As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ Class of 2021, Hellen Seshie-Nasser, a doctoral candidate in economics from Ghana has not had the typical final year or commencement at UD due to the coronavirus pandemic. Seshie-Nasser, and her entire class, have shown incredible resilience, maturity and spirit while adjusting to the many unexpected changes that they have encountered.
Seshie-Nasser was nominated for this series by UD Associate Professor of Economics Adrienne Lucas, who said, “Hellen was a wonderful community member in our department and was inspired to write her dissertation on schooling in Ghana based on her own experiences there.”
In this profile, Seshie-Nasser shared her favorite UD memories, how she has changed during her time at UD and her plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Seshie-Nasser: My experience at UD has given me more confidence in my field. I now have more skills to excel in my career. I came to UD with the aim of career development, to acquire the research and teaching skills to excel in my academic career. And since I arrived at UD to now I have seen a tremendous change on that front.
Lerner: What is your favorite place at UD?
Seshie-Nasser: This may not sound fun, but my favorite place is the Morris Library. I could spend hours there and I felt at home.
Lerner: What is the most memorable course that you took at Lerner?
Seshie-Nasser: My favorite course is Development Economics taught by Professor Falaris. I took this course in my second year and, as a result, I ended up specializing in development economics. In the course, we read many papers looking at various countries’ development experiences, particularly in key development indicators. I enjoyed how some of the articles analyzed the indicators.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience?
Seshie-Nasser: A memorable experience was when I was selected to participate in the UD START program and we went to Mexico City, Mexico. It was such an amazing experience. I made lifelong friends out of it. Another favorite thing about UD campus; I lived off-campus when I was at UD. In my first year, I would arrive on campus early in the morning every day ready to take on the day. Around the Morris Library, the UD Fight song plays loudly. Whenever it played that early in the morning, I felt a deep sense of motivation and encouragement to work harder towards my goals. I don’t know why, but that song carried so much message to my soul. I now feel a sense of nostalgia any time I hear it playing anywhere.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Seshie-Nasser: Being a lifelong Lerner means I hold to my heart the values I acquired from my experience at UD and Lerner. The values of team playing, being a student of life and making a positive impact in the life of others. It also means being connected to Lerner for life.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Seshie-Nasser: I am taking a job as a lecturer at Johns Hopkins University.