Life often gives us the most valuable lessons, at the most unexpected times. For many, these lessons can overwhelm, some may even give up. But for those who persevere, challenges become opportunities for growth, shaping them into more confident and resilient individuals, often in ways they never imagined.
Esi’s turning point
Growing up in Tema, a city in Greater Accra, the capital of Ghana, Esinam “Esi” Adjaklo had a comfortable life. With loving parents who were both successful in their careers, she was encouraged to pursue her passion for fashion. She earned a degree in fashion design and interned with one of Ghana’s top fashion brands, Christie Brown. Life was on track.
Ultimately, a lack of opportunities in Ghana, particularly in the fashion industry, led Esi to make the bold decision to move to Canada. She wanted to continue her education, build a career in fashion, and support her family back home.
A new chapter in Canada
Moving to Canada was not easy. It felt like a completely different world. No longer able to rely on her family’s support, Esi had to navigate life on her own. She enrolled in the Business and Marketing (BDMS) program at Stenberg College, convinced this program would provide a strong foundation that would allow her to fulfill her dream of establishing a successful fashion house.
At her core, Esi cares for people and in addition to her studies, chose to work at Surrey Urban Mission (SUMS), supporting homeless individuals. The job not only provided financial support but also a deeper sense of purpose and, importantly, community. “Witnessing how other people struggle opened my eyes to the harsh realities people face, and made me realize the value of giving back.”
“Witnessing how other people struggle opened my eyes to the harsh realities people face, and made me realize the value of giving back.”
Hard work pays off
Esi’s hard work and dedication were recognized, and she was promoted to Shelter Shift Supervisor, where she continues to thrive. Paul Zigah, Director of Human Resources at SUMS, says: “Esinam has become familiar with the community, and the resources available, particularly around harm reduction, addiction, and mental health. She collaborates with her team excellently, has continuously proven to be reliable, honest, and exercises good judgement.”
Winning
Dealing with homesickness and loneliness while balancing school and work was very challenging for Esi. However, she remained dedicated to her studies and excelled in her classes. One of her instructors, Natalie Anderson, praises, “Having taught Esinam in six classes, I have come to know her as an ambitious, resourceful, intelligent, charismatic, collaborative, talented, inspiring, and passionate artist and entrepreneur, who also happens to possess the necessary administrative and marketing skills to spread and monetize her vision. Her insight and intellect elevated the level of her entire cohort, and through her contributions, she became a role model, inspiring other students to aim higher simply by example.”
“Esi is an unstoppable force. She is professional, bright, and most of all, kind and compassionate.” – Jonathan Aquino, Instructor
Another instructor, Johnathan Aquino, adds, “Esi is an unstoppable force. She is professional, bright, and most of all, kind and compassionate. She simply loves people. Every class was a testament to how nurturing she was. She was always looking for a way to help her peers. Esi understands the value of hard work and was relentless in her pursuit of understanding the concepts she encountered in my class.”
Like a dream come true
Esi’s fashion design portfolio amazed Stenberg College’s Marketing team who recognized her talent and invited her to collaborate to promote the program. Together, they launched an online store for her handcrafted bags, organized a professional photo and video shoot showcasing her designs with working models, and developed a website and promotional content. This project was testament to what a BDMS student could accomplish. Reflecting on the experience, Esi shared, “That’s the best thing I’ve done in Canada. My family still talks about it. It was like a dream come true.”
The marketing department was so impressed with Esi that they invited her to intern with them for six months. Throughout her internship, she accomplished so much in a short period of time. Beyond demonstrating creativity, strong collaboration skills, and a solid work ethic, Esi excelled as a digital marketer. The team has offered to hire her once her immigration status is finalized and a position becomes available.
“I’ve grown much more confident and resilient. I will never give up.”
Bright future ahead
Esi graduated with an outstanding grade point average of 93%. She is now completing the Stenberg College – BCIT pathway and working towards obtaining her Permanent Residency in Canada. She has never been more determined. “I’ve grown much more confident and resilient. I will never give up.” There is no stopping this unstoppable force.
