Ida’s Big Adventure: Discovering Self

You must understand that growing up is not simply about getting older; it is about becoming more yourself. It’s about stripping away the versions of you that were created to please others, to keep the peace, to stay safe. In the end, you are left with a self that is raw, but real – and that is where freedom begins. - Brianna Wiest

Growing Up in Quiet Confidence

Ida grew up in Accra, Ghana, surrounded by love and support. With protective parents, her childhood was safe and sheltered, perhaps a little too sheltered. She spent most of her time indoors on her computer and reading books. Life was comfortable in Ghana, although she often felt her world was too small for her dreams. Even after completing a bachelor’s in accounting, she longed for new experiences, new people, and a chance to grow beyond the boundaries she knew. That desire led her to make one of the biggest decisions of her life: leaving home for Canada to continue her education and, in many ways, to find herself.

When Curiosity Becomes Courage

For Ida, the decision to leave Ghana wasn’t only about pursuing education, it was also about pursuing growth. She wanted to meet people from different walks of life and challenge herself in ways Ghana hadn’t offered. She was attracted to Canada’s reputation as friendly, peaceful and diverse. “Canada felt calm and welcoming. I wanted to be in an environment where I could focus on growing, not just academically but personally”.

Uprooting her life and starting over, thousands of miles away, required courage that Ida wasn’t sure she had. She chose to take the leap anyway. “It wasn’t easy, but I knew I had to take that chance if I wanted to discover who I could truly become.” This marked the beginning of a transformation that was more than emotional and intellectual. It was a wholistic transformation.

From Back to Front Row

When Ida began the Business Diploma Program (BDMS) at Stenberg, she was comfortable sitting at the back of the class and remaining in the background. It was as if she didn’t have a voice. She showed up, did the work and remained unnoticed.

The BDMS program was a new experience for Ida. Its practical, hands-on approach encouraged students to collaborate, share ideas, and actively participate. She found herself working on real-life projects and being challenged on how to present her ideas in front of the class. Her instructors and fellow students inspired her. They listened, encouraged, and supported, especially with her public speaking. Others recognized qualities in her that she wasn’t aware of. She was more capable than she thought. Much more capable.

Lessons Outside the Classroom

Over time, Ida became confidently powerful, expressing her thoughts clearly and taking the lead when needed. Stenberg didn’t just give her a diploma, it gave her the tools to step out of her shell, fully formed.

Ida’s desire to grow, both personally and professionally, only increased after she finished the program. Her co-op at Ekay Rebar let her apply her skills through in-person sales and customer service, something she could never have imagined doing before. Her communication and people skills grew immensely.

Love and New Beginnings

As Ida’s professional life grew, so did her personal life. Shortly before moving to Canada, she reconnected with a longtime university friend, Stephen. Today, they are happily married, living in Canada, and entering a beautiful new chapter in their lives.

Marriage has given Ida a deeper sense of confidence and acceptance. Love does that. Her husband is her biggest supporter. “He always says that I’m coming out of my shell, doing things I wouldn’t have done before.”              

Stepping Stones to her Dreams

Ida’s accounting background, combined with her marketing skills, gives her the confidence and tools to not only think like an entrepreneur but to aspire to be one.

Ida dreams of owning a boutique that sells beauty products – makeup, hair, and skincare. She envisions a space that celebrates diversity and provides quality products for every skin tone and hair type.

The path ahead is clear, and Ida sees every challenge as a stepping stone toward her dreams.

Embracing The New Ida

As Ida sat in the chair during her interview, her confidence shone through. Her bright smile, steady voice and bold presence showed a woman who had discovered her own strength.

From the shy student in the back row to a poised graduate with ambitious dreams, Ida is ready.