“I would encourage future Ashesi students to make sure they don’t just pass through the four walls of Ashesi, but that they allow the school’s values and principles to pass through them. The Ashesi experience will make you stand out wherever you go.” 

Jessica Sugru Ali, a senior studying Management Information Systems, and Ashesi Student Council leader spent her fall semester studying abroad at Macalester College in Minnesota. Several Ashesi supporters in the area had the opportunity to meet this bright and involved Ashesi student. Read our interview with Jessica below.

What inspired you to apply to Ashesi?

After high school, I wanted to study sociology which unfortunately Ashesi did not offer, so I initially applied to other universities. However, after speaking with friends who were studying at Ashesi, I quickly realized the holistic education they were receiving through the liberal arts system, and I changed my mind and decided to apply to Ashesi. I was one of the last people in my class to submit my application and thankfully, I was accepted.

When you found out you were admitted to Ashesi what was your reaction? What was your family and community’s reaction?

I was shocked and humbled to have been accepted considering that I was competing with hundreds of equally talented, smart, and knowledgeable students. My family and I were really excited that I would have the same first-class education that all my friends had been talking about.

What was the greatest thing you learned at Ashesi?

At Ashesi you are taught to challenge the status quo and to help create solutions to solve society’s problems. More importantly though, through Ashesi’s core learning goals, I have also learned to thoroughly analyze a situation to develop both an efficient and effective solution.

Have you been involved in any activities or clubs on campus?

I have been a member of the choir since freshman year. In my second year, I become a Resident Assistant and then became the Welfare Chairperson in the student government. My friends and I started a band on campus called the Decibels, and I am the current President of the Culinary and Confectionary Club. I also volunteer for projects on campus including Santa’s Helpers and the Berekuso Spelling Bee.

In your opinion, what is the most important work that Ashesi does?

The most important work of Ashesi is its collaboration with MasterCard Foundation and Ashesi University Foundation to provide brilliant but needy students with a world-class education that will change their lives and help society benefit from their talents. Without these collaborations, I could not have attended Ashesi.

How do you describe Ashesi to others?

Ashesi is the only Ivy League quality tertiary education in West Africa and a beacon of hope for the future of the continent.

What do you hope to do in the future?

I hope to use my Ashesi education to serve my community to the fullest; whether it is in agriculture, real estate, or on the food industry. I hope to support that renaissance of ethical and entrepreneurial leadership one business at a time. After graduation, my goal is to work at one of the top blue-chip investment banks in the world, and eventually gain admission to Hult International Business School to earn a master’s in International Business.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

My Ashesi experience has been very rewarding and intellectually stimulating. I would encourage future Ashesi students to make sure they don’t just pass through the four walls of Ashesi, but that they allow the school’s values and principles to pass through them. The Ashesi experience will make you stand out wherever you go.