This reflection was written by Joel Ahiakpor, a participant in the Creative Arts Module of the Ashesi Innovation Experience (AIX) 2025, and a student at Tema International School.
Getting off the bus and stepping onto Ashesi’s lush campus, I had no idea these two weeks would spark a whirlwind of personal growth and unforgettable insights.
The Ashesi Innovation Experience (AIX) program—designed to expand high school students’ horizons in leadership, design, and more- played a pivotal role in refining my skills and providing me with a real-world perspective. While not everything went according to plan, the program was packed with fun, hands-on learning experiences that lasted from Day 1 to Day 15!
In Week 1, we delved into sessions on Leadership and Design Thinking. Through the leadership workshops, I learned about what makes a good leader, how to embody those qualities, and a useful strategy called the Feedback Sandwich model—a method of giving constructive feedback framed by positive remarks.
Additionally, we engaged in thought-provoking activities that helped us reflect on our future goals. These sessions were especially meaningful to me, as they helped define clearer aspirations. In Design Thinking, we explored innovative ways to solve problems with tools like the Empathy Map, Point of View statements, and How Might We (HMW) questions, which emphasized the importance of understanding users and customers before creating a product. We were also split into random teams to work on challenges like the Marshmallow Challenge, the Water Propulsion Challenge, and designing a solution for flooding in a community. These experiences helped me sharpen my collaborative skills.
In Week 2, we focused on our respective modules: Robotics, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, and Creative Arts. As a participant in the Creative Arts module, I quickly learned that “art” isn’t just about visual creations—it also includes performing and literary arts. My group was tasked with creating a panel discussion on the theme of cultural erosion. From conceptualization to execution, the process was challenging but rewarding, especially since I was able to leverage my skills in video editing to create an audiovisual podcast for our discussion. This experience not only enhanced my technical abilities but also expanded my creative thinking.
One of the standout moments for me was the Creative Arts module’s visit to the Gold Coast Report Studio, the 1957 Art Gallery, and the Nubuke Foundation. This was a major highlight because I had the chance to meet professionals in a field I’m passionate about and view incredible artworks that reshaped my understanding of creativity.
Another aspect of the program that I am grateful for is the multitude of public speaking opportunities. Whether using a microphone or speaking in front of the whole group, my public speaking skills grew significantly throughout the program.
Overall, I see AIX ’25 as an incredible opportunity. If asked, I would recommend this program to anyone. It deepened my passion for the creative arts and helped me grow as a person, making me more open-minded and adaptable. As I look ahead to the future, I plan to apply the skills I’ve gained to any opportunity that comes my way.
Most importantly, I thank God for blessing me with this chance and for His guidance throughout the experience!
