cultural barrier. For example, if someone says “let’s get coffee” I didn’t really understand that that doesn’t necessarily mean “let’s get coffee” — it can be a sign that we’re not going to have this conversation. Little things like that — just navigating American culture in general, which I think the Orientation for International Students does a good job of trying to explain. But then there’s also so much more that you don't understand, as an African student in particular.
I think there’s also somewhat of a gap in education levels. I went to a great school that prepared me academically, but there’s definitely little things like speaking in seminars (even when you didn’t do the reading) and knowing the vocabulary to speak about certain topics, like race and gender and sexuality, which are not topics we typically talk about back home.
What are your plans for the future?
I am working in management consulting in Boston after graduation and will hopefully go to business school after that.
After business school I want to go back to the continent [Africa]. Coming here, I’ve realized that entrepreneurship in general is what is really rampant on the continent. My hope is to one day go back and establish a center for women-owned small businesses, providing support for them to grow, and creating a space where women [entrepreneurs] can feel comfortable as they come in and share ideas.
Name one thing that you love about your home country.
Our food, I think, is undoubtedly the best, especially our jollof [a rice dish cooked with tomato sauce]! I really like the food, and I like the people. Everyone’s very supportive and very hospitable.
