Eunice Deladem Ohenewaa
Mensah

Tell us a bit about yourself? Why did you choose to study at Nottingham Trent University?

Before NTU and the commonwealth Shared Scholarship, I was an LLB graduate from KNUST waiting to write entrance exams for my professional law degree at the Ghana school of law. However, I have always believed in taking chances and developing myself. Hence, instead of staying home for another year, I decided to look for opportunities to develop myself. This desire took to me to several events and at one of the British Council ‘Study UK’ fairs I met an NTU graduate who was also a commonwealth shared scholar. We discussed NTU and she encouraged me to apply for an LLM and commonwealth scholarship. I started researching about health Law LLM in UK and the NTU Program caught my attention. The module contents were in line with my undergraduate Medical Law and Ethics programme and I felt it was exactly what I needed. Equally, I saw that NTU had employability programmes and other engaging activities that could help me develop my professional skills. I particularly looked forward to the International Humanitarian Law Module and the ability to take part in the Geneva summer school program. I also realised I would have the opportunity to meet one of the authors of a book I had used for my thesis during my undergraduate studies and learn from him.

Tell us about your course. What is the best bit? Would you recommend your course to other students?

I would gladly recommend LLM Health Law and Ethics to any student who wants to understand how law and ethics play a role in health care development. The modules I have studied have given me an understanding on how to set up legal and other policy frameworks that allow goals to be set towards universal health coverage. I have come to appreciate how the strengthening of institutions and assignment of responsibilities for both state and non-state actors can create access to health. Equally, the program has given me some useful ideas I can implement as part of my commonwealth development agenda, which is access, inclusion and opportunity. I hope to complete a dissertation on patient safety in penal institutions and follow it up with a project in the prison services as a way of giving back to my country Ghana.

The best bit about my program is that, although the Covid-19 pandemic moved lectures online, seminars were interactive and very engaging. The lecturers and academic staff are supportive. My personal tutor gave a personal touch to my academic journey and I have totally enjoyed every support from the pastoral team as well. During the lockdown, I had some interesting activities online to keep me engaged and I must say it has been an amazing journey so far.

What are you plans for the future? And how has this course helped you with these?

My plan is to go back and pursue my professional law degree. I also hope to continue my community health outreach programs and include a drive to have restorative justice programs instituted in the juvenile criminal justice system in Ghana. Undertaking this course has given me an understanding on how to effectively manage my resources and maximise opportunities. I believe I am better equipped to implement my projects and better placed to function effectively in any given role.

Have you learnt anything from your experiences that you would advise future international students?

I have learnt many things at NTU. I managed to win an election as the School officer for postgraduate. Representing NLS postgraduate students at NTSU and on several academic boards helped me build on my confidence and network. I would advise future international students to embrace the experience and take advantage of the numerous academic and non-academic opportunities provided in the school. NTU has too many opportunities to engage every individual. You just have to put yourself out there and take them. NTU is a beautiful community full of amazing people who are supportive. They should enjoy every second as I have and contribute to building a beautiful environment for future generations.

How have you found the support at NTU?

I must admit I found a lot of support at NTU. Aside the support from the University community, the people in the city are friendly and accommodating to international students. It has been an amazing experience I do not mind repeating. The wellbeing team has been exceptional, particularly during the lockdown. I have had amazing phone conversations with a number of people on the team and I am glad I reached out.

How did you feel when you found out you’d been awarded a scholarship? What does this scholarship mean to you?

I do not know how to explain how the nomination letter made me feel. I cried tears of joy because this was an opportunity to achieve one of my aspirations in life.

Frankly, without the scholarship I knew it was going to be difficult to accept my offer and make it to UK. The scholarship gave my confidence a boost and confirmation that I can achieve whatever I set my heart and mind to. It made me appreciate the diligence, dedication and commitment to effective work. It has also placed me in a place of influence for my children and other young girls who have been told countless times they could not achieve their dreams. Although I may not be the first mother to have been awarded this scholarship, for me and the people who look up to me, this represented a victory and inspiration.

Can you describe NTU in three words?

International, opportunity, development