Originally from Ghana, he’s building a Buckeye legacy
Wise beyond his years, junior Prince Amoako sees his life story reflected in a Hale Center sculpture. “I see the hard times as lessons,” he says.
“Nkonde,” a bigger-than-life-size sculpture made of iron and steel, is on display inside the Hale Center, 154 W. 12th Ave. (Photo by Jodi Miller)
I started working at the reception desk of the Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center in March, and one of the first things that stood out to me was the tall metal sculpture of an African warrior in the Hale Hall lobby.
It was interesting to learn that an Ohio State graduate, Andrew F. Scott ’88 MFA, created the sculpture, called “Nkonde,” and that the Hale Center has a renowned collection of African and African American art.
Looking at the sculpture, especially the spikes covering the man’s whole body, I see that he’s courageous. He has had so many struggles. Usually when somebody faces adversity like that, it weakens them. But he’s standing tall, still holding his sword. He keeps on going.
I see that as a reflection of my life, too. I’ve faced a lot of adversity, and I feel like I always try to see the hard times as lessons in how I can do better.
When I was 15, I came to Columbus from Ghana to live with my dad. My oldest sister, Grace Amoako ’16, ’18, went to Ohio State, and when I attended her graduation in the Schottenstein Center, I was drawn to this place. I earned a Morrill Scholarship and am now a junior majoring in biology.
When I arrived in the U.S. before high school, language was a barrier. I spoke English in Ghana, but I lived in a rural area and mostly we used the local language. So it was hard for people to understand me; I had to repeat myself several times. And I could write what I wanted to, but I would use shorter sentences. I didn’t let that hinder me. I’ve also taken on jobs to help my dad, who has spinal issues. I plan to go to medical school, maybe at Ohio State, to become an orthopedic spine surgeon and help him and others.
I am thankful to my parents, Ohio State and the people at the Hale Center for believing in me and helping me pave my way to where I want to be. I’ll forever remember them in my heart. And I’ll keep on going, just like this sculpture. I am going to fight and make my dreams happen.
