The Ink #1

The Ink DECEMBER 2023 | ISSUE 1

The Ink Magazine Editor-in-Chief Tanitoluwa Adebayo

Photographers Ronelle Cudjoe

Layout Editor Janet Boye

Model Isabelle Prempeh

Writers Fridah Cheboi, Kerzia Ocansey, Editor Deborah Benning

Social Media Handles Instagram Ocansey_k ronny_cudjoe fridah.cheboi nignig_0 theinkisback

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Email deborahbenning56@gmail.com

1 University Ave, Berekuso

Letter from the Editor in Chief Hello!

This is...new.

Welcome to The Ink! Ashesi’s very own student lifestyle magazine. The Ink is more than just a magazine though. Our mission is for The Ink to be a bastion of Ashesi culture. We want The Ink to carry the voice of Ashesi’s student body. We want The Ink to spark important, sometimes difficult and sometimes silly conversations. And, most importantly, we want The Ink to be entertaining.

This is the result of 1.5 months of work. We know we have so much more to give and we are excited for what this journey holds. But, for now, sit back and enjoy

Tanitoluwa O. Adebayo Editor-in-Chief 3

IN THIS ISSUE 6

Poetry

8

Finding Balance

11

Class Chaired Events

17

Ubora

30

Poetry

4

A love letter to Africa

An Interview with Nyameye Akumia AKA Kiki

Our reviews of the Class chaired events

Submissions from the community

Best Of The Hill Speaks Your unfiltered thoughts

🌟 Part 1: Personal Shoutout Hii Ashesi! 🎉 I want to take a moment to give a massive shoutout to someone extraordinary in our community – Elikem C'25! 🚀 🌈 Part 2: Beyond Brilliance Elikem, isn't just a brilliant person; he's such a God-sent🌐. True defintion of "Not all Heroes 🦸🏾‍♂️ wear capes " From lending a hand “

to C'24s, mentoring many in C'25, or supporting folks from C'26 and even our friends from C'27 Nigerien – you show how really amazing you are! His intelligence isn't just about grades; He use it to teach and uplift everyone around you.

Can't say the number of times you've helped me out of my crap. Such an awesomee listener☀️

🤝

📚🌟

💫🌱

💙 Part 3: Unsung Hero Elikem, here's the thing – you're more than the go-to genius. 🗣️ 🗣️ 🗣️ Beyond textbooks, you're an unsung hero. People reach out

when they need help. Sincerely appreciate the amazing OG, friend, brother, Guy, Crush, and listener he is. You're valued more than you know love ifykyk

🌈💙🙌

🌝🤭

🌟 Part 4: Recognition is Due 🏆Caught I never saw your name nominated for Being Good, Ubora, nothing Let's change that! 🌟 Hopefully that changes soon! 🌟 🌟 Part 6: Share Your Elikem Moments Wouldn't it be nice to hear from you all! 📖 Share your personal Elikem stories in the comments – the late-night study sessions, the wise advice –

🎉 Part 7: Elikem, You're Exceptional

You're really exceptional Elikem, your brilliance, kindness, and selflessness make Ashesi shine a bit brighter. Proud to call you a friend. Here's to you charley Sending tons of love your way. ”

🌟

💞💞

🥂 💓💝💗💕💞💞

“Austine (Pre-calc), I'm grateful for time and effort you put into helping me and other students to improve our grades. Keep being the smart, nice guy you are.”

“Appreciation post dedicated to Sylvia in C2026. Beautiful, smart and kind hearted girl who is also God fearing , a great friend you are. Much love.❤️” “This is a huge shoutout to people in the class of 2026 who have taken up initiatives and played wonderful roles in the community; Stephanie, Beyoncé, Daryll, Akua, Nana Amoako, Maame Yaa, Peggy, Reindorf, Joshua, Pfungwa, Ariana, Mmalebna, just to name a few. You truly are inspirational and trust me, you guys really make a difference. Keep doing you! ” “Shout outs to the engineering'24 boys. Your energy is contagious...for those with energy ”

😂

A love letter to AFRICA

By Emmanuel Nhyira FreduahAgyemang

REMINISCING These days tend to feel like they aren’t ours Where’s the little kid that used to smile? You used to be a star You used to shine, I swear you were interstellar.

