My name is Thomas, a recent Materials Engineering graduate from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, a beneficiary of the GraceStation foundation Scholarship Program. I am grateful to have been awarded a scholarship by GSF to pursue my undergraduate studies. This scholarship has not only provided me with financial support but has also been a source of motivation and encouragement throughout my academic journey.

Growing up in a poor community on the outskirts of Mankessim, Ghana, with parents who never attended college, being accepted to Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) was a major event for me and my family, as I was the first to attend college in the family. I considered it a privilege to receive a tertiary education, and I have since been motivated to pursue my academic aspirations to the highest level. It has also sparked in me a strong interest in community empowerment and activism through teaching and inspiring future problem-solvers, scientists, and engineers as a way of giving back to my community.

I first heard of the GraceStation Foundation Scholarship Program from a friend when I was in my second year at KNUST. One day, while sharing with my friend about the financial burden on my parents and how I sometimes struggled to pay my fees as the eighth born among nine children, he listened attentively and empathized with my situation. He then recommended the GraceStation Foundation Scholarship as a program that could potentially help me reduce the financial burden on my parents and help me stay focused on my studies without worrying about financial constraints. He explained that the scholarship was specifically designed for students who demonstrated academic merit and financial need, and that it offered a significant amount of financial support to cover tuition fees and other educational expenses. I quickly logged onto the GraceStation Foundation website to find more information about the scholarship, including the eligibility criteria, application process, and deadline. I started working on my application materials and quickly applied when the application portal was opened.

When I received the news that I had been awarded the scholarship, I was ecstatic. This scholarship provided me with the opportunity to pursue my undergraduate studies at a reputable university without the financial burden that I would have otherwise faced. The scholarship has been a lifeline for me since I was able to focus on my studies without worrying about financial constraints. It also enabled me to take on extra classes, participate in research projects, and volunteer in my community without worrying about the financial implications. The assistance I have received from GraceStation has gone beyond financial aid and has also included emotional support. The mentorship and guidance that I received during my period as a scholar have been invaluable. The scholarship program has provided me with opportunities to network and gain exposure to different fields, which have been instrumental in shaping my career goals.

After my undergraduate studies in 2022, I was recruited to join Nissan Ghana's Parts Department, where I worked as a National Service Personnel. I am also excited to share that I was accepted into the University of Arizona's Materials Science and Engineering PhD program with full funding, which began in Fall 2023. The journey to get here wasn't easy, but it was certainly worth it. I have always been passionate about materials science and engineering, and I knew that pursuing a PhD in this field would be the best way to advance my career and make a real impact in the world.

I am forever grateful to the GraceStation Foundation for providing me with this opportunity. The scholarship has been a steppingstone to my success and has opened doors that would have otherwise remained closed. I am committed to giving back to my community and making a positive impact on the lives of others, just as GraceStation did for me.