Bright tsagli
Bright was born in Ghana, where he spent his formative years navigating the traditional education system. In high school, he studied General Science alongside core courses, preparing for a future he hoped would be filled with opportunities. However, he soon realized that Ghana's education system, with its rigid structure, did not foster critical thinking or personal growth. It was a system where success often depended on connections, financial leverage, or being part of the elite.
Determined to break free from these constraints, Bright set his sights on Germany. He applied to several universities, aiming to study electrical engineering and computer science. Bright embarked on his academic journey on a student visa with high hopes. However, the transition was challenging. Despite his strong background in science, the new educational environment was demanding. The grading system, which heavily favored native German students, didn't reflect his progress, and he faced the harsh realities of racism. Bright's journey took an unexpected turn when he decided to focus on playing semi-professional soccer in Germany. The sport provided a temporary escape from academic pressures. However, a series of injuries dashed his soccer dreams, forcing him to reconsider his path. The setbacks only fueled his determination to seek new opportunities, leading him to a life-altering decision.
Bright moved to New York City, USA, for a fresh start. He began visiting various universities and colleges, seeking inspiration from his friends' paths. He eventually chose Bronx Community College (BCC) because a close friend from high school in Ghana had also attended and Bright also had a relative, he could stay with while studying. Bright faced significant financial hurdles as an international student with limited funds. Nevertheless, he immersed himself in the BCC community, initially planning to stay for only two semesters before transferring. His counselor, who played a crucial role in his academic journey, advised him to complete an associate degree. The degree will provide a safety net in case his plans didn't unfold as expected.
Bright's time at BCC was genuinely transformative. He earned his associate degree in Engineering, while actively participating in student government, math & science club, Phi Theta Kappa, and a tutor for math, chemistry, and physics. These extracurricular activities broadened his academic perspective and introduced him to new opportunities, such as the Kaplan Educational Foundation Program Home | Kaplan Education Foundation (kaplanedfoundation.org) and the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Our Scholarships - Jack Kent Cooke Foundation (jkcf.org).
The Kaplan Educational Foundation (KEF) played a pivotal role in Bright's development. Through the program, he honed his leadership skills and found his voice. They guided him in asking the more significant questions, such as "What's the impact you want to have?" KEF exposed Bright to various institutions, encouraging campus visits to ensure a good fit. They taught him to write compelling essay prompts, incorporating details from his campus visits and supplemental information from the schools' websites.
Financial constraints continued to be challenging for Bright. It took him three attempts (three years) until he eventually became a finalist and winner of the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship. With the help of Kaplan and Jack Kent Cooke, Bright was accepted and enrolled at Brown University on a full scholarship at no cost to him. This invaluable support allowed Bright to focus on his studies and personal growth. Bright emphasizes that hearing each of the scholar’s stories touched a core, whether it is a Kaplan Scholar or a Cooke Scholar.
Bright's journey from Ghana to Germany and finally to the United States is a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite numerous challenges, he navigated the complexities of different education systems, cultural barriers, and financial constraints to carve out a path for himself. His story inspires others facing similar struggles, highlighting the importance of perseverance, self-advocacy, and the power of education to transform his life and the lives of others.
