Dominic Aboagye: Be Confident in Your Capabilities

Akoben: Stories of Impact. Tales of Courage is a series that speaks about the power of education as a tool for transformative change in the world. They are told through the lens of Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni. Here is Dominic’s story.

Dominic Aboagye is one of 12 children—two on his mother’s side and 11 on his father’s. His parents divorced due to his father’s unwillingness to fulfill his responsibilities. He grew up in Kumasi, Ghana.

After finishing high school, Dominic was eager to embark on his undergraduate studies. When the opportunities he had hoped for did not materialize, Dominic worked as a salesman for a book publishing company. With support from their mother, Dominic’s elder brother was fortunate to study at a training college while Dominic had to wait before continuing his education.

Dominic’s high school teacher encouraged him to try applying to Ashesi University. Even though his initial application was rejected, Dominic’s determination remained unwavering. In 2019, his persistence paid off when he was granted admission and awarded a Mastercard Foundation Scholarship.

“From the age of 14 to 16, I was on the streets, selling scratch cards to make ends meet. After school, I worked as a salesman with a book publishing company. Things were difficult then, but better now.”

Due to his extended break from formal education, Dominic was enrolled in Ashesi University’s Bridge Program, a preparatory initiative held before the start of the first semester. Though initially anxious about meeting new people from diverse backgrounds and countries, Dominic soon found his feet and received immense support and encouragement from Ashesi’s counselling team. He took the opportunity to bond with his mates, and in the middle of the first semester, he built his confidence. Things took an even more positive turn in the second semester of Dominic’s first year. He actively participated in class, formed strong connections with his lecturers and became a top student. Dominic continued to excel in his final year, receiving recognition for having the best Capstone Project in mechanical engineering.

Now, Dominic offers valuable advice to prospective applicants. He emphasizes the importance of staying focused and confident, recalling when he constantly doubted himself and questioned whether he qualified to be accepted. Dominic stumbled upon a quote on social media that resonated with him: “You can only win this scholarship if you apply. If you doubt yourself, the year will pass by, and you won’t have achieved it.” This profound statement has been etched in his mind ever since, serving as a constant source of motivation. He believes that if potential Scholars continue to doubt themselves, they will never seize the opportunities available to them. Dominic also attributes his success to the power of prayer.

Being a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at Ashesi University entails significant responsibilities and expectations. Scholars are encouraged to break out of their shells and actively engage in social life. They are meant to set a remarkable example for others and distinguish themselves as scholars. Scholars have a unique chance to make a substantial impact and should approach their academic lives seriously. The opportunity they have is one that many aspire to obtain. Scholars need to make their supporters proud.”

Dominic’s passion for transformative leadership led him to discover a critical gap in his community: computer literacy. He has since collaborated with two other Scholars to teach computer skills to 600 students in Berekuso, Upper West, and Kumasi, Ghana. These efforts were made possible through sponsorships from the Ford Foundation and Coca-Cola Foundation.

Dominic’s next step is to pursue a master’s degree and implement his award-winning Capstone Project. Ultimately, Dominic aspires to establish his own business, which focuses on manufacturing machines to support Ghana’s construction sector.

Dominic is deeply proud of how far he has come and considers winning the prestigious Best Capstone Award as the pinnacle of his achievements. Many doubted his abilities, including his brother, who viewed mechanical engineering as an exceptionally demanding field. Dominic embraced the challenge as an opportunity to prove them wrong. The resonance of his victory fills him with immeasurable joy, reinforcing his belief in his capabilities and the boundless potential within.

Read more stories from the Akoben series