An Open Letter to Fred Swaniker: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Gratitude
Solace Soké Mensah
![Solace Soké Mensah]()
Solace Soké Mensah
|| Executive Assistant || Health Tech StartUp Founder || Mental Health Advocate || Research || Entrepreneurship || ALX Alumni
A leader whose work extends beyond entrepreneurship and education. Your vision and insights, especially around the responsible use of Al and the importance of prioritizing our goals, has deeply influenced my path. Inspired by your approach to leadership and life, I felt compelled to share my journey and the lessons l have learned in the form of an open letter. This letter is not just an expression of gratitude but also a reflection on how we, as individuals, can harness our experiences and passions to drive meaningful change. I hope it resonates with others who are navigating their own journeys of self-discovery and purpose.
The first time I heard the name FRED SWANIKER was about 9 weeks ago, my first week in the VA program at the karibu ceremony. I didn’t learn much about you except that you are the founder of ALX.
As I progressed through the milestones, I was tasked with creating a LinkedIn account. Naturally, I decided to follow the man who provided me with this incredible opportunity. That’s when I came across an article you wrote about the impact of AI on climate change. It opened my eyes to the immense energy and water resources required to train AI systems, something I had never considered before, it made me realize the broader implications of the technology we often take for granted. This article marked the beginning of my deeper interest in your work and ideas.
I also started following you on Instagram, where I got a glimpse into your day-to-day life. I was amazed at how you manage to balance being a serial entrepreneur with having a life outside work. In one week, I saw you travel through three countries, attend your sister’s birthday, and still make it to the ALX Career Event. Yes, I know all this because I consciously follow your journey. In order for me to make real change in this world, I need to learn a few things from people like you who already have.
At the ALX Career Event, you discussed how you prioritize your many commitments by asking three essential questions: "Is it big enough?", "How passionate am I?", and "Am I uniquely qualified for this?". These questions have significantly impacted how I navigate my own life and helped me identify my true passion: mental health.
Is It Big Enough?
Yes, my dream is big enough. I believe that being in the right headspace can open one’s mind to endless possibilities. Mental health is a global issue, especially in this part of the world. Approximately 1 in 8 people suffer from mental disorders, with depression and anxiety being the most common. According to the WHO, 15% of Africans are affected by mental health disorders, although this figure is likely underestimated due to underreporting and a lack of reliable data. This is a challenge I am committed to addressing.
How Passionate Am I?
I am deeply passionate about mental health, a passion that predates my degree in psychology. My desire is to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and to foster a culture of empathy and understanding. I want to advocate for better resources, support systems, and education to ensure that mental health is recognized as a crucial component of overall well-being. The treatment gap for mental health disorders in Africa is as high as 85%, meaning the vast majority of people with mental health issues do not receive adequate care and I am determined to help close that gap.
Am I Uniquely Qualified for This?
Having struggled with mental illness for much of my life, I understand first hand how it can affect relationships, education, careers, and daily life. My journey has given me personal insights that I am now using to help others on similar paths. I aim to promote mental health awareness in every space I inhabit, ensuring that no one else feels alone in their struggle. My experiences have uniquely qualified me to be a voice for change.
These questions have not only helped me prioritize my passions but have also guided me towards a clear path for my future. I am eager to leverage technology, especially AI, to make mental health care more accessible and affordable through telemedicine and other innovations.
I can not believe that a moment that started with just learning a new skill out of boredom has brought me on a life changing journey, not only did I acquire skills that would skyrocket my career, I have built beautiful connections along the way, with amazing people like Phoebe Quist Doreen Foli and Elizabeth Arku Manny Quansah Adedamola Lawal Rebecca Yekple who embody the spirit of #DOHARDTHINGS, they inspire me daily.
A Heartfelt Thank You
I want to express my deepest gratitude to you, Fred Swaniker, for creating ALX and for being an inspiring leader. I would also like to thank the incredible team at ALX GHANA ,Ama Sackey Alvin Cudjoe Ruth Cudjoe , Benny, Adams, Caleb, Godfred Hammond Kwame Ofori Amoah Bediako and everyone else who has made this journey possible.
As I continue on this path, I hope to make a meaningful impact in the field of mental health, guided by the lessons I've learned from you and the ALX community. Thank you for the inspiration, the opportunity, and for showing us all that it's possible to do hard things.
Thank you once again for everything.
Best regards,
Solace Soké Akosua Mensah
Solace, this article is amazing ??
Counselor & Mentor || Accounting & Finance Professional II Economist II Purpose Driven Life Ambassador II
4 个月Solace Soké Akosua Mensah Congratulations ?? ALX GHANA alx_africa kudos ??
Youth & Females Inspirer Sustainable Agriculture Enthusiast || Article Author||Virtual Adminstrative Assistant || The Lady in Agriculture ||Language Interpreter for International Researchers || Love to explore new roles
6 个月Proud of you
| Medical Laboratory Scientist, GARH | Researcher | Virtual Assistant | Safety Officer | Public Health Officer | Technology Enthusiast |
6 个月Inspiring!
--
6 个月Very thoughtful to share. It’s inspiring