Parfaite, Preparing to Graduate
"I am so thankful for the opportunity to attend Gashora Girls Academy and who I have become while there. I found my passions, was challenged, and am on my way to becoming the best version of myself.
I am thrilled to be graduating this June and look forward to college and what lies ahead. I hope to be a doctor. I want to improve my community's medical system as well as to help develop more efficient drugs and discover medications for infectious diseases that are widespread in Africa."
Parfaite, GGAST 2024
We arrived around nine o'clock at Gashora Girls Academy, my dream school. As we walked into the school, my father held my hand firmly. He whispered, "My kid, when you don't know where you come from, you won't know where you are going." Therefore, instead of only focusing on your academic performance, strive to make a difference in the lives of the others you will be living with. These words were my life's motto for the remaining three years at Gashora Girls Academy.
The road at the beginning was not easy as English was spoken little in my village, and I knew I made numerous mistakes while talking. I was worried that my classmates would make fun of me. However, on day one, Teacher Catherine shared with us her awareness that there would be students who struggled with English and expressed her willingness to help them. I later approached her with tears in my eyes and told her the difficulties I was facing. She advised me to join the Gavel Club, a public speaking club, and the Poetry Club to improve my English skills.
I soon joined the Gavel Club, a club that trains students in public speaking, and the Gashora Business League. These clubs and experiences strengthened not only my English but also my resolve to take advantage of every opportunity at Gashora and widen my horizons. My English vocabulary improved, and I gained confidence in public speaking, discovering how to deliver a speech effectively. I am so proud that because of my hard work, I had the opportunity to lead the Gavel Club projects!
In my second year, I wanted to give back, so I volunteered to tutor new students who struggled with English. I was so delighted to witness their improvement. This increased my confidence and inspired me to plan an intra-school competition to improve students' critical thinking and collaborative abilities. I was thrilled when I signed the participant's certificates as the competition's co-founder, standing right by our Deputy Headmaster to present the prizes. These experiences made it possible for me to apply for and get the Head of English Policy position.
Whole Girl education is a big part of Gashora Girls Academy. In addition to clubs, we are encouraged to participate in sports. I joined the football (soccer) team, where I've learned time management skills, which I apply to whatever I do. My team helped me develop more self-confidence. Every time I play football, it feels like I'm learning a valuable lesson about life. I've discovered that opportunities in life only present themselves once, and you have to work twice as hard to seize them again. Football taught me that I always need others to get where I want to go because you need a team to succeed.
These experiences of giving back to my Gashora community and my father's words inspired me to give back while home. In my village, English was hardly ever spoken, so during my breaks, I tutored my siblings and other friends in the language. I also had the opportunity to translate for my father's customers at his workplace.
I am thrilled to be graduating this June and look forward to college and what lies ahead. I hope to be a doctor. I want to improve my community's medical system as well as to help develop more efficient drugs and discover medications for infectious diseases that are widespread in Africa. Whatever I study, I will not forget people who are unable to achieve their goals because of their disabilities, especially in my home community. One of my hopes is to create an association to uplift them and develop their talents so that they can showcase their abilities without remaining in the shadow of their disability.
I am so thankful for the opportunity to attend Gashora Girls Academy and who I have become while there. I found my passions, was challenged, and am on my way to becoming the best version of myself. Thank you to all who support this school and students like myself.
