MSA SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK

Once again this is the MSA SPOTLIGHT COMMITTEE in our bid to inspire students using members of our own association. This week we have a very wonderful lady. A lady whose name epitomizes academic excellence in the HB2 class. I’m very much humbled to introduce our spotlight for the week; the HB2 class vice president, Miss Fathia Karim.

S.C: Who is Fathia Karim?

Fathia: Ok Fathia is just a simple girl, turned 20 last month and I’m an only child of my parents. I went to Ave Maria Nursery School, St Martin Deporess for primary and JSS and Wesley Girls’ Senior High School and now I’m here.

S.C: So do you have any other middle name or it’s just Fathia Karim?

Fathia: I have quite a number given to me by my grand parents. I have Ayodele given to me by my dad, meaning “joy has come home.” And I have Omolara, given to me by my paternal grand mum, meaning “one of our own.” And my maternal grand mum gave me Tokpe, meaning “give thanks.” She also gave me Ajoke but I’ve forgotten what that one means.

SC: Are you Ghanaian?

Fathia: Oh I’m Ghanaian. Or you could say “Ghanaianised Nigerian.”

SC: “Ghanaianised Nigerian?” Can you further elaborate on that?

Fathia: Ok I was born in Ghana but my roots come from Nigeria. Because my Grandparents are all Nigerians. My mum was born here though but my dad was born in Nigeria and later came to Ghana.

SC: Then you are Nigerian.

Fathia: No I’m Ghanaian by place of birth.

S.C: But you can’t vote in any Ghanaian elections and it might even raise some kind of controversy when you stand for public office.

Fathia: Well I don’t plan to go into politics.

S.C: How do you feel being the only daughter?

Fathia: Growing up was quiet boring. I used to know every advert on T.V. I could recite them from beginning to end because most of the time I was by myself but my parents did their best to make me feel loved. I know they really love me and that makes me feel good. But sometimes I wonder how it would be like to have siblings when people are talking about their siblings, how they quarrel with them. I always wanted an elder brother. Because elder brothers protect you, pamper you, they take you under their wings. They ward off all the boys who are coming around. I think having an elder brother will be really nice. But God’s plan is always better than what we have for ourselves.

S.C: Ok so you’ve told us something about your family. And about Medical School, what really motivated you to study medicine?

Fathia: Well I don’t like to see people suffer. So it’s just one way to relieve their pain. Because when people are suffering it’s very hard to take. So that would be my own small way of helping people.

S.C: So how has your few years in SMS been like

Fathia: SMS is a very nice place to be in. Although it’s very stressful, it can be a lot of fun. It actually depends on the individual. What you decide to do with your time, how you balance it. You can decide to be bookish; you can decide not to be. I try to mix everything together. That’s being an academic person, a social person and a religious person. This makes me “ME.” I don’t spend all my time behind my books and as you can see I attend all MSA programs. Because I believe in having fun and I like having fun. I actually don’t even like learning. That’s what people don’t know about me.

SC: Oh really? And I’m supposed to believe that?

Fathia: (laughs) I learn because I have to. Not because I enjoy it.

SC: So can you tell us about of your academic achievements?

Fathia: Through out primary school and JSS, at every level by the grace of God, I’ve been second to none. Thinking about it I don’t see how I was able to do that but for the grace of God. Because there are so many people who learn way more than I do but at the end I come out us the best. It’s all about the grace of God. It has nothing to do with me personally.

SC: How was your academic life like in Wesley Girls?

Fathia: Actually in Wesley Girls, though I was the best in my class, there was this girl who used to get all the awards but I was one of the best in my batch.

SC: Have you ever struggled in your academics?

Fathia: I wouldn’t say struggle but I’ve had some few bumps in the road. But as I’ve said earlier it’s just by the grace of God. I actually grasp things faster and absorb them at a faster rate and also remember them for a longer time.

SC: So with these great academic laurels, have you received any recognition nationally?

Fathia: After the WASSCE I came out as the third best student.

SC: Were you surprised?

Fathia: Well I was actually praying for it. I wanted to be the best but I got the third best.

SC: Have you encountered any problems being a girl and having these academic achievements?

Fathia: Yes. I think I intimidate most boys. I can tell when they are talking to me. But they should know that there’s nothing so extraordinary about me. It’s just the grace of God.

S.C: You talked about being present at most MSA programmes and sometimes I wonder how you are able to combine that with your academic work.

Fathia: Well I make sure that the time I set out to study, I’m actually achieving my aim. I set targets for the time to finish some topics so that I can use the rest of the time to enjoy myself. Most of the time I feel guilty if don’t meet my targets and go off to have fun. So I make sure I reach my targets before I divert to do other things.

