AAUW International Fellow, Felicia Jacinta Ayambire from Ghana, Pursues a Master of Public Health at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE)

My name is Felicia Jacinta Ayambire, and I am from Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region of Ghana. I am currently pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE).

I completed my bachelor’s degree in public health at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho, Ghana. After working for the Ghana Health Service for a few years, I decided to pursue graduate studies in the United States.

Initially, I chose to study public health because it was one of the easiest fields to secure a job in after graduation in Ghana. However, during my studies and professional experience, my passion for public health deepened. This passion became personal when I reflected on my family’s experiences, thus the devastating loss of my younger brother and cousin, who both died due to delays in receiving emergency care caused by the long distance to the Health facility. At the time, I didn’t fully understand these systemic challenges, but during my undergraduate studies and later while working in the health service, I realized these were health disparities, issues I became determined to address.

AAUW International Fellowship Details

I am a proud recipient of the AAUW International Fellowship, which I received after my second attempt.

Other Scholarships Received

Before enrolling at SIUE, I was admitted to Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, where I was awarded the 1912 Founder's Scholarship, valued at $55,000.

I also received the Competitive Graduate Award (CGA) at SIUE, which provided a full tuition waiver for my first year, as well as a monthly stipend to support living expenses.

Educational Background

My undergraduate training in public health laid the foundation for my graduate studies. It equipped me with knowledge of health systems, community health interventions, and epidemiology.

My professional experience with the Ghana Health Service further shaped my perspective, giving me firsthand exposure to the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, especially women and girls in rural communities. This combination of academic preparation and practical experience has been instrumental in shaping my graduate research focus.

How I Prepared to Apply to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

I wouldn’t say I did anything deliberate to prepare years in advance. When I finally decided to apply, I focused on telling my story authentically, sharing my personal journey, my passion for public health, the impact I’ve made in my community, and my future goals.

Finding Information About the AAUW International Fellowship and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

I learned about scholarships and schools through online research, networking with current students, and recommendations from mentors and colleagues who had studied abroad.

Standardized Tests

I did not take any standardized tests, such as the GRE or TOEFL.

Most of the schools I applied to did not require the GRE, and since Ghana is an English-speaking country, I was exempt from English proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS.

Experience at SIUE

Studying at SIUE has been a wonderful experience. It is a small, student-centered university with supportive professors who genuinely want students to succeed.

Our program has small class sizes, with about seven students, which creates a very interactive learning environment. The diversity of student backgrounds from medicine and dentistry to community health and biological sciences enriches discussions and broadens perspectives.

What Made My Application Stand Out

Several factors contributed to the success of my AAUW fellowship application:

1. Authentic Storytelling – I shared my personal journey and the impact of my work with women and girls in Ghana.
2. Unique Research Focus – My thesis focuses on mental health outcomes and barriers to care among older women living in Ghana's witch camps, a marginalized and stigmatized population.
3. Strong Recommendation Letters – I built strong relationships with my superiors and professors in both Ghana and the U.S., who knew my work and character well and were willing to write compelling recommendations.

What I Would Do Differently

Next time, I would have my essays reviewed by others before submission. Fresh perspectives can help refine your story and catch mistakes you may overlook.

Advice for Future Applicants

1. Document your community work – No matter how small it seems, record the projects you work on, as this information is essential for your application.
2. Start early – The AAUW application process involves multiple documents and recommendation letters, so give yourself enough time to prepare.
3.  Seek feedback – Have someone proofread your essays to make sure your story comes across clearly and powerfully.