SKB's Journal

An Open Letter To All Ghanaian Graduates – From Samuel Kwame Boadu

Graduates
Dear Ghanaian Undergraduate/ Graduates,
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I have stayed away from saying anything about this ongoing Unemployment and strikes in Ghana.​ Today, however, I couldn’t avoid putting this message out there. No matter how hard I tried. ​Let me ask for your forgiveness in advance though, because I’ll be playing devil’s advocate tonight. ​ Also, this letter is specifically written to ‘????????????????????????????????????’ GHANAIAN ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????. That is, students who are being sponsored by someone else.
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​​I know all your mentors, coaches, and favorite online people have told you to “learn a digital skill.” So, I won’t even flog that dead horse. ​Because if you like, you can use these forced holidays (Strikes/demonstrations/no job after school) judiciously; to learn a skill that will increase your chances of being employable tomorrow.
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​Or, you can while away this time on irrelevancies. However, if you choose option 2, just ensure that “Its unto You.” (My Mum will say)
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​​’My Dad said to me, here comes the real question I want to ask you today. ​Dear Dependent Ghanaian Undergraduate, ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????? ???????????????? ???????? ???????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????
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​Ever since you gained admission, there has been that one person (or group of people) who have been responsible for your bills.
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???? That uncle that has been bankrolling you since day 1. ​
???? Your parents that have been footing all your bills. ​
???? Or that random destiny helper that keeps sending you urgent 2k, without making you feel bad for asking.
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​My question to you today is, ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????? ???????????????? ???????? ???????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????
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​​Since the forced holidays began in Ghana, have you ever taken time out from your ‘busy schedule’ to ask that uncle how his business is doing?
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​Have you ever kept your ‘bone straight’ aside, followed your mom to her shop, and just helped the woman for 1 single day?
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​Your father that keeps bankrolling you whenever you call, have you ever asked after his job and prayed about his annoying boss (if he has one)?
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​Or have you just been Netflixing and Chilling, while allowing them to do the tedious job of being the adult?
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​Before you jump in with the “is it my fault they gave birth to me” argument, I need you to understand 2 things.
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???? Nobody owes you anything. Not even your parents! ​
???? Being an adult in today’s Ghana is hard. Being the sponsor of an adult in a Ghanaian university is insanely difficult. ​(Just take this as a #tip from Samuel Kwame Boadu ).​
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​If only you could see how hard they struggle, just to give you what you get on a platter, then you may show more appreciation for them.
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​While I may sound a bit hard on you today, the aim of this post isn’t to judge or make you feel bad. ​If you haven’t done well in this area, you may want to rethink ASAP.​
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​????????, ???????????????? ???????????????????????? ???????????? ???????? ????????????? ​
Grab a pen and paper. Let me walk you through.​
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​1. Make a list of all the people that have been responsible for your upkeep so far. Could be parents, an uncle somewhere, or even a random destiny helper.
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​2. Reach out to them, one by one, and start by appreciating them for all the good work they have done.
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​3. If you have some disposable cash, you can get them some gifts. It doesn’t have to be anything big. Even small airtime will be appreciated.
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​4. Ensure your appreciation doesn’t come off as half-hearted, arrogant, or forced. Be sure you thank them “for being a strong support system in your life thus far.” ​
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​And no. Don’t say “thanks” or “tnx.” This is not xoxo media. ????
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​5. If you haven’t done this before, rest assured they’ll be thrown off balance. Hence, they may respond in different ways.
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​They may​
???? Laugh while accepting the gift.​
???? Look genuinely confused. ​
???? Ask you what you want, or ​
???? Not react at all.
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​Don’t worry. Move on with your life.
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​6. After a while, ask after their job, business, or anything that gives them money. Show that you are committed to helping them grow in this area.
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​They may not open up to you immediately, but with patience and genuine efforts from your end, you’ll soon start getting across to them.
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​Congratulations
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You are making serious progress.​
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​7. Be of genuine help to them in this area. ​
???? If they run a business, offer as much help as you can (at least with management and logistics).
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???? Convert your social media addiction to something worthwhile. That uncle who sells electronics in Tiptoe Lane Market, can’t you find a way to set up a social media page for his electronics store? ????
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???? Do something thoughtful for them, even before they ask.
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​Dear Dependent Ghanaian Undergraduate, ​
I know you are stressed because of what is going on in the country. However, can you get off your high horse and stop being so self-centered for once?
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​Get out of that politics-induced funk and show some commitment to the hand that has fed you so far.
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All things equal, school will resume, employment might cease. Then, you will start placing demands on a stream of income you know nothing about. ​Don’t be that undergraduate this year. ​I trust you to do better.​
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Go Out of your comfort Zone and Get things done!
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Yours Faithfully,
(Entrepreneur/Digital Marketer)
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Read Also:

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Why 90% Of Graduates Are Still Broke Despite Having A Degree.

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