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“Out-dream yourself, says academic achiever”

November 2nd, 2016

kwasi-gyamfi-asieduDr. Fathia Ayodele Kareem caused a social media storm when she broke a record as an award-winning graduate. Kwasi Gyamfi Asiedu, 20, a Correspondent from Ghana, interviewed the doctor, who is now working at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, one of Ghana’s largest public hospitals.

Social media in Ghana went into overdrive in August when Fathia Ayodele Kareem graduated from medical school.

The previous year, a 40-year-old record was broken when a male student won eight out of fifteen awards at graduation. This year, Fathia smashed that record by winning 12 out of the 15 awards at the graduation ceremony for the School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

Kwasi: First of all, how do you feel about this great achievement?

Fathia: I found out the day before about the awards. It was overwhelming, hearing my name called over and over again.

Kwasi: What did your parents and rest of your family say?

Fathia: They were very proud. I received a lot of calls from family both home and abroad [to send in their congratulations].

Kwasi: Can you tell us about yourself – who is Fathia?

fathia-1Fathia: I’m a Muslim young woman who began her basic education at St Martin de Porres School, and then to Wesley Girls High School, and then finally KNUST. I love to read, listen to music and watch movies. I love babies, they make me happy.

Kwasi: What were classes like as a medical student?

Fathia: In the beginning – that’s first year, first semester – we had 5am classes so it was quite hectic, but then it got better. I had very interesting classmates, so many different personalities and we were a good mix. I love my class, SMS Class of 2016. They made my stay in medical school a lovely experience.

Kwasi: There is a stereotype about extremely smart people like yourself – solitary, bookish and not much of a social life. So what kind of person were you on campus?

Fathia: I’m not the typical bookish type of person. I involve myself in a lot of activities. I have a lot of friends and I like to have fun.

Kwasi: Did you have any subject that posed some difficulty?

Fathia: I would say the most challenging course for me was Internal Medicine, not because it was difficult, but it was voluminous.

Kwasi: Tell us why you decided to become a pediatrician and what is next for you?

Fathia: It’s simply because I love children. I hope to start a residency programme in paediatric surgery in a few years.

Kwasi: What is the secret to your academic success that you can share with other young people?

Fathia: I would say God first, prayer is number one, hard work and discipline.

Kwasi: What is your general message to young people, especially girls around the world?

Fathia: Out-dream yourself! You can do anything you set your mind to, provided you work hard at it. And if you do not succeed the first time, try again.

Congratulations to Dr Fathia Ayodele Kareem.

Photo credits: courtesy of Dr Fathia Ayodele Kareemdoctor and Kwasi Gyamfi Asiedu

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About me: I am Kwasi, a journalism student from Ghana. I hope to use my skills to tell positive stories about marginalised communities in the world, with the belief that these stories would force action that improves the lives of the people.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Commonwealth Youth Programme. Articles are published in a spirit of dialogue, respect and understanding. If you disagree, why not submit a response?
To learn more about becoming a Commonwealth Correspondent please visit: http://www.yourcommonwealth.org/submit-articles/

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kwasi-gyamfi-asieduDr. Fathia Ayodele Kareem caused a social media storm when she broke a record as an award-winning graduate. Kwasi Gyamfi Asiedu, 20, a Correspondent from Ghana, interviewed the doctor, who is now working at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, one of Ghana’s largest public hospitals.

Social media in Ghana went into overdrive in August when Fathia Ayodele Kareem graduated from medical school.

The previous year, a 40-year-old record was broken when a male student won eight out of fifteen awards at graduation. This year, Fathia smashed that record by winning 12 out of the 15 awards at the graduation ceremony for the School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

Kwasi: First of all, how do you feel about this great achievement?

Fathia: I found out the day before about the awards. It was overwhelming, hearing my name called over and over again.

Kwasi: What did your parents and rest of your family say?

Fathia: They were very proud. I received a lot of calls from family both home and abroad [to send in their congratulations].

Kwasi: Can you tell us about yourself – who is Fathia?

fathia-1Fathia: I’m a Muslim young woman who began her basic education at St Martin de Porres School, and then to Wesley Girls High School, and then finally KNUST. I love to read, listen to music and watch movies. I love babies, they make me happy.

Kwasi: What were classes like as a medical student?

Fathia: In the beginning – that’s first year, first semester – we had 5am classes so it was quite hectic, but then it got better. I had very interesting classmates, so many different personalities and we were a good mix. I love my class, SMS Class of 2016. They made my stay in medical school a lovely experience.

Kwasi: There is a stereotype about extremely smart people like yourself – solitary, bookish and not much of a social life. So what kind of person were you on campus?

Fathia: I’m not the typical bookish type of person. I involve myself in a lot of activities. I have a lot of friends and I like to have fun.

Kwasi: Did you have any subject that posed some difficulty?

Fathia: I would say the most challenging course for me was Internal Medicine, not because it was difficult, but it was voluminous.

Kwasi: Tell us why you decided to become a pediatrician and what is next for you?

Fathia: It’s simply because I love children. I hope to start a residency programme in paediatric surgery in a few years.

Kwasi: What is the secret to your academic success that you can share with other young people?

Fathia: I would say God first, prayer is number one, hard work and discipline.

Kwasi: What is your general message to young people, especially girls around the world?

Fathia: Out-dream yourself! You can do anything you set your mind to, provided you work hard at it. And if you do not succeed the first time, try again.

Congratulations to Dr Fathia Ayodele Kareem.

Photo credits: courtesy of Dr Fathia Ayodele Kareemdoctor and Kwasi Gyamfi Asiedu

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

About me: I am Kwasi, a journalism student from Ghana. I hope to use my skills to tell positive stories about marginalised communities in the world, with the belief that these stories would force action that improves the lives of the people.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Commonwealth Youth Programme. Articles are published in a spirit of dialogue, respect and understanding. If you disagree, why not submit a response?
To learn more about becoming a Commonwealth Correspondent please visit: http://www.yourcommonwealth.org/submit-articles/

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………