~~My Fourth Grade Teacher~~
From Mr. Opoku, I learned how to think logically through a math problem and the art of deconstructing complex math problems. From him, I learned how to arrange messy work in a clear and concise way for presentation. This marked the beginning of my love for mathematics.
~~ My Childhood Best Friend~~
From Francis, I witnessed the essence of true loyalty. It was through him that I learned to treat all my friends with equal love and respect even when some do not reciprocate the love.
~~ Nimo ~~
He constantly encouraged me to pursue my university study abroad and not to be deterred by inflated tuition and fees. Through him, I learned not to keep helpful information to myself, but to be eager to share it, and not to be a pessimist.
~~ Stormeca~~
Her therapeutic advice cured me during the most difficult time of my life when I had fallen into some unhealthy habits which could have shortened my life.
~~ My Sisters~~
They have accorded me all the respect a big brother deserves even though I have not always been there for them as I should. Despite occasional moments that tested my patience, they never drove me to the point of saying or doing anything regretful. From them, I learned to love my kinfolk.
~~ My Father~~
I was shaped and blessed more by his absence than his presence. His absence fueled me to be successful swiftly, so that I can make up for his absence. I made sure to excel academically, and stay out of trouble just so that I wouldn't cause any more pain to my poor single mom who was struggling to fend for us. Through him, I experienced the benefits of embracing my fate and seizing the opportunities that arise from unexpected life events.
~~ Augustin~~
He loaned me his personal copy of the book "Grow Rich whilst You Sleep" which revealed the secrets of tapping into the power of my subconscious mind to achieve anything I desired at a fairly early age. Through this kind gesture, I discovered the significance of reading self-help books, marking the beginning of my love for this genre.
~~ Joan & Paul, Mr/Mrs Adusei, MJ~~
From these families, I gleaned that every encounter with a random stranger provides an opportunity for a kind act. Through them, I learned that strangers can also be embraced and adopted into our family.
~~ My Second Grade Teacher~~
Ms. Tina's recommendation to my mom to buy me a lot of story books at a young age was the beginning of my passion for reading. This boosted my confidence and love for school at an early age.
~~ My Sixth Grade Teacher~~
In Mr. Akisba's class, I cultivated the skills of grasping new and foreign concepts and learned effective exams preparation strategies. His passionate and wise counsel not only significantly equipped me for Junior High School education, but also laid a foundation for success.
~~ My Mother~~
From my mother, I gained these invaluable wisdom:
- To take a step back and think carefully about everything I do or say before execution
- To always seek the good in people, especially when they have wronged you
- To embrace reality and confront it head-on
- To plan meticulously and see my plans through to completion
- To always greet with a smile when meeting someone for the first time
- To pay attention to the details of my work, ensuring perfection in the execution of assigned tasks
- Not to react with anger when provoked or offended
- To always remember to express gratitude to the giver, regardless of the value of the gift
- To always try my best to live in the present
- Not to be swayed by smooth talkers I meet on the streets
~~ God~~
I owe it to God that I have had kind family members, loyal friends, and great teachers. To God, I owe my kind-hearted nature, great physical health and cognitive abilities. His goodness ensured that I never lacked anything in my life, even though I was not born into a wealthy family.
Although God took my mom away from me when she was still young, He allowed me to spend her last year on earth together with her, even though I have lived oceans away from my mom for most of my adult life. For this, I am forever grateful to God.
Farewell