Johanna Glaser

Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar, Fall 2010 to Spring 2011

For my scholarship year in Ghana, it probably would have been most practical to choose a study institution offering graduate-level courses, since I had just finished college at home. I was, however, so intrigued by Ashesi’s focus on ethics and citizenship, and sufficiently impressed by its growing list of achievements, that I decided to take a chance on Ashesi instead.

At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, I count this decision as one of the best I have ever made. From its students to its professors and administration, Ashesi draws a unique group of people who might best be described as realistic idealists. I have met more people dedicating their lives to positive social transformation during my first semester at Ashesi than in the whole of my life prior to coming to Ghana. The commitment that these people have demonstrated to bettering the African continent and world at large is grounded in a practicality and determination that inspires optimism and hope.

Ashesi has been such an integral part of my experience abroad; apart from providing me a small community in which to develop meaningful relationships, it has opened my eyes to the power and potential of servant leadership and social entrepreneurship to effect positive social change. The impact Ashesi has made on me and the lessons I have learned here will not be soon forgotten. Thank you to everyone at Ashesi who has helped make my life in Ghana such a wonderful experience!