-UL School of Pharmacy Dux Reflects on Her Academic Journey
By Jerromie S. Walters
The journey of women achieving significant academic accomplishments in a male-dominated society, particularly in Liberia, is not an easy one. Historically, women in Liberia, as in many parts of the world, have faced systemic barriers that have limited their access to education and opportunities.
However, in recent decades, there has been a notable shift as women increasingly break through these barriers, and have achieved remarkable academic feats that challenge traditional gender roles. Undoubtedly, this is the situation of Ms. Sandra Angel Nagbe who’s at the center stage of busyness, and excitement as she visits Monrovia in search of splendid hair, and a unique piece of some of the most exquisite dresses in town, while she prepares to make fond memories comes September 20, 2024. This unique preparation is in observance of her exit from the School of Pharmacy of the University of Liberia (UL).
This exit from years of tedious studies isn’t like the usual ones, as the barrier breaker who possesses the nomenclature; Sandra Angel Nagbe will depart the walls of the School of Pharmacy of the University of Liberia (UL) as the Dux, just after bagging over five prestigious academic certificates last week.
However, achieving all of these wasn’t as sweet as reading through my previous paragraphs for Ms. Nagbe. She acknowledges this as she took us on the journey of her academic endeavor from the genesis to this year. She reflects on her challenging journey. “I’m Sandra Angel Nagbe. I was born and raised in Monrovia. I graduated from Don Bosco Technical High School at age 16, and after graduation, sadly my dad got sick, so I found it a little bit difficult to start school,” she shares. Tragically, she lost her father to illness thereafter.
Her struggles didn’t end there. “I have been there. I had moments when I never had food to eat. Many days I ate dry garri with salt and drank water to be able to study. Some days I never had transport; I had to ask my friends on campus for help. I went to school with no money to eat, and my friends would carry me to eat,” she recalls. Sandra emphasizes the importance of having a supportive circle: “Another thing I want to say is, have good friends. Have your circle that will help you.”
Initially, Ms. Nagbe believed the journey through Pharmacy School would be straightforward, having heard from others that it was easy. However, her first week proved overwhelming. “I felt suffocated. I even told myself that I couldn’t make it because the school was extremely hard. But then I found my friends. We were eight, and they were my backbone. We studied together, faced our lowest moments together, cried together, and did everything together. With God and them, I was able to reach this far. Having a personal relationship with God is important, and having a support system is also crucial.”
The Birth of Higher Education:
Ms. Sandra Angel Nagbe’s academic journey was not without its setbacks. “I took the UL entrance twice and failed both times. Later, I took the UMU entrance and passed. Luckily, when I went to take the entrance at UMU, I met a guy who worked there. He told me that I didn’t need to pay my school fees directly; I would be on his wall and give him the money. That was a life-saving opportunity,” she explains.
While attending UMU, Sandra also participated in the Miss YMCA pageant, which led to a job that helped fund her education. “They used to pay me LRD 75, and from that amount, I would save and pay off my tuition for each semester at UMU. Life was hard, but I graduated with a BSc in Chemistry with Cum Laude honors.”
After graduation, Ms. Nagbe faced another challenge when she failed the medical school entrance exam. However, she persevered and passed the Pharmacy School test. “While I was at Pharmacy School, I also attended Cuttington University, where I graduated with a Master’s degree in Healthcare Policy and Management. Now, I’m about to graduate from Pharmacy School at the top of my class on September 20th,” she beams. “Currently, I’m a lecturer at the United Methodist University (UMU) in the Master’s program, teaching Public Health.”
A Divine Calling:
Reflecting on her chosen profession, Ms. Nagbe declares, “This profession was handpicked by God for me. All through my journey, I actually wanted to become a teacher or a neurosurgeon. Liberia is still new to the Pharmacy profession, and I never knew it existed until I took the Pharmacy School test. After failing the medical school entrance, a kind gentleman suggested I consider Pharmacy School. Before taking the test, I prayed and asked God to help me if this was the right path. When I took the entrance, my name came first on the list. I wasn’t satisfied, so I prayed again at the end of my first semester, asking God to let me be at the top. From that moment until graduation, I was always at the top of my class.”
What the Achievement Means:
As she prepares for graduation, Ms. Nagbe grapples with a mix of emotions. “Personally, I don’t know how to put my feelings into words. I feel excited and like I have reached a great milestone in my life. However, I also feel a bit of pressure, knowing I have a huge responsibility to live up to.”
Howbeit, she encourages other young women: “You need to be focused and have courage. Don’t be afraid, because once you start to fear, you won’t trust yourself, and you’ll feel like a failure. Just be strong,” she advises young women.
Reflecting on her experiences in a male-dominated environment, she recalls, “I remember when I entered the class for the first time, a guy said, ‘It’s only this girl in the class; we will really kill her oo.’ I just smiled. When we took the first test, I scored 90 percent, and he got 50. I told him that one thing I don’t like is a challenge. So, women and girls just need to be focused. Don’t let anything bring you down.”
Ms. Nagbe emphasizes the essence of female solidarity: “We need to be there for each other. Instead of looking down on another woman, we should uplift each other professionally and academically. We must help one another.”
Moreover, she shares a message for young women: “This is what I wish I could have said to my 26-year-old self: No matter the challenges that come, you can make it. Yes, you will succeed once you put your mind to it. Give it to God, pray, and believe. Be ready for what you ask for, and remember that everything has its own time and season. Just because someone else is on a different path doesn’t mean you have to be. Walk your own path, and everything will work out.”
Looking Ahead:
With her graduation in a few days, Ms. Nagbe discloses her plans to work for a year and pursue her PhD afterward. “I have been in school for a long time, so for now, I just want to work for a year. I want to pursue a PhD in education because I love teaching. I aspire to become a professor,” she reveals. Moreover, she sees her achievements as not just personal milestones but as a legacy for others to follow. “I think I have done my part.”
