The Resilient Food Science Engineer on a Mission!
Naomi Owusu Ansah is a young emerging Food Science Engineer who exemplifies how one can leave an inspiring legacy of hard work, determination, and perseverance, even when born into challenging circumstances. Imagine a young girl, just nine years old, continuing to climb her academic ladder after suddenly losing her vision due to the life-threatening Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Sitting in class, unable to see the teacher or what was written on the board, she faced an uphill battle. Reflecting on her journey, Naomi resonates with the words of Nelson Mandela: “Difficulties break some men but make others. No axe is sharp enough to cut the soul of a sinner who keeps on trying, one armed with the hope that he will rise even in the end.” Her academic journey is a profound testament to resilience, courage, and the unwavering human spirit.
At just nine years old, Naomi’s life took a dramatic turn when she was diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, leading to sudden visual impairment. This life-altering challenge could have extinguished her dreams; instead, it ignited a fierce determination within her to rise above adversity. Returning to school after a year away was daunting. On her first day back in primary four, she faced the heartbreaking reality that she could no longer read from the board or see her classmates clearly. Surrounded by peers who learned effortlessly, she felt lost and isolated. Yet one evening during a power outage, she stepped outside and used the moonlight as her guide. In that moment of clarity, she realized that just as her family relied on flashlights in darkness, she needed to illuminate her own path forward.
Embracing her limitations became Naomi’s greatest strength. She trained her ears to be her eyes and discovered innovative ways to engage with her studies. As she navigated junior high school, Naomi encountered setbacks and moments of doubt. However, each time she stumbled—both literally and figuratively—she reminded herself of her purpose. Inspired by Eleanor Roosevelt’s words: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent,” Naomi took charge of her narrative and transformed obstacles into stepping stones. Her hard work culminated in graduating as one of the top students in junior high school.
Her relentless pursuit of excellence continued at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where she emerged as one of the best students in the Food Science department. Naomi’s achievements opened doors for further education, leading to an Erasmus scholarship for her Master’s studies at Université Catholique de Lille – JUNIA ISA in France. Remarkably, she was the only student from her faculty selected for this prestigious scholarship that year. Moving to a new country without friends or familiar support systems was challenging, but Naomi faced it head-on. She learned to navigate the city independently, mastering public transport and adapting to a culture that was both exciting and unfamiliar. Amidst technological advancements requiring autonomy, her determination shone through as she embraced her studies and connected with fellow students who shared her passion for food science, gradually building a supportive community. At JUNIA-ISA, Naomi excelled, achieving the highest defense score awarded by faculty in a decade—a remarkable testament to her dedication and perseverance. Today, as a food science engineer, Naomi aspires to become a Food Security Management and Policy Researcher, contributing to global efforts to safeguard sustainable food systems. She aims to bridge the gap between research and practical solutions, empowering communities to thrive in the face of adversity.
“Each day I wake up fully aware of my challenges—backaches, teary eyes, and strange looks from people—but I remain enthusiastic about my journey,” Naomi shares. “The situation is not improving; challenges are not diminishing; yet my mindset remains unchanged. I do not see my limitations any longer. Hard work, academic excellence, and unwavering belief in the Sovereign Lord remain my hallmarks.” She identifies with Paul’s message to the Philippians: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
This is part of the testimony of a young woman who has chosen to own her story and love herself because she believes this process is the bravest thing she can ever do.
