I have learnt how to manage my emotions.
Doris lost her way during the pandemic as she struggled to adapt to virtual learning in her Chinese course. She embraced the CoRe Programme with both hands and joined as many mentoring groups as she could. She tells the story of her transformation:
My name is Doris Danso Akonkoh, and I am a student at the University of Education, Winneba. I had the privilege of being part of the Radio Broadcasting mentoring group in the CoRe Programme.
As a student, the impact of COVID-19 was severely felt in my education and finances. I struggled to adapt to the new ways of learning. I also experienced some financial difficulties.
I heard about the CoRe Programme and signed up determined to learn as much as I could. CoRe helped me, first, to manage my anxieties and loneliness. I also got connected to new friends who encouraged and inspired me. Even though the e-Learning programme was virtual, I found myself listening to the audio episodes repeatedly and getting very motivated. The most fulfilling part of my experience was when I was given the opportunity to be a leader in my mentoring group.
CoRe has taught me several new things. The following are some of the most notable ways in which the CoRe e-Learning sessions have added value to my life:
- Talent Discovery: I learnt that talking is a talent which can help me to teach, preach or become a broadcast journalist. After listening to Rev. Albert Ocran’s presentation on this subject, I also made my own short video on ‘Discovering Your Talent’. I believe I have discovered my talent and my future. I want to become an international journalist. This is my dream career.
- Dealing with loneliness and anxiety: CoRe taught me that in every situation, I must manage my thoughts. It helped me to recover from the loneliness I was facing, which had been caused by a heart break. I will always remember one of the slogans I learnt, ‘Slow motion is better than no motion’, which literally means that every step counts in causing change to happen. This valuable lesson came from the counsellor, Dr. Joana Larry-Afutu.
- Surviving disruptions in life and work: I learnt the importance of building a high-quality social support system to cushion me against crisis, and disruptions in life. Thank you, Dr. Richmond Acquah Coleman, for that lesson.
- Visualise the end from the beginning: CoRe taught me how to use the lessons from my past mistakes to improve upon my current state. I used to have a hard time controlling my anger. However, the sessions gave me insight into how to handle difficult situations to keep my emotions under control. I am committed to maintaining this attitude for a bright future.
- Leadership Skills: Finally, CoRe taught me to discover my leadership skills and to build on them. I feel empowered because I can now make my own decisions and respect those decisions I make.
Long live Ghana!
Long live the Springboard Road Show Foundation!!
Long live CoRe!!!