I KNOW YOU CAN WRITE AND PASS: How my mindset on stereotypes surrounding the NTC examination shifted

A few hours ago, on March 21st, Mrs. Brenda Asare, the district director of education, celebrated her 60th birthday and 40th year of service to the Ghana Education Service. I am tasked with writing an article in honour of her send-off party as the district education director in Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese. Mrs. Asare has had a profound impact on my life during my time of service as a national service personnel in the district education office.

From the first day I met her, Mrs. Asare's words of wisdom and encouragement resonated deeply with me. Her unwavering commitment to duty inspired me to stay dedicated to my work, even in challenging circumstances. I vividly remember how her words motivated me to report to work the day after I was bitten by a snake on April 2nd, 2023.

Her dedication to recognizing the best NSS personnel, a category often overlooked, spurred me to become the first to win the award in the district on October 5th, 2023. This recognition, under her leadership, inspired me to exceed my potential as a youth leader.

Her commitment to duty as a problem solver was evident in her efforts to renovate the neglected director's bungalow, a project that had been overlooked for many years. Her shared experiences during our Monday devotion hours consistently motivated me to fulfill my responsibilities as a leader.

In November, merely a week before my scheduled NTC examination, Mrs. Asare's words of encouragement motivated me to strive for excellence.

Mrs. Asare was instrumental in my success in the Ghana Teacher Licensure examination. I had missed the first and second NTC registrations due to discouragement and speculation about the exam's difficulty. Hearing stories of candidates attempting the exam multiple times made me doubt my abilities.

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A few weeks later, the third registration window for the exam opened unexpectedly. I felt it was a sign meant for me, even though I had less than two weeks until the deadline. It seemed like a golden opportunity, even though I felt unprepared. I didn’t want to wait. So I registered.

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I knew I had the potential to succeed in the examination, but my confidence was waning due to rumours that passing required endless preparation. Despite hearing from others that the NTC exam was extremely difficult, I decided to confide in Mrs. Asare about my determination to tackle this daunting challenge head-on. It was then that she understood the key weapon I needed to deal with this perception about NTC examination.

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I was unaware she would retire from office on her final words to me, and I may never sit with her in that office as the District Director of Education.

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Before uttering her final words, Mrs. Asare reached for her bag on the desk to her left, pulled out a personal NTC book, and generously offered, "This is my personal NTC book, which I use for NTC workshops. You can borrow it." Only after this gesture did she resume our conversation.

Not only did she offer me her personal NTC book used for examination workshops, but she also shared words of encouragement that helped shape my mindset for the upcoming examination. After sharing a few insights about the exam, Mrs. Asare remarked, "Israel, I know you can write and pass."

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Her final words to me, "Israel, I know you can write and pass," carry profound meaning and act as a reflection of the valuable life lessons she has imparted. Mrs. Asare's unwavering belief in my capabilities represents the encouragement and guidance she has extended to many, empowering them to face and conquer challenges and fears.

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Mrs. Asare's steadfast commitment and mentorship have not only influenced my professional development but have also imbued me with a lasting sense of purpose and dedication that will endure throughout my career.

As the Ghana Education Service and all of us bid farewell to the remarkable Mrs. Brenda Asare, we carry with us the invaluable lessons she imparted, the inspiration she sparked, and her unwavering belief in our potential. Her legacy will serve as a guiding light for future generations as we move forward on our collective journey.