: In The Competition

: Sat, Jun 8th 1985

: Single

: Primary : St. Anthony’s Primary, Kwegyir Aggrey Memorial School

: Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Sociology)

: T. A., Psychology Dept, UG.

: . reading, playing scrabble, been with friends, dancing

Quote

"I MUST FINISH MY RACE". This statement really moves me; it’s a sort of an engine that powers me to do the things I do. For everything that I touch, I have told myself that I must finish it. For my life ambitions, and my purpose on earth and the race God has sent me to run, I must finish. After all, what is the purpose of beginning if you cannot complete. Even the good book says it is only It's those who finish the race that will receive the crown.

You can always chat with me on my chatline: 027 8682405

About Me

I am Sandra Sarfowaa Barimah, born on 8th June, 1985 at Mampong-Ashanti to Mr. Yaw Barimah, a driver and Ms Mercy Duku, a Banker at Ghana Commercial
Bank.

I had my nursery education at Perseverance Pre-school in Efiduase, Ashanti Region. My family later moved to Kwashieman, Accra where I continued my basic education at St. Anthony’s Primary School, South Odorkor.

With six other siblings (Ernest, Caroline, Tracy, Yaw, Pamela and Elvis) and my father away, coupled with exorbitant school fees and feeding, life was quite difficult for the family. As a result, we had to wake up 4:30am every morning so we could leave the house early enough to walk to Odorkor.

At St. Anthony’s, you dare not be late for Mr. Gogo’s canes could keep you sniffing and drying your eyes till closing hours. I completed my basic education at Kwegyir Aggrey Memorial School at Mallam. During this time, we sold iced water in the stone quarry beside McCarthy Hill where rubbish was dumped. By the grace of God, we were able to eke out a living that supported our education.

My greatest fear then was that there would be no money to further my education to Senior High School when the time came. For the University, it seemed too far above me to even dream about.

I loved school but considering our status at the time, I was afraid what had happened to people I knew will befall me; dropping out. I had heard so much about brilliant students who had to abandon their dreams for lack of funds.

I found myself at St. Roses’ Senior High School, Akwatia. St. Roses was initiation into a very rigorous academic programme, marked by convent-like discipline. My funniest memories are of the oversized school uniform and sandals I had to wear because I was so tiny; I could never get my size.

In August, 2004, I entered the University of Ghana, Legon. This was a dream come true, not because I thought I couldn’t make it, but because I thought the resources wouldn’t be available even if I passed. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to experience higher education.

Aside academics, I was in the Communication Arts Department (C.A.D) of the Campus Christian Family, a non-denominational fellowship of Christians. C.A.D consisted of ebullient young men and women dedicated to proclaiming the word of God through drama, poetry recital and choreography.

I progressed to become the director in my final year. Oh what fun and joy we had in doing God’s work. I finished with a combined major of Psychology and Sociology. My life ambition is to be a Psychologist, not one who blindly follows the therapies of western education, but a psychology of Africa; one that takes into cognisance, the world view and social values of Africans.

Currently, I’m a Teaching Assistant at the Psychology Department, University of Ghana. I simply love the opportunity of impacting knowledge and helping others understand what I’ve learnt.
I promised myself when I was younger that if ever there was enough funding, I would go as high as anyone could in education.

I would never say enough and let laziness steal my dream. Reading, playing scrabble, being with friends, having a good time as well as making others happy are my hobbies. Vote Sandra as the next winner of challenge by texting Sandra to short code 1750. Thank you very much.

Why people should vote to keep me in the house :

I am hardworking and really down to earth. If you want someone who is highly motivated and really up for the challenge, who will appreciate your votes by putting in her all and ultimately been of immense help to our dear motherland, then, Sandra is your choice.

Why i decided to take part in the challenge :

The challenge provides a platform which is essential in reaching my goals. The challenge is offering me the chance to compete with others equally competent for the opportunity for post- graduate studies so I can be a better asset to my country. Again, I wanted to put myself through the mill, through the rigorous self discipline that would be essential in winning the price. Now lets all face it, the sponsorship package is pretty good too so why not?

Other Information

I consider myself a singer when no one is listening. My singing abilities are for my ears only. In fact my friends would sue me for damage to their ears if I sang for a living