S.C: So how do you handle your “fame?” Yes fame because you are famous now.

Fathia: (Laughs) You always have to keep in mind that you couldn’t do it by yourself and it’s not as a result of your own strength so that you know it can be taken away at anytime because you don’t control your destiny.

S.C: So how did you feel when people came to you just for your autograph. If you remember, the Cabo Corso?

Fathia: At first I thought it was funny because I didn’t believe people would ask for my autograph. But then it makes you feel honored. It makes you feel you actually inspire people to do something with their lives. There’s always an opportunity to impact somebody’s life when they see what you’ve accomplished and want to be like you. It makes you feel honored and humbled.

S.C: Do you sometimes feel over-rated?

Fathia: Yes. Sometimes I wonder what they all see. Because to be honest I actually don’t see what I do. And I always wonder what people are saying because I mention my name and they go like “So you are the Fathia girl?” And I always wonder what I’ve really done for them to be talking about me.

S.C: Throughout your educational life have you come across anyone who gave a very tough opposition?

Fathia: Yes the girl I was talking about in Wesley Girls. She’s very good.

S.C: So no guy has ever given you a tough challenge?

Fathia: Of course, Frank. (laughs)

S.C: You sometimes feel intimidated by him?

Fathia: I wouldn’t say intimidated but he knows a lot. The boy really knows a lot.

S.C: Moving away from the academic aspect, ou are HB2 Class Vice-President. Did you ever think of holding a position?

Fathia: Coming to SMS, I didn’t even think about that. I had no idea of class reps or anything. But on the day that we were electing, my friends told me to go for it and I’ll really be good at it. I take every opportunity that comes my way and make the best use of it. So I decided to go for it and see how it goes and it’s been good. It’s been an experience, dealing with people from all walks of life, everybody’s character, oh HB2 such a lovely class. Anyway but there are so many characters you have to deal with. So then it has taught me patience, dealing with people and also helped me better my interpersonal skills with other people.

S.C: So does being the Class Vice-President come with any benefits?

Fathia: Yes. You get free handouts from Macaroni and access to the lecturers so you get close to them and you can actually ask them any questions you would like. So it gets you close to the lectures and that’s a good thing.

S.C: Would it end with HB2 as a class or you would want to vie for an MSA position?

Fathia: Well I’m still thinking about that. I’m looking at the pros and cons in doing that. I know I’ll be good at it but I also have to think about the other aspects of my life. My academic and social life, how it’s going to affect it. So I have to think thoroughly and make sure I’m making a right decision.

S.C: But there’s a possibility?

Fathia: Yes there’s a possibility.

S.C: Well, ok, time will tell. Let’s delve into your social life. Sometimes some of us wonder. Sowhich guy can muster the courage, walk up to Fathia and tell you “I want you to be my girlfriend.” Have you ever had someone walk up to you like that?

Fathia: (laughs) Well that was a very long time ago. That was after JSS. So I’m still waiting for that courageous person.

S.C: Is it that people don’t come pursuing you?

Fathia: (laughs) I wouldn’t say they don’t come but they don’t go straight to the point. They just try to cover it up with something else. But you always know what they want to ask.

S.C: So you are still waiting for your ideal man?

Fathia: Yes.

S.C: What will be your criteria for your ideal man?

Fathia: (laughs) God fearing, Muslim and my parents would really love a Yoruba. But I’m actually indifferent about that but because I’ an only child, I’ll like to please my parents. Taller than me and oh yes dimples. I love dimples. The person must be presentable. Not so dashingly handsome but presentable and I wouldn’t say intelligent and must be able to hold a conversation. Someone who wouldn’t have to go for a dictionary to find out the meaning of words. because I like using expressions.

S.C: Don’t you think that’s what intimidates the guys.

Fathia: I don’t think so. They are not very big words. For a university student they should be ok. The person should be well read. I think that’s it. I don’t have a tall list.

S.C: What about the age difference?

Fathia: I don’t have anything in mind but I think two to five years.

S.C: So you would never date someone in your class?

Fathia: I wouldn’t say never. But it’s not likely.

S.C: Why wouldn’t you want to?

Fathia: Because the person should at least be more accomplished.

S.C: So what happens to Regan-Moore?

Fathia: (laughs) I wonder why his name has been linked to mine. It’s very strange. When I saw it on the class page, I raised my eyebrows but Regan is just a friend and a study group member.

