Ever since I began my teaching journey, one thing has remained constant—my passion for guiding my students beyond the classroom. I believe education is more than just textbooks and exams; it’s about shaping mindsets, building character, and inspiring dreams. So, I make it a habit to counsel my students on positive thinking, hard work, good virtues, time management, and above all, having a vision for the future. Since I teach a vocational course, I also emphasize creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

On the first week of our Second Semester in the 2023/2024 Academic year, I followed my usual tradition. My first lesson was not about coursework but about life. I stood before my Form 1 (Grade 9) Home Economics class, pouring my heart out, encouraging them to dream big and start planning for the future now, and not after school. After the session, two female students approached me, their eyes filled with excitement.

“Sir, we want to open a cocktail bar and restaurant in the next seven to eight years,” they said.

I was thrilled. Here were students already thinking ahead, shaping their future with intention. It was proof that my words were making an impact.

Still riding on that excitement, I moved on to my next class—Form 1 (Grade 9) Visual Art. With the same energy, I spoke to them about dreams, hard work, and the importance of starting now. I even mentioned the girls from Home Economics, hoping to spark a fire in my Visual Art students as well.

When the class ended, I packed my things, ready to leave. That’s when I noticed him—a quiet young man who had blended into the background all semester. He walked up to me hesitantly and said in a calm, steady voice:

“Sir, I also have a dream. I have something I’m working on.”

Curious, I turned to him. “Tell me about it.”

“I’m into coding,” he said.

I paused. A Visual Art student? Into coding?

“Who taught you?” I asked, intrigued.

“I learnt on my own. From YouTube,” he replied.

I stared at him in disbelief. Just a few days before, I had tried to grasp the basics of Python at home and struggled. Yet here was this quiet student, self-taught and already building something.

“Follow me,” I said immediately.

We walked to my office, where I opened my laptop. “Show me what you can do,” I told him.

He did.

Within minutes, he pulled up a website he had built for a hotel in his neighborhood. Then, he opened a school management system he had developed from scratch. I was stunned. Right before my eyes was a remarkable talent, hidden in plain sight.

But there was one problem—he was a boarding student. Ghanaian schools do not allow students to keep laptops or gadgets. If he was going to continue learning, he needed access.

Without hesitation, I called his father. I told him about his son’s incredible potential and asked him to bring his laptop and gadgets—not for Joshua to keep, but for me to keep with me. This way, I could grant him space and time to work under my supervision.

The very next day, his father traveled all the way from Accra to Koforidua just to see me and deliver the laptop. We sat down and spoke at length. He was deeply invested in his son’s future, willing to do whatever it took to support his dreams. As I listened to him, I saw something familiar—his belief in Joshua reminded me of my own journey, of the people who had once believed in me; my Mum and Dad.

That small moment changed everything.

From that day forward, I stored Joshua’s gadgets safely, and from time to time, I made sure he had space to explore, create, and grow. In return, he started teaching me a few tricks. Soon, I found myself picking up skills in web design.

And just like that, we discovered each other.

I discovered a hidden genius in my classroom. He discovered a teacher willing to make space for his dreams.

Fast forward to today, 2025.

Joshua and I are now working side by side to build LearnBridge Edu—an AI-powered chatbot designed specifically for GES-SBC, helping both teachers and learners navigate the curriculum with ease, and guess what, Joshua is the genuis behind the entire coding and programing of LearnBridgEdu.

Joshua’s story is one of dedication, passion, and vision. Despite being a Visual Art student, he never let labels define him. He is always thinking, always creating, always solving problems. While many at his age get lost in distractions, he is focused on building his future at 16 years.

To every student reading this: Start now. Don’t wait for the future to come to you—shape it with your hands, your mind, and your actions. Dream, plan, and take the first step. Even if you don’t become exactly what you imagined, your vision will guide you into a fruitful future.

“Sometimes, we find our greatest discoveries in the least expected places. I found Joshua, and he found me. In that moment, a journey began.”

Joshua, the Visual Art department is proud of you. Ghana Senior High School (GHANASS) is proud of you. Keep shining.

💭 Inspired by Joshua Segu’s story?Have you ever had a moment of unexpected discovery or a chance encounter that shaped your path? I’d love to hear how vision, curiosity, or creativity have played a role in your journey — feel free to share in the comments below.

Explore more stories and resources on art, education, and creative exploration through my work:

🔗 artsintheround.com

🔗 natioboatcreatives.com

🔗 artjournalfoundation.in

🔗 learnbridgedu.com

Thanks for reading — and for supporting stories that inspire vision, growth, and lifelong learning.