College of Charleston Student on Quest to Build a Better Future

Sankofa: to go back to the past in order to build for the future
(derived from the Twi language spoken by the Akan people of Ghana)

As a child, Adwoa Addai would take things apart to see how they worked and then enjoy the challenge of putting them back together. While in high school in Takoradi, Ghana, she discovered her passion for computer science and cybersecurity.

“The U.S. is more technologically advanced than my home country,” she says. “I knew that if I wanted to pursue a career in computer science, I would need to study abroad.”

Her uncle, who is pursuing a degree in medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina, recommended the College of Charleston. He also encouraged her to apply for the Sankofa Scholarship, which aims to introduce African students to Charleston’s history and have these students share their heritage and culture.

Addai immediately applied and was interviewed in 2021, but the process to get her to the College took two years. During that time, she watched a lot of movies about college life in the United States.

In 2023, when Addai came to CofC as the inaugural Sankofa Scholar, she discovered that the movies failed to include the academic rigor of university life. With a full course load and as a member of the 1967 Legacy Program, she had little time for the type of fun shown on screen.

“I was elated to hear that Adwoa would be joining the Legacy Program and have relished every day that I have gotten to know her,” says Valerie Frazier ’91 (M.P.A. ’94), associate professor of English and director of the 1967 Legacy Program. “She is a shining light in our program and has contributed much in terms of our appreciation of the cultural connections between West Africa and the Carolinas.”

Addai enjoys the activities offered through the 1967 Legacy Program. She was pleasantly surprised by the sense of community and how easy it was to create friendships. Addai also appreciates all that Frazier does to create a rich and vibrant experience for the scholars.

“Dr. Frazier gives off a mom vibe,” says Addai. “She offers a plethora of opportunities and encourages me to take advantage of them. At the same time, she helps me plan my semester and manage my time. It really helps me take advantage of opportunities.”

When she graduates, Addai plans to return home and apply the concept of Sankofa. She hopes by sharing her passion for technology, she will encourage other Ghanaians to pursue the field and maybe come to the College of Charleston.