Reclaiming My Narrative: From Ghana to the UK, Defining My Own Path

Identity

As a Ghanaian-born but UK-raised individual, my journey has been one of navigating not only multiple identities but also a world that often felt closed off to people like me. Growing up in a working-class family in Hackney with strong cultural ties to Ghana, I was aware that the doors of opportunity didn’t always swing open for individuals from my background. Yet, I was determined to create my own path, and "reclaiming my narrative" has become central to how I’ve seen my story so far.

Social mobility

Social mobility has played a critical role in my life, particularly in shaping my journey through higher education and into the working world. As a child, I didn’t have the family connections or networks that many of my peers had. A smooth access to internships, career advice, or even an understanding of how to navigate the professional world seemed distant. In such times, social mobility initiatives aimed at widening access to higher education and work experience opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds, opened doors that I previously believed were closed. Through these initiatives, I was offered guidance on applying for university, I gained access to mentorship, and work experience opportunities that were instrumental in shaping my current career.

Coming from a background without influential connections, the idea of gaining relevant work experience felt out of reach. But such experiences with these social mobility initiatives were major turning points in my understanding of what was possible. It made me realise, that irrespective of my background, my potential did not need to be limited.

These experiences helped to lay the foundation for where I am today. Each step, from gaining work experience to earning my degree, strengthened my desire to take ownership of my narrative. Instead of feeling like an outsider, I began to see myself as someone capable of contributing to and thriving in any space I entered. The initiatives I participated in weren’t just about giving me the tools to succeed—they also helped me build confidence and a sense of belonging in the spaces that once felt foreign.

Reclaiming my narrative

Today, I am proud of the journey I’ve taken and the person I’ve become. My career so far has been shaped by the values of hard work, resilience, and the importance of community. Reclaiming my narrative has meant acknowledging the challenges I’ve faced while also celebrating the opportunities I’ve seized. My story is not one of overnight success, but one of determination and the power of initiatives that level the playing field for those of us who don’t come from traditional backgrounds of privilege. I’ve come to understand that my Ghanaian heritage, my British upbringing, and my journey through social mobility are all integral parts of who I am, and each one has contributed to the narrative I continue to reclaim.