Turning ambition into action — one 'yes' at a time

When Harold Fiifi Eshun joined The University of Akron's (UA) Drs. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Honors College, he brought with him a deep desire rooted in his upbringing in Ghana - to become a physician who could bridge compassionate patient care with groundbreaking research.

Today, as a senior biomedical science major and Honors Scholar, he's presenting at world-class pediatric conferences in Hawaii, reconstructing nerve cells through cutting-edge 3D imaging and heading to national bioethics conferences.

But Eshun's transformation from aspiring pre-med student to accomplished undergraduate researcher came from a string of "yes" moments - starting with one that nearly cost him his chance to attend UA at all.

The first 'yes'

Eshun's path began in Ghana, where he witnessed hardworking physicians improve lives despite limited health care access. Those experiences, he said, planted "the dream of medicine in my heart."

So, when a mentor suggested studying internationally at UA, Eshun soon discovered programs and support that could provide the perfect foundation to turn his ambitions into something real.

"When I applied (to colleges), UA was actually the very first school to offer me admission, which made the decision even more meaningful," he recalled.

But a delayed student visa threatened to derail his plans - a situation that often forces international students to defer for an entire academic year. Instead, UA gave him the option to begin 100% online coursework from Africa as a full-time student.

"Instead of putting my dream on hold, Akron gave me the opportunity to begin my journey from home," he said. "That kindness and commitment to students showed me I was in the right place, and it's why I proudly said 'yes' to becoming a Zip."

When Eshun finally arrived in Akron, another pivotal "yes" began shaping his experience: joining the Williams Honors College.

The Honors College advantage

The Honors College provides more than academics - it reshaped how Eshun approached his education and future. Priority registration, exclusive scholarships, leadership training, gave him a strong foundation, while and living and learning in the Honors Complex connected him to a community of peers.

"Because of the Honors College, I have made friends who are my peers in curiosity, support and kindness," Eshun said. "In classes and in the Honors Complex, we cheer each other on and share everything from study notes to life goals."

The Honors Colloquia also pushed him to think harder. His Nature vs. Nurture class allowed him to explore how biology and environment shape human development, while his Fairy Tales class revealed deeper philosophical lessons in familiar stories and made him a more thoughtful future physician.

And faculty mentorship is equally transformative. "From day one, the staff welcomed me not only as a student but as someone they genuinely cared for," he said. "The Honors staff were always there with open ears and heartfelt encouragement."

Opportunities become impact

This support enabled him to pursue increasingly ambitious research experiences. This past spring, the Honors College sponsored his presentation at the Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting in Hawaii, where he showcased his work from Akron Children's Hospital studying persistent anemia in children after intensive care.

"It was both humbling and inspiring to share my work in a space filled with medical students, residents, fellows, physicians and researchers from around the world," Eshun said.

Currently, he's using advanced 3D imaging to reconstruct nerve cells in mouse retinas to study how visual signals are transmitted and received. This fall, he'll travel to Portland for the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities Conference as part of Emory University's Cross-Institutional Undergraduate Sponsorship Program in Bioethics.

Looking ahead

As Eshun prepares for medical school, he credits the Honors College with providing not just opportunities, but the confidence and skills to seize them.

"Beyond academics, the comprehensive support of the Honors College has helped me clarify my goals, strengthen my confidence, and build the critical skills I need for medical school and beyond," he said.

His remarkable trajectory -from international student navigating visa delays to presenting research at elite conferences - illustrates the transformative power of UA's Honors College experience.

For prospective students considering UA, Eshun's advice is as passionate as his own journey: "Go for it. UA is a place where you can not only learn but also grow into the person you want to be while feeling supported every step of the way. So, say 'yes!'"

Story by Alex Knisely

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or [email protected].