From Adversity to Aspiration: Della Ayivor Reflects on How NSMQ Helped Shape His Journey to Medical School
- 9 hours ago
- 6 min read
The National Science & Maths Quiz (NSMQ) has become a platform for discovering brilliant young minds and transforming lives beyond the competition stage. For Della Ayivor, a member of the Dzodze-Penyi SHS team that competed in the NSMQ in 2021, the experience marked a turning point in a journey defined by resilience, determination, and an unwavering
belief in the power of education.
In a one-on-one interview with the NSMQ Communications Team, Della shares the challenges he overcame, the lessons he learned through NSMQ, and how the competition helped bring him closer to his dream of becoming a medical doctor.
Question: Can you tell us a bit about your background and the circumstances you grew up in before your NSMQ journey began?
Answer: I grew up with my grandmother (of blessed memory) after losing my mother as a toddler. Together with my four cousins, I was raised under very challenging circumstances.
During my basic education, there were times when I could not afford a school uniform or school fees. In Primary Two, I spent an entire term at home because I had no uniform. With my grandmother's support, I took on small jobs to earn enough money to return to school.
Things became even more difficult when my aunt, who was the family's main source of support, became seriously ill. Our family relocated from the Volta Region to the Ashanti Region, and my education was interrupted for two years. As a result, I completed basic school later than expected.
After basic school, there was no money for senior high school. Determined to continue my education, I moved to Ashaiman and worked various jobs, including selling airtime, serving as a trotro mate (bus conductor), working as a truck mate, and working in a factory, while saving towards my education.
I remain deeply grateful to the many individuals, families, and members of the Ashaiman North SDA Church who believed in me and supported my journey. In 2018, I retook the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and gained admission to Dzodze-Penyi SHS to study General Science.
Question: What inspired you to pursue academic excellence despite the challenges you faced, and how did you become part of the 2021 NSMQ team that represented Dzodze-Penyi SHS?
Answer: My greatest motivation was my belief that education is the key to success. Growing up, I saw many people unable to continue their education, and I wanted to prove that determination and hard work could change one's circumstances.
When I gained admission to Dzodze-Penyi SHS, I knew that earning a scholarship might be my best chance of progressing to university. That mindset pushed me to seek opportunities for academic growth. When the chance to join the NSMQ team came, I embraced it wholeheartedly and committed myself to rigorous preparation, viewing the competition as both a learning opportunity and a pathway to greater possibilities.
Question: Looking back, what are some of the biggest obstacles you encountered on your path to representing your school on the National Science & Maths Quiz stage, and how did you overcome them?
Answer: One of my biggest challenges was adjusting to academic life after spending years out of school. I was competing against students who had enjoyed uninterrupted education, while I had to rebuild my academic foundation.
I was also not initially considered for the NSMQ team because my BECE retake aggregate was 19. However, I refused to let my past define me. Through consistent hard work and strong academic performance, I caught the attention of the Science Department after my first-semester examinations and was subsequently invited to join the team.
I am especially grateful to Mr Daniel Kofi Gbeve, Mr Arnold Kewu, the late Mr Christian Akpaloo, and the entire Science Department of Dzodze-Penyi SHS for believing in me and giving me that opportunity.
Question: What was the NSMQ 2021 experience like for you personally, and what are some of your most memorable moments from the competition?
Answer: The NSMQ was a life-changing experience that strengthened my confidence and taught me the value of hard work, preparation, and resilience.
One of my most memorable moments came during the Volta/Oti Zonal Championship when Dzodze-Penyi SHS and Awudome SHS were tied after a contest. I answered a crucial biology tie-breaker question that secured victory for my school and a place in the zonal semi-finals.
Another unforgettable moment was during the Preliminary Stage of the National Championship, where we tied with Mawuli School. Although Mawuli School won the tie-breaker, our accumulated points were enough to qualify us for the One-eighth Stage. Those experiences reinforced the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and staying calm under pressure.
Question: How did participating in the NSMQ impact your life, both academically and personally, after the competition ended?
Answer: NSMQ had a profound impact on my life. Academically, it improved my study habits, discipline, and critical-thinking skills. Personally, it boosted my confidence and reinforced my belief that circumstances do not determine one's future.
The competition also gave me visibility and connected me with mentors, supporters, and families who believed in my potential. Most importantly, it strengthened my commitment to education and reminded me that hard work and perseverance can turn challenges into opportunities.
Question: What opportunities, experiences, or doors would you say the NSMQ opened for you that may not have been possible otherwise?
Answer: The most significant opportunity was receiving the 2021 NSMQ-Accra College of Medicine Scholarship, which covers my tuition and provides a monthly stipend. Primetime Limited also supports my accommodation throughout my studies.
NSMQ exposed me to people who continue to support my educational journey. More importantly, it transformed my dream of becoming a medical doctor into a reality.
Question: What has your journey been like since NSMQ 2021? Could you walk us through your educational, professional, or personal milestones over the past few years?
Answer: Since NSMQ 2021, my journey has been one of growth and progress. Following my excellent West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results, I received the 2021 NSMQ-Accra College of Medicine Scholarship and started my medical education in January 2022.
Today, I am a Level 500 medical student pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree at Accra College of Medicine.
Question: What goals or aspirations are you working towards for the future?
Answer: I am working hard towards becoming a competent and compassionate medical doctor. In the long term, I aspire to specialise in neurosurgery and become one of the leading neurosurgeons in the world. I also hope to establish a hospital in my village to improve access to quality healthcare and inspire young people to pursue education despite the challenges they may face.
Question: Reflecting on your journey so far, are there any lessons you have learned, things you would do differently, or regrets that have shaped the person you are today?
Answer: One of the most important lessons I have learnt is the value of consistency, discipline, and patience. My experiences have taught me that success is not determined by where you start, but by your willingness to keep moving forward despite setbacks.
If I could do anything differently, I would have embraced academic discipline even earlier. However, I do not view my past with regret. Every challenge helped shape my character, strengthen my determination, and prepare me for the opportunities I have today.
Question: Many young people come from difficult backgrounds and may feel limited by their circumstances. What advice or words of encouragement would you give them?
Answer: My message is simple: your background does not define your future.
Challenges are not permanent barriers. They can become stepping stones that build strength, character, and resilience. Stay focused, remain disciplined, and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.
Most importantly, never give up, even when progress seems slow. With determination, faith, and consistency, it is possible to rise above difficult circumstances and achieve your goals.
From overcoming financial hardship and interrupted schooling to competing on the NSMQ stage and pursuing a career in medicine, Della Ayivor's journey reflects the impact of resilience and determination.
Today, he is a distinction student at the Accra College of Medicine, steadily advancing towards his dream of becoming a neurosurgeon. Della remains an inspiration to young people everywhere, proving that where you begin does not determine where you can ultimately go.
The National Science & Maths Quiz is produced by Primetime Limited and proudly sponsored by the Ghana Education Service (GES).
