Mercy Koukoyi, a graduate student of WIUC reveals how she conquered her troubles

Mercy Maku Mawusi – Koukoyi is my name. I come from Mastekope, a little village in Big Ada, in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. I am married and have two boys.

I currently work with Compassion International Ghana as a Training Specialist, a position I have held since 2011.

Which postgraduate programme did you specialise in and why?

I enrolled at Wisconsin International University College in September 2014 to study Adult Education, with a specialization in Community Development. I graduated in November, 2015. I choose the programme because my organization is into developing children and communities in some of the poorest parts of Ghana. We partner local churches to deliver holistic child development to deprived and needy beneficiaries.

I have been involved in all these community mobilisation and sensitisation schemes for more than six years now. Thus, my studies in community development at Wisconsin International University College will empower me to better deliver capacity building and open new frontiers for me.

Before my postgraduate programme, I held BA in Business Management Studies ( Second Class Upper Honours) from the University of Cape Coast in 2002. Apart from this, I have certificates in short courses such as Child Right, and other in-service trainings.

What challenges or difficulties did you face in life from achieving your goals?

The first challenge I faced on my road to attaining a postgraduate qualification was family-related. I have young children, whom I support every evening to do their homework, read stories and even play with them before they go to bed. Enrolling for the studies, meant that both the kids and I need to readjust our lives to make room for the new challenges.

Another challenge was my work. As you are aware it takes focused and an organized person to keep a fine balance between working and studying. Due to my zeal for child development I was bent on accomplishing all out my goals and deliverables, without compromising on my studies. Sometimes, it became difficult to balance the two, but proper time management and planning made the difference.

Strategy

My strategy was to develop a strong will, be self-disciplined and to just begin the course in spite of the hurdles. I further acquired a recording gadget that enabled me to get the recorded version of all lectures even when I missed classes.

I engaged in negotiating and brokering deals with my husband and kids in order to win their support, as my failure or success on the course largely depended on their buy in.

Everybody needs encouragement, irrespective of position, age and status in life. The encouragement of all around me was a motivator.

What motivated you to embark on your postgraduate studies?

My immediate family and colleagues at the office, especially my supervisor never relented in spurring me on to endure the stress, because they all had to go through it one time or the other. A congenial working environment opens opportunities. Compassion International Ghana was generous in giving days off to revise and write examinations and even with financial support. With such supports, It was incumbent on me to prove worthy of those supports.

I was motivated to pursue the course because even though I earned a lot of admiration from my training participants, I still felt something was missing. I needed to equip myself with the professional way of planning and delivering training. Wisconsin University offered me the opportunity.

During my period of study in Wisconsin University, I grasped the theory and psychology of adult learning and the step by step process of programme management.

Can you recount your experience and why you would encourage others to study at WIUC?

Our lecturers promoted a culture of ‘figure it out for yourself’, and though this approach was very demanding and time consuming, it was intellectually stimulating and motivated us to read more;, a practice which was very rewarding.

I was most thrilled by the common platforms which existed for students and lecturers. These platforms permitted students to assess any lecturer at any time to clarify issues and engage in intellectual debates.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

In five years from now, I foresee myself lecturing part-time at Wisconsin International University Collage and pursuing a PhD from the University of Ghana, Legon.

For more information about postgraduate studies at Wisconsin International University College, visit www.wiuc-ghana.edu.gh/postgraduate-programmes

Mercy Koukoyi, a graduate student of WIUC reveals how she conquered her troubles

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