I grew up in southeastern Ghana, the middle child in a Christian family of five. Both of my parents were teachers, and I grew up living in many different towns and cities, mostly on school campuses. Also, I spent two years in Germany doing my M.Sc. work, more than four years in Quebec for my PhD research and some time in Vancouver and Pittsburgh for postdoctoral research. For me, Canada is home.
We think of forests, particularly trees, as boring and static, but there’s fascinating activity going on if we look closely! Vegetations transition from one kind to another very seamlessly, which is called ecological succession. In recent decades, data shows an increase in the frequency and intensity of disturbances such as fire, wind storms and insects. The question is, “How are vegetations responding?” I enjoy disturbance and restoration ecology.
There is something about hands-on learning that reduces memorization based on repetition, promotes better retention of content and improves the chances of building creativity. Redeemer has fairly small class sizes, and the silver lining in that is the potential to enhance intimate field and lab experiences. When I see students make connections between the lectures and field activities, I know their learning has depth!
It taught me that keeping God at the centre makes a significant difference.
I always wanted to be at the top of my class. This was difficult as an undergraduate in a large public university. Despite my best efforts, I finished my first year with a second-class grade. Then, I decided I was going to make more time for God. I became one of the student leaders of a Christian group on campus. To my amazement, my cumulative grade moved from second-class to first-class. It taught me that keeping God at the centre makes a significant difference.
In conversations with Christ, I thank him for his goodness and ask for wisdom in putting to work fully the gifts he’s given me. When I see Jesus face to face, frankly, I will be in awe. I will enjoy his presence.
In public universities, Christians have to regularly make the decision to stay Christian. Redeemer is a unique environment where staying Christian is the default. Young people can grow in their faith while they study, and that’s special! Understanding that wherever you go and whatever you are doing ought to be for God’s glory changes everything.