By Aicha Sawaneh / The Jambar
When I first arrived at Youngstown State University nearly five years ago, I was a nervous international student from Sierra Leone, unsure of how I would fit in or find my place in a completely new environment. Today, I walk away from this campus not only with a degree, but with confidence, purpose and a strong sense of belonging.
YSU has been more than just a university to me — it’s been home. It’s where I’ve learned how to write stories that matter, where I’ve found mentors who believed in me and where I’ve grown into a leader who wants to give back. Being far from my family was never easy, but I was lucky to find a second family here —one that celebrated my culture, uplifted my voice and supported me through both triumphs and tears.
I’ve been fortunate to serve in student organizations that empowered me to grow personally and professionally. Whether it was my work with The Jambar, the African and Caribbean Student Union or my role in the Office of Marketing and Communications, every opportunity taught me something valuable.
I’m proud of the stories I’ve written, the campaigns I’ve helped build and the events I’ve had a hand in shaping. I’ve also been honored to receive recognition for my writing, participate in real-world media projects and speak up for underrepresented students — something I never imagined doing when I first stepped on campus.
To The Jambar, thank you for giving me a place to sharpen my voice. John Ostapowicz, Raeghan Hilton and Katelyn Obermiyer — thank you for guiding my work, editing my columns and always making me feel like part of the team. I want to thank Hannah Werle for recommending the job to me and for seeing potential I didn’t even see in myself.
Thank you to Becky Rose, Allison Centofanti and Alyssa Osman for always inspiring me, not just to be a better writer, but to be a better leader in society. I deeply admire each of you and look up to the example you’ve set. Your mentorship, encouragement and belief in me meant more than you know.
To my friends, coworkers and peers, you made this journey worth it. You reminded me that even in a place far from home, kindness, understanding and laughter can make anywhere feel familiar. Whether it was supporting me during Ramadan, sharing study sessions or just being there during long days, I’ll never forget the community we built together.
And even though I’m graduating, I’m not saying goodbye for long. I’ve fallen in love with this campus, this city and this community so much that I’ve decided to continue my journey here. I’m thrilled to be returning to YSU to pursue my master’s degree — and I can’t wait to keep learning, growing and giving back.
Thank you for everything, Penguins. This place will always have a piece of my heart.
With love,
Aicha Sawaneh