You thought everything was fine I miss you Your belly filled with shimmering diamonds Your kinky black hair The beautiful bouquet of scents that travelled with you You see, you have lost your childhood joy, you fell into the worldwide ploy.

The world thrives on your depression And sucks you dry it is a mad place.

Your daily life is aimed towards strife, and people do crazy things Just to save face.

You are slowly dying.

No matter what I try to do to change it, you are slowly dying My efforts amount to nothing Like trying to pump water out of the ocean.

I want to live in a time when I can see you Smile again..

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ADDICTION You’re addicted to them Addicted to their way of life Addicted to the unrealistic utopia you think you could be Despite your flaws I have an addiction.

I’m addicted to you They can’t see what is there The subtle movements of your body The radiant curve your lips make The nuances of your voice Your weird laugh And your affinity for music I’m addicted to you I realize that, eventually, your addiction becomes a part of your identity You live with your addiction And become your addiction itself.

Metamorphosing emerging as an embodiment of your Addiction.

YOUR BEST I know I can change you I know what’s best for you You should think more about yourself than them I know you You need me I need you We both need to love ourselves enough to be able to change

WORKING UNDER THE PSEUDONYM NEERA, FREDUAH-AGYEMANG USES ALLEGORIES AND SENSUAL IMAGERY IN A COLLECTION OF POEMS THAT DEPICT HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CONTINENT. 7

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FINDING

Balance Life as an artist in the body of an engineer.

By Kerzia Ocansey | Photography by Ronelle Cudjoe 8

In the bustling heart of Ashesi University, where intellect meets innovation, we stumbled upon a unique blend of creativity and technical prowess -Kiki Akumia, the twenty-year-old engineering student who moonlights as the campus's very own artsy fashionista. The ink gives a voice to the students, and Kiki’s voice resonates as a vibrant echo through the corridors of Ashesi.

"Like a canvas," he says when asked about the color he would be if he existed as one, "I'd be black. It's a canvas that adapts easily and absorbs the uniqueness of its surroundings, a chameleon of sorts.” Yet unlike a black hole, he adds a unique Kiki-like touch.

Being a twin, an engineering student, and a fashion enthusiast, Kiki's journey into the world of academia was guided by a unique intersection of interests. Math, physics, literature, and art painted the diverse palette that curated his desire to go to film school.

Fortunately/unfortunately he had to succumb to parental influence and landed in engineering on the colorful campus of Ashesi.

When questioned about one thing he'd change about Ashesi, Kiki points to the lack of campus interest, especially bemoaning the workload that engineers endure, hindering their social lives. It's a struggle that reflects the delicate balance between academic rigor and a thriving social atmosphere, an issue he's keen on addressing.

Similarly, Kiki reflects on his own life, expressing a desire for more financial stability and a deeper commitment to a robust work ethic beyond complacency. It's a testament to his self-awareness and his relentless pursuit of personal growth.

Art, for Kiki, is no longer confined to galleries or studios. According to the young creative, it's an intrinsic human quality, a belief solidified during his travels around the world. Balancing engineering with art proves challenging, given the technical nature of his coursework, but Kiki navigates this duality with the support of like-minded individuals - creatives who share his passion.

His sense of fashion, an outward expression of his creative soul, underwent a metamorphosis during his university years. Freshman year marked a chaotic experimentation period, pushing him out of his shell and into a world of visual uniqueness. Confidence, he asserts, is the backbone of fashion. In the words of Rihanna, fake it till you make it. Now, the young creative is almost always found in a bundle of colorful clothing that expresses a beautiful style in a class of its own.

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Amidst the rigors of engineering studies, Kiki nurtures his aspirations in the realm of film. A writer and director at heart, he envisions winning an Oscar and, more importantly, showcasing African storytelling to the world. When asked if he feels the need to conform to Westernized standards, Kiki admits, "To play the game at first, yes." He intends to infiltrate the film making world, to make an impact that starts from the core of the industry.

Currently, he is immersed in writing a TV show about Ashesi student life, akin to popular youthful shows like "Grownish," with hopes that it will provide a fresh perspective on Ghanaian university life and capture the essence of the African experience.

For fellow creatives in Ashesi, Kiki offers sagely advice: "Start small, make actionable, realistic goals. Build a community of like-minded friends.

