Daniel Quarcoopome left his native Ghana last fall and moved more than 5,500 miles to Toledo for a singular reason.
The University of Toledo.
Daniel Quarcoopome moved from his native Ghana to pursue a master’s degree in history at UToledo. He chose the University for its academics, research support, welcoming community and affordable tuition.
Quarcoopome graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Cape Coast in Ghana, with the long-term goal of obtaining a Ph.D. in history and becoming a university professor.
For the next step in that goal — a master’s degree in history — Quarcoopome determined that UToledo was his preferred destination.
“I chose UToledo because it had everything I was looking for: strong academics, great research support, a welcoming community and affordable tuition,” Quarcoopome said. “But what really stood out to me was how helpful and supportive the professors of the history department were, even during my application process. They made me feel valued from the start and that meant a lot to me.”
Not that his transition was easy, he said.
Being an international student, Quarcoopome had to adjust to a new academic and cultural environment, which has been at times challenging but also exceedingly rewarding.
“One of my greatest challenges has been adjusting to a new academic system while also serving as a teaching assistant” for Dr. Charles Beatty-Medina, a professor in the Department of History, he said. “Balancing coursework, research and TA responsibilities required me to develop strong time management skills; however, this challenge has also been one of my greatest successes, as it has improved my ability to teach, communicate and manage academic responsibilities effectively.”
And as a Ghanaian, Quarcoopome has a viewpoint on world and U.S. history that many of his classmates may not have.
“My background gives me a unique perspective on historical narratives, especially regarding African history, colonialism and global conflicts,” Quarcoopome said. “I also have an interest in the history of gun violence in American schools.”
Beatty-Medina said he has been impressed by Quarcoopome’s adjustment to his new environs and growth as a graduate student.
“Learning a new culture and academic standard from an undergraduate is often daunting for students here in the United States,” he said. “Daniel has an excellent character and work ethic that have impressed his professors and fellow students.”
Quarcoopome said an important factor in his success as a Rocket has been campus involvement, in particular teaching and leading academic discussions as a teaching assistant and participating in research projects and history-related events.
“One of the most memorable experiences has been the opportunity to engage in deep historical discussions with professors and fellow graduate students,” he said. “The diversity of perspectives at UToledo has broadened my understanding of history, especially in areas like military history, colonial studies and cultural history.”
Nearly a year moving from the other side of the world to become a Rocket in pursuit of a master’s degree in history, Quarcoopome said he would recommend that others consider doing the same — whether from thousands of miles away or just a few streets.
“Studying history at UToledo is both challenging and rewarding. The faculty members are supportive and there are many opportunities to engage in research, teaching and academic discussions,” he said. “I would also advise them to manage their time well, especially if they take on roles like being a TA, and to actively seek mentorship and networking opportunities within the department.”
