Fauzeeya Jamal-Deen has become an internet sensation after winning three awards including the Best Student in Journalism at the 1st Congregation of the University of Media, Arts, and Communications.
Her feat however remarkable has not been without challenges. In fact, what makes her story stand out is the hurdles she’s had to overcome to get to achieve her dream of becoming a journalist.
When she couldn’t raise enough funds to cover her education at Calvin University in the USA, she dropped out and returned to Ghana to help her mother sell spices at Ashaiman.
In an exclusive interview with 3news.com, she shared her journey to success which is nothing short of hard work and perseverance. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What was growing up like?
Growing up was nothing different from what most children experience in Ghana. I grew up in a home that valued Islamic values and education. My parents were responsible people who worked hard to cater to the needs of their children no matter the situation. My dad was very strict with us (the children) especially me because I was the oldest. He preferred me to stay at home to read a book or learn. So, I didn’t have much of a social life. I had few friends and I was quiet and calm most of the time.
Can you take me through your educational journey?
I started my educational journey at Marbs Complex School in Tema Community One. For junior high school, I attended New Church School in Tema Community Five before proceeding to St. Rose’s Senior High School in Akwatia, Eastern Region. After completing SHS, I gained admission to study Land Economy at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in 2016. During my first year of studies, I was awarded a scholarship to study at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. Unfortunately, the scholarship did not cover all expenses, and after completing my first year at Calvin University, I was unable to pay for the upcoming semester’s program to progress to my second year. I went through all the processes and offices to try to secure extra funding but was told there wasn’t any money or that I didn’t qualify for the funds. As a result, I had to return home to Ghana. Although I was informed that I could return at any time to register for classes since I had a valid visa, I was unable to pay for the program at that time.”
What inspired you to pursue journalism as a career?
After being inspired by the way Bernard Avle of Citi FM seamlessly combined his background in economics with journalism, I applied to the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) in 2018 to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies with a focus on journalism. I admired the way Bernard discussed complex economic issues on his show and realized that, despite not being able to pursue economics as a major, I could still apply my interest in economics to my studies in journalism.
What challenges did you face during your time at the university, and how did you overcome them?
During my time at the University, I faced financial challenges. I couldn’t pay for my fees when I first entered university, which led Madam Vera Adu popularly known as Auntie Vera to pay my first-year fees before I received the MTN Bright Scholarship. When classes were migrated online during the COVID-19 pandemic, I faced technological challenges because I didn’t have a phone or laptop. This affected my grades for that semester because I couldn’t participate fully in school assignments. How I overcame them was by taking the decision to work or live within my means. I always try to figure out how to maximize whatever I have within my reach and not complain.
What role did your family and friends play in your success, and how did they support you through your journey?
My parents believed in me when I told them I wanted to continue my education after I returned from the USA and supported me even though they were not financially stable. They provided emotional support and advice whenever I needed it. I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for my friend. I met Michael Sa-Ambo at level 100 and he has been more than supportive in my journey. He helped me balance my academic life with my social life and personal development. Some of my friends like Deborah Dzifa Makafui and Stephanie Laryea among others were my rock in my latter days. When things got difficult because I was working and schooling, they held me through my final year through various group discussions.
How do you balance your academic and personal life, and what advice would you give to students struggling to maintain that balance?
I make time for everything. All I do is plan. I try to celebrate small wins and make sure that my personal life does not conflict with any academic life. My advice to struggling students is to plan. Know when to do what and at what time. Students should also find friends and form groups that can help them in both aspects of their lives. If your party friends cannot help you study, find study friends.
What are your plans for the future, and how do you think these awards will impact your career?
Looking forward to doing my master’s in development communication or related fields abroad. I want to use the knowledge I have acquired to work with the United Nations (UN) in SDG areas of interest so that I can help people around the world, especially young girls, to realize their potential.
How important do you think it is for universities to recognize and award outstanding students in the field of media and journalism?
I think it’s very important to recognize outstanding students because it motivates them to do better. I think universities should be more thoughtful in the awards they give to performing students to serve as an entry ticket to their career aspirations. I believe these awards are going to pave way for more opportunities for me to achieve my goals.
What advice would you give to students, especially female students who aspire to excel in journalism and media?
Journalism and media are platforms to break the gender biases and stereotypes women face. Hence my advice to young women is that they should not relent. It may seem difficult but they should know their worth and do the hard work. In the end, their works will speak for themselves.
By Deborah Dzifa Makafui