Engage in extracurriculars. Focus on growing your talent, and above all, don't be complacent."

“ART, FOR KIKI, IS NO LONGER CONFINED TO GALLERIES OR STUDIOS. ACCORDING TO THE YOUNG CREATIVE, IT'S AN INTRINSIC HUMAN QUALITY, A BELIEF SOLIDIFIED DURING HIS TRAVELS AROUND THE WORLD.”

Kiki is an example of a canvas that skillfully combines the technical and the artistic, demonstrating how various academic and creative hues can come together to create a work of art that reverberates across Ashesi and beyond

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Class Chaired Events Each class had to put on a fun event making use of their creativity, imagination and GHS5000.

How did they do?

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Noir

A REVIEW

WHICH CLASS IS THE MOST ENTERTAINING? If you were searching for a night to remember, the class of 2025's Noir Game Night might not be your top pick. Whether you expected it or not, it was the type of night that you'd give a 6 out of 10. Not to blame the class of 25, but I mean Ashesi's student parties,' ASC or not, have never had more than decent outcomes. They are what you'd call bland moments, with ever-miserable turnouts that admittedly have good music (At least for the ones I have attended).

Well, predictably, the event that was slated to start at 6:30 pm took its sweet time, starting hours late and concluding way before the clock struck 12. For those who managed to escape their assignments and spend the evening with friends, it was a memorable night filled with laughter and games.

Now, let's address the elephant in the room: what does Noir even mean?

A quick Google search tells us it means black. Was this an oblivious attempt to predict the gloomy night? Or something coincidental that happened to be a fitting description of how the night turned out.

Whether it was the due dates of 11:59 assignments or just the classic uneventful nature of Ashesi's parties, we must appreciate the hard work put in by the class of 2025's planning committee. Putting up an event in Ashesi is not the easiest thing, and it can take quite a lot.

The Noir Game Night and Party wasn't the smashing success one might have hoped for, but here's to hoping that the class of 2026 and 2024 learn from it and return with a brighter and more impressive event next time.

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By Fridah Cheboi (CS ‘26)

Black Out

A REVIEW

By Deborah Benning (BA ‘25) Photography by Ronnelle Cudjoe & Alosius Akonteh

AFTER 25’S NOT-SO-GREAT NOIR, SOME OF US EAGERLY LOOKED FORWARD TO SEEING WHAT THE 24’S WERE GOING TO DO WITH THE GHS 5000 THEY WERE GIVEN. I can say I was entertained, but not entirely impressed. GHS 5000 for just an Ashesi rendition of Squid game and some free food? No comment, moving on.

If you weren’t present and weren’t one for running around and getting sweaty, you certainly didn’t miss out on much. But if you occasionally like to get in touch with your inner child , yeah, you missed out on tons on fun.

Blackout, a name I think suitable for the occasion since they turned of all the lights in the courtyard, was 2024’s class chaired event which fell on 10th November. If you’ve watched Squid Game, you’re familiar with the Red Light, Green Light game that took place but with a few tweaks to turn up the heat and make the competition fierce.

This game sees competitors try their best to cover as much distance as possible in order to get to the finish line after “Green” is said, and players are eliminated if caught moving after “Red” is said. The 24’s spiced things up by making their class members don the engineering protective gear and act as guards, electing only the first ten people to make it past the finish line to partake in a game of Tag. These ten were made to collectively and randomly eliminate two people on the spot, not knowing these people were going to hunt the remaining contestants down with water balloons and guns as “taggers”.

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In the end, Emmanuel Gyato(BA’24) was pronounced the winner and graced with a questionable and measly amount of 500 cedis for all his hard work. I’m sure he’s still as surprised as you presently are. Now, floating through the crowd were whispers of how rigged the game was, with contestants in the year group 2024 being favored. However, anyone in 2024 that the magazine has spoken to vehemently denies this, of course, because salty losers are a thing.

The turnout rate was quite impressive for an Ashesi event, undoubtedly, the results of the free food email received 15 minutes before the start of the games. Very good strategy, I raise my cup to you, organizers, although your advertising of the event was a bit inadequate.

However, people could be seen drifting away from the event during the first game, which is unsurprising considering how erratically the “MC” was screaming “RED, GREEN”. It was difficult to take photos or videos of the event, which was slated at 8, but in typical Ashesi fashion started at 10, also making it too late and dark for spectators to see if there was actually fair play.

