I write to you today to encourage you not to allow anyone make less of your dreams and your thirst for knowledge. While your academic journey may be daunting, always remember that it also offers unparalleled opportunities for intellectual growth and personal development.
I write to you today to affirm the value of this journey, not in terms of financial gain, but as an endeavor that enriches your life and the fabric of our society.
In a world that frequently measures success in immediate financial returns, your academic journey may appear to many as an extravagant or at worse, a useless pursuit. You will often hear people say “we are making money, and you are here talking certificates” or sometimes “the world’s richest people have no or little education so leave us alone with your noise about school.” What they refuse to add or recognize is that, the children of these so called rich men are offered education to the highest levels as far as they can go in the most prestigious institutions. If education has no value as they make you feel, why will these same “uneducated” rich men put their kids to school?
Well, I came to inform you that the essence of your advanced degree transcends monetary value, rather, it is about pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and cultivating a deep expertise that FEW can claim. This journey molds you not just into a specialist in your field, but a thinker who remains a walking question mark asking the critical uncomfortable questions, igniting debate, and opening conversations that can contribute to the world in ways that extend far beyond the conventional.
Remember that the world has gotten to where it is now largely because of research. The solid foundation on which today’s developed countries rest is RESEARCH. Pursuing a higher degree is a unique adventure, and you must be proud of it. Currently there is just about a little over one percent of the entire world’s population with a PhD. Be proud of having one or aspiring to get one.
And for each one of these the journey was not just a quest for knowledge, but for the profound satisfaction that comes from discovery and innovation. These individuals contribute to a vast landscape of research that impacts every aspect of our society from health and technology to our understanding of culture and history.
When they discourage you and make you feel stupid for embarking on this journey, take a brief pause and look at the broader perspective. An advanced degree is an investment in living a fulfilling life, defined by continuous learning and the pursuit of one’s passions. It’s about cultivating resilience and the ability to think critically and creatively about complex problems.
What sets your education apart is not just the qualification and the title it brings but the journey itself. It is a testament of your commitment to a cause, an idea, or a question that you believe warrants deeper exploration.
To those who have chosen this path, remember that your pursuit is not just about contributing to your field, but also about growing as individuals and leaders who inspire change and innovation. The world needs your curiosity, your questions, and your discoveries.
Prof. Kojo Dei
I urge you to remain steadfast in your commitment to this noble pursuit unshaken by all the naysayers. Yes, this journey is indeed challenging, but it is also immensely rewarding. You are not merely acquiring knowledge; you are also forging the tools to make a meaningful impact. Embrace the journey, for it is one that promises to be one of the most enriching experiences of your life.
You may not be rich enough to buy a jumbo jet, an estate, or own a yacht or ride in the most luxurious of cars. But I bet you, you will also never be poor and when you work hard, you will not run to the newsmen, they will come to you.
