I must confess, I didn’t ace all my exams or get perfect SAT scores. I didn’t fail either, but I know I could have done better. So, if you have the chance to aim higher, don’t hold back like I did.
Gap year programs during my time at Open Dreams - conferences, public engagements, leadership development opportunities
For me, the idea of studying in the U.S.—let alone attending an Ivy League school—felt like a distant dream. Not that it’s the ultimate goal in life, but to me, it seemed far-fetched and nearly impossible. That said, I firmly believe nothing is impossible for those who trust God. With that belief as my anchor, I kept pushing forward.
My options were limited because I got rejected from the 19 schools I had applied to on the Common App, but the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Ashesi University saw potential in me—potential that could be nurtured. And that’s how my journey at Ashesi began.
Today, I’m still at Ashesi, working hard, navigating the ups and downs, and learning every step of the way while pursuing a degree in Computer Science.
Fast forward, and guess what? I’m currently on an exchange program at the University of California, Berkeley, USA! UC Berkeley is ranked first in California and among the top 5% of universities in the U.S., according to College Factual. For a Computer Science student with a passion for entrepreneurship, it’s a dream come true—a perfect fit for the goals I’ve been chasing.
First picture: On the Ashesi Campus Ghana, With Misco Mungai, the Program Manager of the HALI Access Network. The next two pictures: With Chairman Bill A. Njoh, the Regional Program Coordinator for the Centre, on a community-engagement outing to present the Aviva Week Program to the Ministers of Higher Education and Public Health
Let me be clear, though: I still have a long way to go. But looking back, none of this would have been possible if I hadn’t spent time within the four walls of the Open Dreams Centre in 2021. Open Dreams sparked something in me—it broadened my mindset and dared me to dream bigger. They taught me that while dreams and reality may seem worlds apart, there’s a bridge that can turn dreams into reality.
The journey to self-actualization
I’m not yet where I want to be, but today, I dare you to dream bigger than I ever have. Back those dreams with smart, consistent actions, and slowly but surely, you’ll turn them into your reality. But first, have an open dream (an ever-evolving aspiration that is not rigidly defined, allowing for flexibility and inclusivity in how it is pursued).
Vanessa Logan'21 | Open Dreams
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