All in all, the one-hour event was a good attempt, a 7/10 for me. What would you rate it?

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C’26 Food Festival

A REVIEW

By Fridah Cheboi (CS ‘26)

NOW, I KNOW IT'S EASY TO PLAY THE CRITIC FROM THE COMFY SEAT OF JUDGMENT, AND YES, WE HAVE DONE THAT FOR A LONG WHILE NOW. BUT FOR A CHANGE, INK MAGAZINE IS TRADING THAT CHAIR FOR A FRONT-ROW SEAT AT WHAT COULD BE THE BEST CLASS-CHAIRED EVENT WE HAVE HAD SO FAR.

So why don't you sit next to us on this beautiful throne of inspection and perhaps judgment (just a little) to discuss the 2026 food festival and the honor code talk that lasted no longer than a 30-second cat video?

😅

First things first, let's congratulate the class of 2026 for starting an event at the time it was meant to begin. In this Ashesi verse, we all know punctuality only exists if there's a class, and even that doesn't apply to everyone. The last-minute change of venue was also a good idea, luring the bunch of us who initially planned not to show up.

😅

Now, about the food. If you were there, we both know that's the only reason you came, but hey, who cares, right?

They had acceptable food. Better in comparison to that provided by the other two classes for sure. The music was also something. Shout out to Kelly class of 2026 for the tunes.

Oh, and how can I forget the very capable hosts who worked very hard to breathe life into the dead party skills of Ashesi students? They deserve a paycheck if you ask me. It's a horrid ordeal, to say the least, to get a bunch of college students to dance or have a bit of fun—definitely a spectacle.

The question is, are we that boring? Africa's future leaders sure, but do we not know how to loosen up? If this is how we are going to continue, we will end up becoming tight-ass and sad, grumpy adults who never got a chance for a little play during their college days. Or maybe the problem is that we are so afraid of each other's judgments that we won't dare to have some fun. The best we can do is sit and pipe up our cameras to take snaps of those with the courage we lack so that we can keep up our miserly streaks. Break free from the judgment shackles, people!

Despite the Honor code debate that barely happened, I am giving the class of 2026 a solid 8/10.

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Best Of The Hill Speaks “Some boy dema call S*** take my babe. God see's all. Next semester I'll do cornrows like the boy so she'll run back. ”

“Someone should tell G********** C’26 to stop talking to other people’s girls and find his own”

“Quaynor ‘24, I have given up on pursuing my computer science degree. I am now pursuing you just so you know…”

“is Kofi Agyapong (C'24) single?”

🙈

🤭

“The Jason with the long hair and glasses in 25 is my crush ”

🤭

“How do y’all get over crushes as quickly as possible? I need to get over this boy as fast as possible. He’s threatening the peaceful balance of my school ecosystem ”

“The inri guy is really fresh if he's not taken. I'd like him to give me a chance. I was in your leadership class btw”

“I have the biggest crush on that M girl in 26, heard she has a boyfriend abroad but that won’t stop me from getting her ”

“Princess(C'25), you are a cool person. It is pointless trying to proof it to people who don't really care about you.”

😭

😀

“I go for basketball games JUST for the boys ” “Elikem (with the crazy hair), thank you for being such a huge huge help to a lot of us. It hit me today that I've never said thanks for all of your help”

“Austine, your help to Pre-calc students will not be forgotten.

Thank you so much for being a nice guy and taking your time out for us. See you in Statistics ”

😂

“Dr Esther Laryea, you’ve been an amazing Lecturer. Thank you!”

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UBORA

BY THE INK Before we immerse ourselves in this magical sea of beauty, let's talk about what Ubora is meant to be. What is meant to fundamentally be a community event, where we celebrate and learn from each other's achievements, has morphed into a popularity contest, for lack of a better word. While not attending because you didn't think you would benefit from it is a good reason, abstaining won't rectify it. In our view, it's that one night where we collectively don fancy shoes and sparkly ties, drink diluted cocktails from thin, fragile glasses, and play a touch of the bourgeoisie lifestyle (Remember, the kind of lives we are all working very hard to have??).

Nonetheless, for those who saw it as a chance to flaunt style, support friends, or indulge in the pleasure of social engagement, bravo for embracing school spirit. Oh, and a quick fun fact: Ubora is the Swahili word for goodness.

