Vivian Akyirem is an undergraduate sophomore pursing her Marketing and Brand Management degree at Northeastern and a recipient of an Athletic Scholarship. Vivian is a football (soccer) player and a graduate of the Right to Dream Academy in Ghana which she joined at age 9. Her journey brought her from Ghana to the US and the Boston campus.
1. What has your experience been so far at Northeastern and the United States?
I like the scholarship because it gives me the opportunity to get access to good education and sports. Combining education with sports is tough and takes most of my time. Unfortunately, I have less time to explore the city and visit great places, but I will. I enjoy been in the football team and follows my parents advise that education is important, and it is a lifelong key to success that is it is important to have both.
2. How has Northeastern impacted you?
I grew up in Ghana in a rural area. Coming to the Unites States and studying at Northeastern has given me the opportunity to interact with new people and learn different cultures outside mine. All my teammates and friend groups are from different part of the world which is very nice.
3. Tell me more about your life in Ghana
I grew up in Kumasi and I am the youngest in a family of seven. I have three sisters and a brother. I joined the Right to Dream Academy at the age of nine through a scholarship and studied for five years. It gave me the opportunity to travel around to play soccer which I love.
4. Have you met with any challenges while studying at NU?
No academic challenges but I had an upsetting encounter during my freshman year. My team went to another State for a game and someone from the other team used the N word against me. Thankfully my team mates all came to my support, along with supervisors and staff. The situation was quickly resolved. Apart from that it has been a nice journey so far.
5. How has the scholarship supported you?
Without the scholarship I would not be at Northeastern today and afford this kind of education. It has given me access to a very good academic experience and in a great, supportive environment. It is a great experience and good opportunity to have. I am grateful for the scholarship; I am thankful and do not regret anything.
6. What are your plans for the future?
I want to engage in business in the future. That is why when I heard about D’Amore-McKim School of Business and co – op opportunities at Northeastern I was very interested in applying. Now I also have the opportunity to play my favorite sport.
7. How do you feel about your immersion to the US culture and environment?
I don’t feel immersed yet, as I was not born here. Sometimes I feel I am not safe here, but the opportunity is great and better than schooling in Africa, but I plan to go back to Africa and do things for my people. I have a project, I am trying to raise funds, like a give- back to my community. I plan to choose a school and supply them school and sports equipment. Especially the schools or parents that cannot afford it for their children or kids.
8. What are three personal trivia we should know about you?
Food? Certainly Banku and Okra soup and I love fufu. My favorite music is Wizkid and Burnaboy. Lastly, favorite place in Boston is the Seaport Area. I simply love the restaurants. I also love using the T!
9. What is your message to students from Africa applying to Northeastern?
Make sure you utilize your opportunities given to you well and in the right way.