When Grace Sawadogo was in high school in Burkina Faso, a friend arrived one morning on a motorised bicycle. Grace was captivated by the simplicity and ingenuity of its design. “Why isn’t anyone making something like this in Burkina Faso?,” she asked herself. Determined to be part of the answer, she began researching what it would take to create such innovations herself. Her exploration led her to mechanical engineering, which she decided to pursue when it came time for university applications.

Grace was also intentional about where she would study. “I wanted to have an African experience,” she explains. “There are top schools all over the world, but I wanted to be in one that kept me close to my family, and where I could tackle issues directly affecting my community. Ashesi is the perfect place for me.”

Now on campus, Grace has found inspiration in Ashesi’s greenery and environment. “It allows you to reflect and feel more connected to nature,” she says. She is also excited about the opportunity to connect with the diversity of people on campus from across Africa and the world.

“I know that with time, I’ll find my people,” she says. “Even if they’re different from me, we’ll be able to discover common ground.”