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THE ENCHANTED SOIREE IF THERE'S ONE THING I HAVE LEARNED ABOUT ASHESI STUDENTS, THEY NEVER DISAPPOINT. ALWAYS, AND YES, I MEAN ALWAYS, TRUST THEM TO GO ALL OUT, WHETHER IN A CLASS PRESENTATION, A PITCHING COMPETITION, OR A SOPHISTICATED EVENING.

Photography by Cyril Kornoo and Elorm Awuye Photography 18

THE ENCH ANTED SOIRE E

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THIS YEAR'S UBORA WAS NO EXCEPTION.

THE ENCHANTED SOIREE

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THE ENCH ANTE D SOIRE E

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THE ENCH ANTE D SOIRE E

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THE ENCH ANTE D SOIRE E

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UBORA

BY THE INK

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OPINION:

The Honor Code

By Fridah Cheboi (CS ‘26) Say I give you a piece of paper right now. And in it, I tell you to put your name and signature. You turn and ask me what the signature is for, and I tell you it's a commitment. 'What for?' you question obviously. 'Well, it is a commitment that you will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate anyone who does so for the rest of your life.'

Next, you ask me, 'Why should I?'. Then I tell you, 'Africa needs it.'

You think for a moment, then ask another question, not out of selfishness but genuine interest. 'How does it benefit me?'

I tell you, 'Well, by making this decision, you are contributing greatly to creating an honest leader out of yourself.'

Anyway, prior to meeting me, you came from a broken place.

One broken in multiple ways. And before you came, I told you what it was like to be with me. And you thought, 'yeah, that shouldn't be a problem. It's not like I am a convict or villain.' You get here, and on your fresh face, I pour the essence of my existence.

And once buttered in the olive blessings, I release you into my world. Not a devouring one. But instead, one that will build and ask the most out of you. A few months later, maybe a year. I draw up my contract with my rules and ask you to commit in ink.

At this point, I kinda forget that messages get old. And the understanding and information you had months back have faded.

The Honor Code. If you ask some of the class of 26, they will tell you, "It's the reason why I came here." "It is a big deal". Yet another will say, "What's the point?" "Frankly, I don't care; I just want to get my grade, then leave this place." "It's not for me; it's for the school." And unfortunately some older students share these thoughts. Why? Because messages get old, and building a lasting culture needs constant conversations and work put into it.

You tell me I have a choice, but do I really? Because if by choosing not to be on the honor code, am I outright saying that I want to lie, cheat, steal, and approve those around me doing the same?

The big and, I guess, most important aspect of this discussion is that the honor code isn't about a class signing or agreeing to it.

It's not about the number of people filling out a form and saying yes, for this act is more of a formality, more like the website of Ashesi. Or a transcript. A visual picture of an object. And the object, in this case, is the personal conviction of an individual to live truthfully. It is the conviction that members of a group say that not we but I choose always to do the right thing. Not just in examinations and essay writing but also in relationships, whether romantic, friendly, or family. In their rooms, staying true to themselves and the things they are responsible for. And so far, perhaps we have forgotten this. Because what's the point of not cheating on a paper or speaking truthfully to faculty, only for me to lie to a partner, a friend, or family?

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A CONVERSATION WITH:

Aunty Dee Tani: I guess. How did you get here?

Aunty Dee: When you say here, do you mean the continent or Ashesi?

Tani: It could be both.

Aunty Dee: Okay. So, I came to the continent [Africa] for the first time in maybe '92 or '94.

Tani: That’s a long time.

Aunty Dee: That's a long time. At the time, I was a classroom teacher. I was teaching middle school, here, I think you call it JHS, and at that same time, I was the chairperson of the Social Studies or History Department. When I came here, I saw that everything that we were teaching in America was a lie in terms of the transatlantic slave trade. So I came, and I stayed six weeks the very first time, and I was just amazed. I went to the dungeons in Cape Coast. I went back to the States, and I would just tell everybody what I had seen. And so from maybe '92 to '99, for those seven years, I came every summer, and I brought educators with me so that they, too, could see what I was seeing.

Tani: That's interesting because the Internet was still in its infancy. So yeah, you couldn't share pictures.

