Lecturers, mates questioned my vocation – Ghanaian Religious shares challenges of secular university education

Sister Angela Enam Ahali, a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church (SMMC) in Ghana, has shared the unique challenges she faced balancing her religious life and academic studies at a secular university.

Sister Angela who graduated with a first-class honours degree in Ewe Education from the University of Education, Winneba in December 2024 told Catholic Trends about the challenges she had to go through studying in a secular university.

“Studying as a young religious in a secular university has come with unique challenges. Balancing spiritual commitments like retreats, recollections, and workshops with academic responsibilities has been demanding,” Sister Angela said.

“My peers often sought my help with assignments, assuming I had all the answers. Some of them, including lecturers, questioned my religious vocation and encouraged me to reconsider it.”

Her decision to pursue a degree in Ewe Education was not one made lightly. Sister Angela explained that her passion for preserving the rich culture and language of the Ewe people drove her to undertake this educational journey.

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“I wanted to improve my writing skills and address the scarcity of learning materials in the Ewe language. I also sought to deepen my understanding of Ewe culture, literature, and traditions, recognising the profound connection between language and cultural identity,” she said.

Through her studies, Sister Angela discovered that the Ewe Education programme was far more expansive than she had initially imagined, covering not just Ewe but also English, Literature, and African Studies.

According to her, the degree also provided her with practical skills in translation and interpretation, broadening her academic horizons. “Learning about the cultures of other Ghanaian tribes has also broadened my perspectives and enhanced my ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds,” she added.

Despite the many obstacles, including having to manage academic deadlines on Sundays, a time traditionally reserved for religious activities, Sister Angela remained committed to her faith and studies.

“Maintaining a regular prayer routine, attending Holy Mass, and setting aside time for study allowed me to balance my spiritual and academic obligations effectively,” she said.

Looking ahead, Sister Angela has big aspirations for her future. “As a language student, I aim to write books in the Ewe language to share my knowledge and contribute to preserving the rich cultural heritage of my people,” she said, determined to use her education to make a meaningful impact.