When my O-level results came out, I had performed dismally, making it impossible for me to go back to my alma mater for sixth form. I didn’t care too much at the time; I was off to Denmark for the adventure of a lifetime. Even though I wasn’t academically inclined, I had a natural flair for talking, and I naturally excelled in the American Field Service (AFS) year abroad programme interview. Upon my return from Europe, my parents sat me down and said, “Sika, we think you should be a teacher.” My heart missed several beats. “Teacher?” I was devastated; teaching had none of the glamorous qualities that I had often dreamt of. For days, I pondered what I was going to tell my friends who had continued on to the sixth form: that going to a teacher training college at that time meant I was a loser. This was my first “Stop. Strategize. Succeed.” moment, that moment when all my frantic indecisions and anxious thoughts came to a silent stop and I had to strategize by weighing my options and capabilities to succeed. Yes, I was going to be a teacher!My three years at the Aburi PresbyterianWomen’s Training College were a game changer. Till today, I thank my parents for that “Stop. Strategize. Succeed.” opportunity, whenmy parents laid bare my innate skills, coupled them with my career options, and set me on the path to success. Afterwards, I attended the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, where my family had relocated. There, I did a degree in Educational Psychology, Guidance, and Counseling because I loved studying and understanding human behaviour. I met one of my best friends, Vivian Oyakhilome, at this university. We are still best friends to this day. After this, I proceeded to do myMasters at the University of Leicester. In 1992, I married Dr. Frederick Gyebi Twum, who I met at the office of the then Great African Insurance Company. He was introduced to me by his sister, Florence. Our marriage lasted twentyseven years, and we are blessed with two daughters and a son, namely, Addobea Twum, Natalie Fort, and Ohene Twum. We also have a three-year-old grandson, Oheneba. I am the Founder and CEO of Self Search Ghana Limited, a human development solutions firm that provides services in coaching, corporate training, and career assessments. My company is known for excellence in the delivery of career services in schools. It was the sole organisation that received Ghana Education Service approval for six years running to provide career services in Senior High Schools in 10 regionsofGhana.Wesupported students tofind themselves and make informed educational and career-related decisions. 12
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