From Kitchen to Director: A Teacher’s Journey of Transformation and Inspiration

 

Mr. Abraham W. Z Amaning, a former Teaching Assistant (TA) at the University for Development Studies, recently shared a poignant and inspiring story of his 10-year journey within the tertiary education system. His Facebook post on September 3rd, 2024, detailed his remarkable growth from a humble TA to his current position as Director for Testing, Evaluation, and Quality Assurance at William V.S. Tubman University,Maryland Liberia.

His journey, as he describes it, has been a testament to hard work, resilience, and a deep-seated passion for education. He candidly recounts challenges he faced, including sleeping in the kitchen during his first term of senior high school and enduring a myocardial infarction (heart attack) during his second year. However, these difficulties only fueled his determination to succeed.

Mr. Amaning’s journey as an educator has been transformative. He finds profound fulfilment in shaping the minds of young Africans, recognizing the inherent potential within each student. Every year, he encounters individuals from diverse backgrounds, with varying worldviews, interests, and aspirations. One unifying factor, however, is the unwavering desire within them to “be better than they were yesterday,” to transcend their circumstances and become beacons of hope for others.

His experience has taught him the importance of humility and recognizing the inherent potential within every student. He likens himself to a well, receiving students “empty and raw” and nurturing their growth, helping them leave “full and refined.” His guiding principle, “Do not do things based on convenience but based on conviction,” reflects his dedication to his role as a teacher and his commitment to shaping the future of his students.

Mr. Amaning expresses heartfelt gratitude to a group of individuals who have supported and guided him throughout his career, including Mr. David Artey, Elizabeth Kwie, Eunice Amaning Zeon, Prof. Osman Kanton, Dr. Samuel Twumasi Amoah, Dr. Tony Tampah, Prof. Kenneth Peprah, Rev. Dr. Alfred Kpieta, Mr. Jeffrey Makain, Dr. Maria Fe Dumlao Gueta, Dr. Allison Felix Hughes, Thaddeaus Kumar, Christopher Flomo, and Joseph Swanson.

Mr. Amaning’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of education and the profound impact teachers have on the lives of their students. His journey is an inspiration to educators everywhere, highlighting the importance of perseverance, humility, and a deep-seated commitment to helping students reach their full potential.