Aunty Dee: No, I couldn't. I brought my last group in '99, but then I continued to come alone. I came every summer until the summer of 2012. In 2011, I answered an ad in an American paper for a director of a STEM program at Columbia University.

The program was in Ghana. So of course, I took the job. Now, in between that time, from '92 up until I came, I worked as an educator, but I also worked as a psychotherapist. I have a degree in education, and I have degrees in counseling. I have a Masters of Science and Education, a Masters of Science in Psychology, and an MSW, which is a Masters in Social Work and clinical social work, which allows us in the States to practice as psychotherapists. Then I have ABD, All But Dissertation.

Then, in 2012, I took the job at Columbia University, and it was a project underneath MDG, which stands for Millennium Development Goals, now SDG [Sustainable Development Goals].

One of Columbia University's goals as a project was education. That particular program had teachers from 15 middle schools in New York and the same in Kumasi- a science teacher, a math teacher, and a lead teacher—giving us 45 teachers in New York and 45 middle school teachers in Kumasi, with me in charge. The teachers in the States were supposed to use satellite technology to share their lesson plans and teach lessons from the States to the teachers at Kumasi.

Tani: That's impractical.

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Aunty Dee: Well, we know that, but it looked like it would work on paper, and they had already started the program. As soon as I got here, I could tell this thing wasn’t going to work. Number one, there's a four-hour time difference. Two, teachers are under a union contract, so they have to teach from 9:00 am to 3:00pm. If they're going to do these extra programs, it has to start after three o'clock, so 3:01 pm which was 7:01 pm in Kumasi, and you know it was dark. There was no electricity.

Teachers in Kumasi only theoretically knew what a computer was. No one had ever trained them and I'm really not a tech person. So to make a long story short, I closed the program in 2014. I started a private practice in Osu as a psychotherapist.

Nobody in Ghana came because this wasn't part of the Ghanaian culture. There was an opening for assistant dean here in Ashesi and I applied and they told me I was overqualified.. So I went back to America.

At the end of 2016 in November, they contacted me and said that they had a position as a director of counseling which I took.

But when I came, being used to being a director of things in the States, I was looking for my secretary, I was looking for my staff, and it was just me. So from 2017 until today, I developed the school department.

There was no such thing as CCA. I developed the coaching, the counseling, and the academic advising department. I realized that students that came from Kenya, the northern part of Ghana, Swaziland, the central part of Africa did not have the same educational experience, but when they came to the Ashesi, we expected everybody to start at the same starting line. So I developed a course called Ashesi Success, so that all students would be able to start at the same starting line on basics. We can't assume that everybody knew what ethics was or plagiarism. There were some countries where it was quite normal for people to cut and paste. That's not normal at Ashesi. So I developed Ashesi Success and it's been running now since 2017.

Tani :I took it earlier this year. I enjoyed it.

Aunty Dee: I'm glad you like it. Then um… I'm very health conscious. I didn't necessarily like not being able to live a certain healthy lifestyle on campus. So I started another program called Wellness Wednesday. That would be the last Wednesday of every month. It started with me bringing holistic vendors that would sell vegan products and whole grain types of things. Then the ASC picked it up. Now I do wellness Wednesdays in collaboration with the ASC and… that’s about it.

Tani: I get the impression that there is a difference between pre-pandemic Ashesi and post pandemic Ashesi. Can you elaborate a bit on that?

Aunty Dee: I think that the students were more engaged in addressing social issues. They were very very vocal. Much more vocal than what I’ve seen after the pandemic. I just think students were more active. The clubs seemed like they were very vibrant. There was a program on campus called Controversial Court. Controversial issues would be brought up in a real safe environment and they weren’t “nicey nicey” types of issues. So I felt they were definitely more vocal. People did seem to be even more friendly to each other. It just seemed like students were more engaged with each other. I don’t see a lot of that. I see a lot of students walking with their laptops or they’re on their phones. I don’t see them like really socially engaged a lot.

Tani: Why do you think that’s the case? What happened? Do you think we’ve lost the pre-pandemic culture?

Aunty Dee: No, but I think there was a great effort to do something where there was a concerted effort from staff and faculty and the student body to reimagine what it was like prior to the lockdown. And the culture is coming back slowly. You guys can create the culture that you want to see. You hear us talk about what it used to be like and you can either try to recreate it or create something completely different.

