If someone had told me four years ago that I would be a food blogger with 16.9k followers, producing a campus radio show, working with Naa Ashorkor, and organising sold-out drama shows, I would have laughed. Not because it was impossible, but because, in my mind, I was either going to be on television or sitting in a UN office drafting international policies. But here I am, having lived a completely different reality, one that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
I walked into Academic City with a mix of excitement and anxiety. I had no idea what my four years would look like, but I had one goal: to graduate as a well-versed communication professional. I wanted to be on television, working in high-profile spaces, making an impact. What I didn’t anticipate was how overwhelming things would get. The assignments came at me like a flood, constantly threatening my social life. But surprisingly, making friends wasn’t as hard as I expected.
Looking back, I have changed in ways I never imagined. My mindset has evolved, my confidence has grown, and my experiences have reshaped my ambitions. One of the most eye-opening moments was attending field visits to TV3 and Asaase Radio. Seeing the behind-the-scenes production at TV3 gave me a real appreciation for the amount of work that goes into television. At Asaase Radio, I witnessed live radio production in action, which directly influenced my work ethic when handling ACityRadio. Those visits weren’t just tours; they were lessons in professionalism, precision, and passion.
Winning the School Spirit Award was a proud moment, but it wasn’t just about the recognition. As the Public Relations Officer for the SRC during the 2023/24 academic year, I saw firsthand how communication shapes engagement. Producing for ACityRadio gave me access to industry giants and life-changing projects, including my work with Naa Ashorkor. What started as a simple campus radio experience led to an internship with her, an opportunity I wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.
Another unforgettable chapter of my journey was leading the Media and Arts Club. As President, I worked with an amazing team to pull off two sold-out drama productions. We also organised a workshop on content monetisation, proving that student initiatives could have real industry impact. One of my biggest feats was leading marketing, editorial, and communications for Academic City’s first TEDx event. Bringing together reputable speakers and curating a world-class event is something I will always be proud of.
Balancing all this with being a student—and a food blogger—was no easy feat. My food blogging journey took off in my second year, and before I knew it, I was reviewing meals with my friends, posting consistently, and growing my platform. Today, with 16.9k followers on Instagram, I have collaborated with brands like KFC, Pepsodent, and Burger King. This journey has taught me a major lesson: always be reliable but never too available.
If you ever saw me hosting an event on campus, you would think I had been doing it all my life. But my love for public speaking was shaped at Academic City. I loved being called upon to MC, not just for the experience but because it helped me sharpen my speaking skills. A special thank you to Mr. Kwabena Mensah, also known as Sir Spencer, for his public speaking class, which made all the difference. Each time I held the mic, I met new people, strengthened my connections, and most importantly, saw the joy in people’s faces as they enjoyed the events.
I know I have left a mark at Academic City. Whether through increased student engagement, boosting radio listenership, or sharing my knowledge with others, I know I have contributed to something bigger than myself. If I could tell my freshman self-one thing, it would be this: everything will be alright. When you feel overwhelmed, remember that you are loved at home, and there is nothing you cannot do if you put your mind to it.
Now, as graduation looms, I won’t lie—there’s some anxiety. I don’t have it all figured out yet. But what I do have, thanks to Academic City, is an entire book of industry contacts, a wealth of experience, and a clear sense of who I am and where I thrive. I know I don’t want a rigid corporate job, at least not yet. I thrive in spaces that allow me to be creative, spontaneous, and impactful. So wherever I end up, one thing is for sure: my journey is just getting started.
Written by: Archibald Nii Kotey Amon Kotey
Level 400
BA Journalism and Mass Communication
