Ghana | International Students

Facet	Description
Graduation Year	HBA 2017 New College
Inside the Classroom	Major: International Relations Major: Political Science Minor: African Studies
Alongside the Classroom	Community-engaged learning course: NEW 498H: completed while interning at the Ward 15: Eglinton-Lawrence Constituency Office, Toronto City Hall, summer 2015 International exchange: Sciences Po Reims campus, France, fall 2016
Outside the Classroom	Social convener, New College Residence, 8th Floor Secretary, MasterCard Foundation Scholars Council After-school tutor, On Your Mark, St. Nicholas of Bari School, Toronto Tutor, From 3 to 3, Firgrove Public School, Toronto Volunteer, Conference services, North American Model United Nations Leadership Certificate Program graduate, New College Member, Association of Political Science Students, University of Toronto Member, Caribbean and African Studies Writing Group, University of Toronto
Further Education	MA, Development Studies, York University (expected graduation 2019)
Career Accomplishments	Intern, MasterCard Foundation, Toronto (10 months post-graduation) Graduate assistant, GenUrb Research Project, City Institute, York University
New College Impact	The minor in African Studies offered at New College complemented my International Relations and Political Science majors perfectly, thus allowing me to have the African focus that was absent in both of my majors. In retrospect, this has contributed to my interest in public policy and education in Africa during my master’s program. The New College Writing Centre was also key in my academic development, as it helped me learn how to write academic essays, which led to A-grade averages throughout the four years. Being a part of this multicultural college also allowed me to fit in and make friends from both home and other countries, thus allowing me to settle in better and faster in Toronto within my first year, and to create long-lasting relationships till today.

“Strive to be among the best, if not the best, in everything that you do. Do not compete with any other person but yourself. And while you are at it, make sure to enjoy yourself and your relationships, because time flies by.“

Facet	Description
Graduation Year	HBA 2017 New College
Inside the Classroom	Major: Economics Major: Equity Studies
Outside the Classroom	Peer mentor, Economics Peer mentor, New College Residence Presented speech on behalf of the student body, Nelson Mandela Memorial Service, University of Toronto Student panelist, University of Toronto yearbook redesign Student representative and Gonfalon Bearer, Installation Ceremony of President Meric Gertler Tutor and mentor for a secondary school female student living with a learning disability Tutor, Math and English, Centre for Community Partnerships
Further Education	MSc in Public Policy, Development Economics and International Development, University of Bristol, 2018
Career Accomplishments	Analyst, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change Economics Intern, Tax Unit, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ghana—performed administrative roles, worked on team projects, and embarked on field projects in banks and financial institutions. Economics Intern, Impact Infrastructure (AutoCASE), Toronto Program Assistant Intern, Zawadi Africa Education Fund, Ghana—assisted academically gifted, but financially disadvantaged, girls in Ghana to apply for university scholarships in North America and parts of Africa. That was my give-back project as I learned about U of T MasterCard Scholarship as a Zawadi Scholar.
New College Impact	New College played an instrumental role in my academic and leadership excellence. Firstly, my New College Registrars immensely supported me through course selection, deciding on my majors, and post-graduation plans. Moreover, the Equity Studies program of New College was the best option as a second major since it gave me a real-world perspective on Economics. Through this course, I was able to identify my interest in public policy and social justice. In my final year, New College awarded me with a scholarship for academic excellence, and also afforded me the opportunity to meet President Meric Gertler at a special New College Dinner. Furthermore, New College organized various leadership training programs which were very essential to my success as a student leader at U of T. I partook in various floor and house activities that improved my teamwork skills. In my final year, I was given a priceless opportunity to serve as a Residence Peer Mentor where I provided assistance to residents in areas such as Academic Success, Career Preparedness, Mental Health and Wellness. I acquired a lot of great skills and knowledge in this position.

“Balance is extremely important. Get involved in the things you love. Take care of your mental health. Study hard but don’t forget to also learn. And keep God first in all you do.“

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Nana Yaa Abrafi Boa-Amponsem