Tani: Thoughts on relationships?

Aunty Dee: Most students that come to university are between the ages of 18 and 26. You normally enter at around 18 and you normally graduate between 24 and 26. Life has stages. When you're an infant, there are certain things you do as an infant by instinct. When you’re a suckling, you take your mother’s breast milk. Nobody teaches you that. It’s an instinct. Then you become a toddler, you have to learn to walk. Then you become a child. In that phase, you’re learning how to do social interactions. Whether you are in America, Japan or Africa, these are normal stages of life.

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When you turn 13, you become a teenager. That’s when you start wanting to become independent. You want to stay in your room. In this generation, you want to be on your phones and on the internet. You are trying to figure out who you are.

At 18, you enter into another stage of life, it’s called young adulthood. And that’s normally when you get the opportunity to move away from home. When you come to university there’s nobody watching you. And this is when you have your first real relationship. Where you’re learning the rules and skills necessary and the negotiating, the terms of engagement. All of these things are an important part of the university life. Your bodies are changing and your hormones are raging when you become a young adult. And because there’s no manual, you learn as and when. You stumble and you make mistakes and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t work. Sometimes you get your first heartbreak. Sometimes its the first time you realize that someone can lie to you. You’ve never been lied to before. You mama didn’t lie to you. Your daddy didn’t lie. Grandma didn’t lie to you and now you’re stuck with this person that you think you love and you’re like “You’re lying”. So many things that you have to learn when you enter into the world of young adulthood. And it seems like its such a terrible phase of life, but you get through it. You learn so many lessons but the best thing you learn is you learn about yourself. You don’t know yourself until you actually enter into a relationship. You didn’t know that you were jealous. You didn;t know that you didn’t listen. You didn’t know that you were needy. You didn’t know that you were clingy. Right? There are so many things about yourself that you won’t know. So a relationship is a wonderful opportunity for you to know yourself.

Tani: Do you think people should enter relationships knowing that most likely it’s going to end?

Aunty Dee: That has to do with perspective. So… do you enter a relationship at 18 and think this is the person that you’re gonna marry and be with for the rest your life? Most people don’t enter with that kind of mindset. You enter into a relationship and hope for the best. There are many many relationships that are marriages today that started off at Ashesi. So some situations, it works. Other situations it doesn’t work so well. But no matter what you grow as a human being.

Tani: Next year is going to be really packed, so what advice do you have for people so they don’t get overwhelmed or stressed?

Aunty Dee: Take one assignment at a time. Learn to enjoy the experience. Do your best to master time management. And really you can’t manage time, but you can manage your attention to the time that you’re living in. A lot of students get stressed because they don’t realize that when you add something into your life, oftentimes you have to give something up. And Ashesi is an institution where when you come, there’s something you’re gonna have to give up. Ashesi requires a lot of you because when you finish, you become such a wonderful different human being. So in that process, sometimes you might have to give up some things. It doesn’t mean that you can’t get them at a later date. It doesn’t mean that you have to actually give them up.

It might mean that you have to move somethings around. You have to learn how to manage your attention in a specific period of time. There are students that have a 4.0 and have had it for 4 years. They’re no different. It can be done.

With the accelerated semester coming up, you need to do self care. There are things that need to be done.

I call it NEWS. N stands for nutrition. Proper nutrition is important. There are certain foods that when you eat it helps your brain function better and there are others that slow down your brain. And at this point in your life, you kinda need your brain.

E stands for exercise. You need exercise. It could just be walking. But its intentional.

W stands for water. You need water. Not soda. Not juice. You need water with a Ph of at least 7.0.

And S stands for Sleep. There’s a bad thing on this campus where students shame other students who go to sleep like they’re slackers. If a student tells me they go to bed every night at 2 am, then that student is telling me they don’t know how to manage their time. You should be able to get a goodnight sleep. It’s only during sleep that the body gets to recharge.

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Best Of The Hill Speaks

“This thing of coming to use with no strings attached mindset must end.

Some of us are here thinking about marriage and you want to come and play? Dey play.”

“They will say yes, grades ain't important, but just pass by Nutor Hall.

You'll see their names on the dean's list. Shout out to the fanfoolers out there...”

