Student of the Month – March 2016

ACES has selected Josephine from Ghana as March 2016 Student of the Month!

From the moment Josephine arrived in the U.S. her local coordinator has been brimming with good comments about her. In particular, her coordinator has noted that Josephine’s openness to new experiences in combination with her positive and joyful nature has set her apart from other students. These qualities have allowed her to become deeply involved in her community, to learn and grow from those around her, and to contribute back in meaningful ways.

Josephine immersed herself in her community as soon as she arrived, joining church youth group, science club, BETA club, choir, and piano. She went out of her way to be involved in her school, decorating for events, serving food at sports competitions, and volunteering at her school science night. In addition, she served others in many ways from baking cookies for and singing in nursing homes, to knitting hats for children with cancer, to serving lunch to the National Guard during Christmas. Volunteering with the National Guard, in particular, was an important experience for her. Josephine wrote to ACES, “This experience made me have a change of mindset about serving people. The smiles that were put on the faces of these soldiers and the families made me realize that no matter how little or great your service to others is, it sure does make a difference in the lives of such people.”

Because of the ways she grew as a leader and volunteer in America, Josephine was chosen to attend the Better Understanding for a Better World Conference in Baltimore. Here Josephine participated in sessions on interfaith and intercultural understanding. This conference helped to reinforce for Josephine that “understanding will change each person’s perceptions, point of view, and most importantly, will bring empowerment to initiate and promote peace no matter the odds.”

Josephine intends to keep making an impact in Arkansas during the time she has left, and will bring back what she has learned to Ghana, investing her leadership skills and volunteer spirit in her home country. Thank you, Josephine, for all the inspiring work you have done! Keep it up!