The classroom smelled of chalk and resilience. I stood before eager teens at an old local middle school in Ghana, holding up a handful of wires and a box of tools. “We’re going to build a mosquito trapper,” I announced, watching their eyes widen with curiosity. That moment reminded me of my own journey—how stepping into unfamiliar territory often sparks the most remarkable growth.
Years earlier, I had moved to Canada, leaving behind the familiar comforts of my homeland. Two new languages surrounded me, their syllables strange and sharp, and for the first time, I felt truly out of place. Yet, much like that classroom, these challenges became opportunities to create, connect, and grow.
Carving out my place in a new world wasn’t easy—there were moments of disorientation and self-doubt—but what I gained was invaluable: a global perspective that continues to shape who I am and what I strive for.
This perspective deepened while volunteering in Odumase Krobo, Ghana, where I taught STEM to middle schoolers with limited resources. There, in a classroom with cracked walls and eager faces, I realized the transformative power of education. These students weren’t just hungry for knowledge; they were ready to build, experiment, and create. Despite the lack of proper resources, we worked together to solve problems in practical and impactful ways.
I initiated the school’s first after-school STEM club, a safe space for curiosity and hands-on exploration. Together, we built a mosquito trapper to combat local health challenges and experimented with simple circuits, fostering innovation and teamwork. These projects weren’t just about science—they were about empowering young minds to see their potential and take charge of their future.
Through this experience, I saw the world differently. The barriers I had faced moving to Canada—the unfamiliar languages and the cultural nuances—became lessons in resilience and adaptability. As I had to adapt to a new environment, those students were learning to adapt their creativity to overcome challenges.
What I want students to take away from this story is that embracing change isn’t about abandoning who you are but expanding who you can become. When you step outside your comfort zone, you learn about the world and discover new facets of yourself.
In today’s interconnected world, diversity and adaptability are crucial to success. Whether learning to collaborate across cultures or finding creative solutions to unexpected challenges, the ability to thrive in different environments opens doors to exciting career paths and opportunities.
So, to any student reading this, I encourage you to embrace challenges, seek out international experiences, and step into the unknown. Whether you move to a new country, volunteer in a community far from home, or simply connect with someone from a different background, these moments of change can profoundly shape your future.
I’ll never forget the smiles of those students in Krobo when we flipped the switch on our first project. At that moment, I saw how small actions could spark big dreams and how stepping beyond borders, both literal and figurative, can lead to limitless growth.
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This story is written by our amazing Student Ambassador, Yousef Alabdallat, Ferrari Work Experience Program 2023 alumn.
