Enoch, a Ghanaian currently based in the United States, has shared his inspiring academic and personal journey in an interview with DJ Nyaami on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide Show. He revealed that he arrived in the United States in August 2023, about three months before the interview, and is currently based in Maryland.
Enoch explained that his academic journey began in Ghana, where he attended school and later gained admission to the University of Ghana, Legon. During his final year, while writing his thesis, he suffered a major setback when his father passed away. Despite the emotional difficulty, he completed his studies with a first-class degree.
During his national service, his uncle helped him secure a posting at the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, aligning with his interest in aviation. However, one of his lecturers at Legon encouraged him to stay back as a Teaching Assistant due to his excellent academic performance. Although aviation promised better financial rewards, Enoch chose to remain at the university to build an academic career.
After graduating, he gained admission to pursue an MPhil at the University of Ghana. During this period, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted academic activities, but he eventually completed his master’s degree. While searching for further opportunities, he began working at the 37 Military Hospital, where he served in the Health Information Unit, including trauma, surgical, and emergency departments.
Enoch revealed that he had a strong desire to pursue a doctorate but lacked the financial resources. A senior colleague who was pursuing a PhD in the United States encouraged him to apply to American universities and guided him through the process. Initially hesitant due to financial constraints, Enoch was later motivated to try.
He disclosed that he sent over 200 emails to professors across various universities in the United States, carefully researching their academic backgrounds and publications before reaching out. His persistence paid off when he received positive responses from professors in Maryland, Ohio State University, and other institutions. Although he initially received admissions without funding, one professor reassured him and helped secure a fully funded PhD opportunity.
According to Enoch, the entire admission and visa process took about one month. He paid for his visa application, secured an interview date, and was granted the visa, which was ready the very next day. He gained admission to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where he began his doctoral program and research work.
He advised aspiring students to take time to study professors’ research interests and publications before contacting them, rather than sending generic messages. He emphasized that traveling abroad for education does not require paying agents, as the process can be handled independently with proper research and determination. He added that he was not asked to provide a bank statement, which surprised many of his peers back in Ghana.
Enoch also shared that his professor helped him secure accommodation before he arrived, allowing him to pay his rent from Ghana ahead of time. He noted that while life in the United States offers better work opportunities and higher salaries compared to Ghana, he missed the warmth and excitement of Christmas celebrations back home.
Now done with his first semester, Enoch said he is approaching the completion of his first year and is steadily progressing toward the end of his doctoral program. His story stands as a testament to resilience, persistence, and the power of self-belief.
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