by Frank Oppong
Every apprentice dreams of the day they can finally put their training to the test, when the skills they’ve worked so hard to perfect become second nature. That day when mastery is no longer just an aspiration, but a reality, when your every move is sharp, precise, and transformative. It’s the moment when a simple gesture, a single stroke or touch, has the power to alter everything. This is the dream shared by every student, including myself.
But before I speak for everyone, let me share a personal reflection. I want to take you down memory lane, back to that moment when school seemed like an endless grind, and all you longed for was graduation. Can you recall the days when the weight of assignments, exams, and never-ending projects seemed unbearable? And how every national holiday or break eg,Thanksgiving, Spring Break, felt like the perfect escape from books? We’ve all been there, wishing for the finish line so we could finally step into the workforce.
Yet, as intense as that desire to be done may be, it’s the journey through school that truly shapes who we are and who we’ll become. We will eventually graduate, but for now, the focus should be on acquiring the skills and experiences that will make us exceptional in our future fields. These are the skills that will not only make us valuable in the workplace but will also equip us for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
School provides the formal training that lays the foundation for our careers, but graduate school takes it a step further. In graduate school, you’re not just learning; you’re learning to think critically, to ask questions, and, most importantly, to choose your path. One key difference I noticed when I moved from Ghana to the US was the process of choosing an advisor.
Back in Ghana, students are assigned to faculty members who will supervise their work, and you don't have much say in the matter. But in the US, the choice is in your hands. From the beginning as an applicant, I was required to research the backgrounds, research interests, and previous work of faculty members to find someone whose expertise aligned with my goals. This process seemed daunting at first, but it was also empowering. It wasn’t just about being assigned a mentor, but it was about choosing who would help shape my future, guiding me through the intricacies of research, collaboration, and professional development. As a popular adage goes, "Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it." This experience transformed my understanding of mentorship. It's not just about receiving advice, but it is about building a relationship with someone who pushes you to excel, who challenges you to think outside the box, and who provides you with the tools to master your field. Advisors don’t merely guide their students, they engage with them as collaborators, helping them grow into independent, confident professionals.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the US educational system is the emphasis on collaboration, not just between faculty and students, but also between students themselves. In my time here, I’ve come to see collaboration as something that extends far beyond the classroom. It’s about creating a network of support where ideas are shared freely, feedback is constructive, and growth happens collectively.
A professor once shared with me, "Your colleagues are your best reviewers. They’re always accessible, their feedback is genuine, and they’re not afraid to be candid." This simple piece of advice has stuck with me. Therefore, "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together." We often think of mentorship as a one-way relationship, but in reality, it’s reciprocal. The connections we make with our peers, whether in class or through conferences, become invaluable sources of knowledge, support, and inspiration. The beauty of studying abroad, and particularly in the US, is that these networks expand beyond the campus. Social and professional networks intertwine, opening doors to opportunities I never imagined. I’ve given consultations to colleagues, and in return, I’ve gained knowledge and insights that have shaped my own research and professional outlook.
The experiences I’ve had, whether presenting at regional conferences like the Midwestern Educational Research Association or participating in the American Educational Research Association, have shaped my views on mentorship and collaboration. These conferences weren’t just platforms to showcase research; they were opportunities to gain feedback, network with professionals in the field, and gain insights that will drive my future work.
And what I’ve learned is clear: the ability to collaborate is one of the most important skills we can develop in school. Being able to work with others, to engage in constructive dialogue, to learn from their experiences and share your own, is what transforms you from a student into a professional. As I step into the future, whether it’s through launching my own projects, joining organizations, or creating innovations, these skills of collaboration, mentorship, and teamwork will be instrumental in shaping my success.
Time in graduate school comes so quick. But as we prepare to leave school behind and enter the world, we must remember that it’s not just the knowledge we’ve gained, but the relationships we’ve built, the skills we’ve developed, and the collaborative spirit we’ve cultivated that will carry us forward. As the saying goes "A single bracelet does not jingle." In the workplace, we’ll face challenges, yes, but we’ll also have the tools to tackle them head-on. These key skills, critical thinking, collaboration, mentorship, and teamwork will be the very foundation upon which we build our careers.
The world outside of school may be full of uncertainties, but one thing is for sure: the experiences and lessons we’ve gained will guide us through every challenge, and our ability to collaborate and innovate will be the driving force behind the exceptional work we do.
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