Amoah-Koi Scholarship

My English name is Karen Mensah. I mention “English name” because I was born in the United States by two immigrant parents who were born and raised in Ghana and emigrated to the United States in the early 2000s. They came to the United States to have a better life. I have two older sisters who were born in Ghana as well, however, I was the first person in my family to be born in the United States and my little sister was born two years after I was. Growing up, it was a lot of pressure on me especially when it came to education. My parents always made sure I went to the best school even if they could not really afford to do so, they did it. I was always told constantly to focus in school because I have a life that my parents never had. For example, my dad’s father died when he was the age of fourteen and he was only able to finish high school. My mother did not really have her father in her early years in life, my mother’s mother did not grow up in a rich home which only allowed my mother to complete up to middle school. When I look at how much my parents have struggled and how much they aim to give us better lives, I owe them a lot especially when it comes to my education. My Ghanaian name is Maame Abena Boakyewaa which is actually my father’s mother’s name. This name is mostly mentioned by my family at home or by other Ghanaians who are aware of my Ghanaian name. I do have many names, however, it allows me to differentiate between the different names, also, it reminds me of who I really am. Specifically, I identify myself as a Ghanaian-American because I am American by birth but Ghanaian at heart. This is unique to me in many ways because it inspires me everyday to keep moving forward. My parents left family, their home, their entire lives to give my siblings and I a better life. This just shows how strong and dedicated they have been. I have to also be like my parents because their blood runs through my veins. I am strong. I started working at the age of sixteen years old. Though my parents provided for me as much as they could, being the first born here, I had to step up and start saving for my future. My parents were afraid that me working would affect my education negatively, but I assured them it would not. I was working, did homework late at night, went to class the next morning, rested on weekends and the cycle went on. It was not as easy, but I graduated high school with over a 4.0 GPA and got accepted into all of my universities that I applied to. To add, working and going to school never stopped. I became a full time student and employee even in college. I work overtime and I am still able to maintain good grades while in school. I currently attend Northern Illinois University (NIU), I will be graduating May 2024. I did not think I would further my education after school because sometimes I feel like I am mentally done with school. However, I will be furthering my education to obtain a master's degree at Aurora University, Fall 2024. My parents are the reason I am who I am today and I owe them so much for all their hard work for me.