S.C: Ok I believe! You are just friends. Now let’s talk about your religion. How do you cope being a Muslim? Most of your friends are Christians and you are in a class with majority of the people being Christians. So how do you cope?

Fathia: Well since you are in Ghana, you should expect that because from primary school through JSS and SSS it’s been like that. But you just stick to your beliefs and try to please God. You don’t think about what other people think, you just focus on your goal and you please God. My daddy once told me that the whole thing is like a market place but then when you are going to God you don’t think about the other distractions on your left and on your right but you go straight to Him. Then you try to walk in His ways.

S.C: As a Muslim I sometimes see you involving yourself in Christian activities such as the Carols Service. Doesn’t it contradict with your believes?

Fathia: (laughs) Not necessarily as long as you don’t over step the boundaries. Because actually I was a chorister in JSS and my parents used to come for carols service to watch me sing and I also like to sing. Jesus Christ is in the Quran too,but as one of God’s prophets. So you make sure you don’t confuse that fact.

S.C: So would you call yourself a practicing Muslim? If yes, by what basis?

Fathia: Yes I would. By the five prayers daily, reading the Quran everyday and molding your life the Islamic way.

S.C: So why don’t you cover your hair?

Fathia: That’s how I was brought up. In my family setting, no one actually covers her hair until marriage. And my mummy actually doesn’t like it.

S.C: Do you have people who inspire you in life? People you look up to?

Fathia: Ok, my mum is one of my biggest inspirations because she’s always there for me; she’s someone I can rely on. And my dad is my biggest “championer” He believes in me so much and that’s what spurs me on. And he loves me so much. When I got the prize he was so moved that he started crying. He believes I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. So my parents are my greatest inspiration.

S.C: So apart from your parents you don’t have any other people who inspire you?

Fathia: Well I think Ben Carson is a very good inspiration. I was very moved after I heard his story. He’s a very good surgeon too and I’ve always wanted to be a surgeon.

S.C: Do you have other women who inspire you?

Fathia: My great auntie. She’s called Cecelia Oye. She’s like the mother of my extended family. She takes care of everyone, always giving advice and she supports so many people though she has one little shop. She’s such an amazing woman and I want to be like her.

S.C: What about your peers? Who inspires you?

Fathia: I have a few. Mavis Sakyi. I like the way she learns. I wish I could learn like that because it would make me a better student.

S.C: Do you have any special hobbies?

Fathia: I like reading Novels and I like watching movies. I also like listening to music. I learn with music so that I can learn for a longer time.

S.C: Are you picky in the kind of music you listen to and the books you read?

Fathia: Yes. I make sure it’s not profane. Not necessarily religious but I make sure it’s not profane. When it comes to books, I like mysteries and books by Sidney Sheldon especially. He’s a very good writer and I’ve read all his books. They are only eighteen. You should read this book; THE GIFT and also NOTHING LASTS FOR EVER. That was one of the books that inspired me to go into surgery. That’s basically my hobbies and yes I also like to sleep.

S.C: Now we are going to our SPECIAL SPOTTY SPY GLASS SEGMENT. We talk about amazing things, things that will intrigue people. We’ve talked about bags, ties, lip gloss, cosmetics and other stuffs. With you, we want to talk about your hair. I really like what you do to your hair. So what does your hair mean to you?

Fathia: My hair…..well it’s part of my body so I have to keep it looking good at all times. I just try to look my best with my hair. Actually I sometimes come out with my own styles. My former room mate once told me I’ll be a good hairdresser.

S.C: Do you have any special problem with braids or weaves?

Fathia: I don’t like hair all over my face so I like to keep my weaves short or hold them in a pony tail. I prefer braids to weaves because I’ve been braiding my hair since I was little and my mum prefers the braids because she said I look too old in weaves.

S.C: In 1812, the Grimm Brothers of Germany published a book of folk tales, including a story about Rapunzel. You realize Rapunzel won her man with her hair. So do you think you would win your dream man because of your hair?

Fathia: (laughs) Well I think I have better qualities than my hair. I don’t think that will be the main reason for winning someone over.

S.C: (laughs) Wow that’s a very quick and intelligent answer. Well Fathia I would really want to thank you on behalf on the MSA Spotlight Committee. I really enjoyed this interview and I believe this will really inspire members of MSA. So what are your final words for students of SMS.

Fathia: I would say they should keep on keeping on. And what my Biology Teacher once told me was to learn as if all depends on you and pray as if all depends on God and at the end they would reach their goals and come out as what they want to be. Be FOCUSED, PRAY and LEARN.

S.C: Again we would want to thank you very much for granting us this opportunity to interview you.

Fathia: Thank you too.