Yawo Kobara, a dedicated Teaching Assistant (TA) at WorldQuant University (WQU), views his role as a profound opportunity to give back to the student community and foster a supportive online learning environment. Hailing from Ghana, Yawo’s journey is marked by a commitment to learning, inspired by his grandmother’s wisdom and a vision to contribute to structural transformation in underdeveloped countries through increased STEM education accessibility.
Growing up in Ghana, Yawo’s grandmother imparted the valuable advice of learning from everyone, emphasizing the importance of practicing the good. This counsel, combined with his grandmother learning to read at 75, fueled Yawo’s commitment to education. As a TA at WQU, he channels these values to shape an engaging and supportive online learning environment for students worldwide.
Yawo emphasizes the transformative power of STEM education in addressing real-world problems using math and science. He believes online education, exemplified by WQU, plays a crucial role in empowering individuals with the skills needed for development and economic success globally. Commitment and resilience, according to Yawo, are essential qualities for cultivating the skill sets necessary for impactful contributions.
Although Yawo already held a Master of Science degree in Mathematical Science, he sought a more specialized degree. WQU’s MSc in Financial Engineering program, offered online and free of charge, exceeded his expectations. Yawo acquired programming skills, such as C#, and learned to build interactive web applications with R Shiny. Additionally, the program provided a global professional network, offering job opportunities and collaborative learning experiences.
As a TA, Yawo incorporates Ghanaian values like solidarity to foster a sense of community among students. Encouraging collaborative problem-solving and mutual support, Yawo believes in the power of working together. He credits his classroom experience at WQU for enhancing his readiness for a career in any field.
Thrilled to give back to the WQU community, Yawo finds joy in teaching and contributing to the development of the next generation of empowered professionals. His journey reflects a commitment to education, collaboration, and the transformative potential of STEM learning in driving positive change worldwide.
