March Alumni Spotlight: Dennis Danso (Alexandria City High School)

The alumni of Liberty’s Promise show time and time again that it is the people who surround us that make the biggest differences in our lives. Dennis Danso’s story is no different. He shares about his time adjusting to living in the United States in an honest way, giving much gratitude to the mentors throughout his journey. He arrived in the United States from Ghana in 2012. From there, he enrolled at 

Francis C. Hammond Middle School starting 7th grade. This is where our story begins:

“Just like every other immigrant, we moved to the US for better opportunities. Being 12 years old, I wasn’t thinking too deeply about the transition, but I thought it was a cool experience to move here. There were a couple things that stood out to me about the culture here, but a language barrier was not one of them because I was already speaking English back in Ghana. 

One aspect of culture shock I experienced was the difference in physical proximity. In Ghana, people speak close to each other, but when I first arrived in the U.S., I remember a kid telling me to back up because I was too close. I quickly learned that personal space is more important here.

Another challenge was how mental health is viewed. In the U.S., people acknowledge and talk about mental health more openly. I remember when a kid told me he was depressed, and I couldn’t understand why anyone would feel that way in the U.S. But as I got older, I experienced it myself and realized the importance of seeking support and treatment because mental health is something real and serious.

It was a bit of a challenge making friends when I first arrived in the United States. Back in Ghana all I knew were the people of my skin color, but when I got here and I met a diverse group of people. It was hard to interact with them at first because we all came from different cultures, but overtime I was able to make acquaintances.

I always connected the most with my siblings. They were the most reasonable, level-headed, open-minded people I have ever met. They are still my best friends because I feel the most safe around them more than anyone else I have met.

When I was in high school, I began hanging out with some people that were more close-minded. Whenever I would suggest that we try something new, like joining a new club for example, they weren’t interested. They wanted to be lazy and engage in unhealthy behaviors, but I wanted to be active and social. Hanging out with these people who I considered friends became habitual, but my brother pulled me aside one day and rerouted my path. He said, “You can’t be doing these kinds of things and thinking that way.” It hurt me to realize we had different goals, but I knew that we had to go our separate ways. 

I was looking for a club to join and one of my friends told me about Liberty’s Promise, he said, “Yo Dennis, it's a place where you can have free pizza.” I heard free pizza and I was already on board.

John and Nikki, the two program officers, were great mentors. Back in high school, I was a bit shy. Nikki was the one who helped me get out of my shell. By taking us on college visits, I was able to talk to some of the college students which helped me with my social skills and I became more outgoing. These students were able to give me some great advice about being patient, taking it easy, and taught me to not stress too much about my future. These college visits were also crucial in offering access to networking and career exploration. I remember on a visit to George Mason, we got to meet with some of the professors and they showed genuine interest in offering academic and professional guidance.

I was able to open up about some of the struggles I was facing during that time, such as having difficulties focusing and having a healthy weight, which made me feel like I was not alone. Once I learned that other people dealt with similar challenges, I started to accept myself more. They always made me feel wanted, never excluded.

Liberty’s Promise was above all, a space for immigrants to feel included. In high school, it felt like there were three groups; white students, black students, and immigrants. In Liberty’s Promise, I could relate to the other students and learn from them. I just wish that I would have been introduced to LP at the beginning of high school instead of the middle.

After graduating, I felt a bit lost. My mom encouraged me to go to NOVA and pursue nursing. While I liked the idea because I knew I enjoyed helping people, I was hesitant because community colleges are often shamed and seen as places for students who aren’t as academically strong. I wanted to attend George Mason or another university like my friends. However, I eventually realized that community colleges actually prepare you for the tougher classes at university. I graduated from NOVA, then went on to a two-year nursing program at Ultimate Health School. Now, I’m studying for the State Board National exam, and if I pass, I’ll be a nurse!

My advice to current students is to make time for others, build strong networks, and maintain open communication with your friends. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Find a mentor who can guide you, whether they’re from Liberty’s Promise or not. Life can be challenging, so let others show you ways to make it easier.”

Thank you Dennis for being open to sharing your journey with us. You serve as a role model for current Liberty’s Promise youth as the adversities you faced are not bound by time and place. We are grateful that the connections and experiences you gained from Liberty’s Promise played an integral role in your high school life. Cheers to you, and good luck on your journey. We know that you will continue to do amazing things in this community and world. 

Thank you to our community for your ongoing support. Donate today to help us continue empowering youth to achieve their full potential.

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