If you asked 8-year-old Charlene what she wanted to be, she would likely have said she wanted to be a lawyer. I always believed I was born to become a lawyer, and many people around me convinced me that it was in my best interest to go down that route. Not to say I was bad at maths or science; I just detested those two subjects with such a passion that it was best to avoid them.
I grew up in Ghana and spent most of my life there until a few years ago when I had to move abroad for my dad’s job. I had to adjust to a new life in a city I had only visited once in my life; it was not without its challenges, chief amongst them being my lack of GCSEs or A Levels, meaning I had to delay my university education for 2 years while I earned these qualifications.
Even when selecting A Level subjects, I chose ones that I knew I would enjoy but could launch me easily into a law degree. It was while I was taking my Politics A Levels that true confusion hit me. I was still dead set on taking a law degree, but I was enjoying politics so much, making me utterly confused about my next steps. This confusion consumed me almost to the point of madness; I couldn’t concentrate on my studies, I was barely sleeping, I couldn’t eat, I didn’t want to socialise, I was just a mess! I spoke to countless people, friends, family, teachers, advisors, and anyone who would listen, and the choice was clear: a politics degree was the only option; adding international relations was my idea; I just liked how good they sounded together.
Having discovered the degree I would do, I began my research and booked open days at different universities, but the Westminster Open Day stood out the most to me. It sounded more practical in terms of having a feel and understanding of the theories and concepts you learn versus the content the other universities were offering for the same degree combination. The straw that definitely broke the camel’s back was when I was granted an opportunity to attend an unofficial taster day where I joined a Dilemmas of International Development class with the new year 3 students. I remember that day so well, we studied about the 3rd world and in the seminars, some people presented on the topic. After that taster day, I was entirely sure this is the degree I wanted to pursue and the university I wanted to attend.
Westminster has afforded me so many opportunities and experiences I didn’t think I would have gained had I opted for a more “elite” university. I am particularly excited to be a part of student-run organisations such as the Student’s Union as a course rep, FANS, and our own DEN. Being in DEN will certainly polish my networking, public speaking, and writing skills – writing has been a lost passion of mine.
Once I finish my degree, I would like to work at a solicitor’s firm that specialises in international law and, with time, hopefully become a diplomat working for the United Nations. I am also considering running for public office, such as the Mayor of London or even an MP, but I’d rather not dwell on that now. I believe Westminster is the starting point and a launchpad into greater heights and opportunities. I am more than glad to be here!
Charlene Okai