Growth, Grit, and Gratitude: Angela Odei Reflects on Her First Semester Journey
For Angela Odei, the first semester of her academic journey has been nothing short of transformative. It was a time marked by intense challenges, new beginnings, and meaningful connections that will stay with her for years to come.
“My first semester was truly an experience to remember,” Angela shares. “It came with its fair share of challenges and an overwhelming workload, but it was also filled with laughter, unforgettable memories, and moments I’ll cherish forever.”
One of her most significant hurdles was learning how to take control of her learning. As a first-year student, developing the discipline to manage deadlines, stay focused, and balance her time didn’t come easy. “It took time to find my rhythm,” she admits, “but week by week, I started building the skills I needed.”
As a Computer Science student, Angela was faced with a programming module—an intimidating challenge given her lack of prior coding experience
At first, I was completely overwhelmed,” she recalls. But everything changed when she joined MashWare24, an organization that provided her with invaluable support and training. With their help, she not only found her confidence but also achieved a remarkable 95% on her next test. “That was a huge moment for me,” she beams. “I’m proud of the progress I’ve made.
Another major adjustment for Angela was living away from her parents for the first time. Suddenly responsible for managing her own schedule and finances, she found herself navigating a steep learning curve. “There were definitely hard days,” she says, “but my mom’s constant support and guidance helped me take it one step at a time.”
Despite the pressure, Angela still found space for joy and adventure. One unforgettable moment was attending her first live soccer match—a clash between the Wits Soccer Team and the Pirates. “The energy, the crowd, the whole atmosphere was electric,” she recalls. “It was absolutely thrilling.”
Yet above all the achievements and experiences, Angela highlights the relationships she’s built as the most meaningful part of her first semester. “I’ve met some incredible people,” she says. “Friends who’ve not only made my social life more vibrant but who’ve stood by me and supported me academically. Those connections mean the world to me.”
Angela credits her ability to fully embrace this journey to the financial support she received. “None of this would have been possible without your help,” she says. “You’ve given me the chance to grow, to learn, and to start building a future I’m truly excited about. From the bottom of my heart—thank you.”