“Engineering mechanics kwerh!!! I can’t do this for four years o”

“What's really fun on campus though?

Personally these parties and ASC activities don't even hit. Well that's kinda failed so let's go natural, try some stand-up com or sth next sem ”

“The next year 3 semesters dier them for bring the grading down o” “I have the biggest crush on that M girl in 26, heard she has a boyfriend abroad but that won’t stop me from getting her ” “Anytime you see T******* C'24, the cute one, give her 50 cedis and see me, I'd replenish it for you. ~Secret Admirer~” “If it’s been half a year and you guys are still in the “talking phase”, idk what to tell you sister ”

😄

🤷‍♂️

“I just wanna give a shoutout to Stack and Rolls. Chale the samosa dey bee ooo, and chale that kosua ne meko just hits right. Just go to Old Hosanna on Friday or Saturday and tell me I'm lying. ” “I’m looking for some guy in Dufie Annex If you’re nice,please meet me at Hakuna 11 am Saturday sharp ”

👍🏾

“Love and appreciate you so much Dr. Laryea ♡!”

“Since the grades aren't grading anymore, I might as well start prepping to be oga wife ”

😂😂

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Samuel Amoah Bosomprah I'm the son of a dead man The son of a great man Man willing to sacrifice, A man willing to pay the price, A man crawling onto his feet, So we could eat.

I'm the son of a dead man A man willing to a leap of faith Without knowing his own fate A man smiling through all the hate Holding on so we could be safe I'm the son of a dead man A man known to be bold Sheltering us from all these cold Regardless of being broken and old For our growth his conscience he sold.

I'm the son of a dead man A man death greeted with a smile I'm the son of a great man .

The Vile Nature of Man (A Poem) AJ Writes A solemn and deprived look.

Staring with an eye of malice.

Holding on to the plight of justice.

In a world where peace was no longer a virtue.

It seemed unfathomable; In trying to unlock that prison of grace; In trying to encourage that thought of embrace; Because in times of praise, Vanity attacks at night.

Boasts of a peaceful vendetta.

To deliberately cause agony and regrets.

In a world where forgiveness encourages the rage of a man.

And in the act, birth a generation of rebels.

All in the hope of ending this prison of bloodshed.

And maybe kill the selfishness that inspires our ignorance.

But end up unveiling the shadows of our belligerence.

Because in our hardworking to avoidance, Vanity attacks at night.

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Written by Anonymous School is stressful? Let me tell you 3 bytes about it; hopefully you'll get :) One step at a time Paying the currency of time More sour than lime Disconcerting like brine There is an end that is mine Through the path that I stand There's no gain without a price But sometimes I wonder if I can I bear the pressure daily Like 10,000 feet beneath the sea It appears I'm drowning Yet I still manage to see I still manage speak right from under the deep It seems I've been there for many years But strangely experienced not death but only fear Wondering if it were more than me yet finding no tears to grieve, I looked around and noticed a sea of others living beneath this heavy sea strangely easily Then I realized, I never really was under the sea But in simulation of the things that must be No wonder I could breathe and still manage to speak Though the water was thick and sometimes darker than ink It sure seems tough for a simulation but I guess it's worth it if I can breathe and live under any depth at the end of it

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Dear Wednesday, Like a fiery furnace, this feeling burns endlessly, My soul searches for yours earnestly, From the first glance to our first trance, Finally confessing you loved to dance.

Lost and found myself in you, A journey you walked in shades of blue, Lost and found a story so divine, Forever we hope our hearts entwine.

I sought a change, you brought in me, Like deliverance, a soul set free, In the loud silence of my night, Whispers of your love takes flight.

Hoping that in your hands, my heart is safe, A hiding place, where my love finds it perfect shape, Forever, a time to short to be with you, For in the heat of moments, our love is born anew.

Love, Honeypot.

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Vanity In My Actions

Albert Ofori With each passing day, death approaches Vigilantly waiting like a curious owl Observing the night as it passes It takes forever to appear But a second to despair.

With each passing day, my grit delays Feelings of enthusiasm and determination But possessions of suffering and fear Walking down the aisle with flowers of guilt They fade away, leaving me all alone.

With each passing day, I replace myself Recasting all that enthusiasm and determination in me In hope that it finally works Even in that, vanity remains imminent So I sit quietly, waiting for his knock on my door.

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