The Deputy Minister for Health of Ghana, Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah has shared a speech she delivered as the Guest Speaker 2017 Congregation of the College of Humanities of the University of Ghana.
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In the said speech. titled “A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step”, the renowned surgeon shared the story about her academic journey starting as a pure Arts Student in the 80s at Archbishopporter Girls Secondary School where she studied English Literature, Religion and History.
He revealed that “So, with my Literature, Religion and History A Levels, I was expected to proceed to the University of Ghana (Legon). But by a twist of circumstances I found myself in New York City in the United States instead.”
She continued that in the US, “I worked hard and enrolled myself in Pace University, where I started to study Accounting. (I guessed I was going to be that person handling, checking, and managing other people’s monies.)”
“But after a few years I knew that crunching numbers, and dealing with balance sheets and reconciliation statements as an Accountant would not be for me. So, with some determination and hope I moved far west to California and enrolled at University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles. At USC, I discovered an open horizon, with amazing opportunities to pursue other courses.” – He revealed.
“Let me explain, in the USA the first two years of college or university will give you an opportunity to sample other courses so you can find out what you really want to study. But even when you are presented with opportunities you need courage to venture out to try new things. I needed courage when I was presented with opportunities at the University of Southern California. So being the adventurous type, I decided to take a plunge and TRY some Science courses. (Remember my Ghana A Level qualifications in English Literature, Religion and History.)” – She added
Now at USC, I immersed myself in Biology and Chemistry, and immediately fell in love with Science. I was driven by new passion and subsequently added more Science classes. After two years I became confident, convinced and convicted enough to declare my major as Biological Science, with a minor in Judeo-Christian religion. (Can you imagine!) – Dr. Ayensu-Danquah said
Dr. Ayensu-Danquah’s journey to become a surgeon started when she enter the University of Wisconsin Medical School on a scholarship.
“A strange combination,” as one of my professors said at the time. But I knew this combination was going to make me more versatile. I also liked the study of Religions because this was one of my favorite subjects in Sixth Form back in Ghana.
After my undergraduate degree I performed well enough to end up in the University of Wisconsin Medical School on a scholarship.”
Read the full speech
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” – By Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah
