An Interview with Elina, A SEGA Graduate about Yale Young African Scholars
The annual Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) program was held in July and was virtual this year because of COVID precautions. It is a free, intensive, academic and enrichment program for African secondary school students who plan to continue into tertiary education and hope to make meaningful impacts as young leaders and engaged citizens.
This year, three SEGA graduates and one current SEGA student were accepted to YYAS. We had a chance to talk to Elina about her experience at SEGA and then at YYAS. Thank you, Elina, for sharing your story with us!
Elina’s Story:
Elina at SEGA
My name is Elina and I live in Morogoro, Tanzania. I was once a student at SEGA but I am now a graduate of the exceptional class of 2019. I am currently in high school, Form Six, at Masasi Girls’ High School in Mtwara (in the southern part of Tanzania).
At school, I am taking a PGM, which is a combination of Physics, Geography, Mathematics and General studies. My favorite subject is Pure Mathematics because it is a subject that needs a lot of time invested in solving mathematical problems; it keeps my mind active and makes me a critical and creative thinker.
Through SEGA, I was able to get a scholarship from Unite the World with Africa Foundation to continue my A level studies at Masasi Girls’ High School where there are Unite clubs. Most of my favorite school activities - gardening, dancing and painting - are done in the Unite clubs.
I first heard about YYAS from SEGA’s school counsellor, Madam Pauline, when I was still a student at SEGA in 2019. I decided to apply for YYAS and I was rejected, but I didn’t give up. Luckily enough in the Unite club we have a computer and so I decided to apply once again and I got it. In YYAS I have learned a lot, especially about career guidance, knowing what careers I can go for in the 21st century, and about abroad universities and financial aid.
At YAAS, students can enhance their academic skills, receive university admission and financial aid application guidance, and join a network of young leaders from across Africa.
Elina attending the virtual YYAS sessions.
I decided to participate in YYAS because it is an academic enrichment program for high school students who dream of making positive changes in their African communities as great leaders. It generates the next generation of African leaders. As an agent of positive change, I saw that there was a great need for me to participate in the program and explore the world, getting knowledge and opportunities. I also wanted a chance to network with like-minded leaders like me from across the continent to share our backgrounds and experience of the world beyond me.
In YYAS I participated in two seminars of my choice that were Climate Change, and Disease and Politics and AIDS in Africa. In the climate change and diseases seminar, I learned how climate changes influence the outbreak of diseases in our lives. A good example is the COVID-19 pandemic. I have also learnt how AIDS has been a major factor for political and economic underdevelopment in Africa and the world at large.
During the YYAS program, there were different program components including seminars, career guidance, family time, university admissions presentations, social impact panel, University real talk, and an introduction to alumni opportunities. I believe putting all of these into practice is going to help me grow into a better person and a great leader.
My favorite part of YYAS was family time. We were grouped with the instructors from around the world and got to know each other and ask a lot of questions about Universities and so many other things. My family instructor was Enoch from Ghana, currently a law student at Yale University.
Through YYAS I was able to meet with so many young people from across the continent and the world at large. One of my favorite instructors was Eddie who was born in Kenya and whose dream university was Yale University, but he was rejected after he applied. He never gave up and instead he applied to other Universities and he was accepted and succeeded.
Looking back on my years at SEGA, I realize how big of an impact the SEGA school has made for me on how I view life and education. Last, but not least, I would kindly like to thank Madam Pauline and SEGA at large for introducing us to such great opportunities. Bless you all.
NOTE: Even though YYAS concluded in July, Elina is still in contact with people from YYAS, including a mentor to guide her though university applications.