Volunteer Spotlight: Benedicta's journey with OTL.

I still remember the day my friend Collins who also happens to be the Co-founder of OTL Foundation told me about his idea to start a foundation. He was so full of excitement, talking about this new organization that would focus on learning, growth, and expression. And there I was, sitting across from him, so excited, almost like I was the one starting the foundation and thinking, “This is brilliant… and I want to be part of it.” At the time, I didn’t know exactly how I’d fit in, but I just knew I wanted to contribute. Fast forward to today, and here I am a proud OTL volunteer, doing what I love most: writing.

So hi, I am Benedicta Nyarko Owusu, a 21-year-old who studied Economics and Statistics Majors at the University of Ghana. Driven by my passion to always make an impact wherever I find myself, OTL was the perfect place to start. I joined OTL in 2024, June and Volunteered to be the blog writer. I’ve always loved writing there’s just something about putting thoughts into words and watching them come to life.  I would describe myself as someone who is curious, creative and open minded. My favorite quote pretty much sums up who I am “Every step in the right direction however small, is worth celebrating”.

I am also privileged to be a mentor. My first taste of mentorship was through the OTL Connect Program something about it stayed with me maybe it was the way the students expressed themselves, or how eager they were to learn and connect. You can read about it here.

Writing for OTL has been such a refreshing experience. Every time I sit down to work on a blog, I feel like I’m helping document moments that matter. What I love most is how intentional the foundation is about making an impact on young lives. You can feel it in everything they do from helping students express themselves, to creating opportunities that nurture confidence and growth. Sometimes I sit back and think, “Younger me would’ve loved this.” I would’ve loved to be part of something that makes learning fun and helps young people find their confidence early. Maybe that’s why I’m so passionate about telling OTL’s story, because in a way, I’m telling the story I would’ve wanted to live.

Between volunteering, family, and school, life can get… well, interesting.  Let’s just say it’s a delicate dance and sometimes I trip. There are days when I’m typing away on my laptop and feeling like the most organized person alive. Then there are days when I’m writing blog drafts while helping my family with a million other things as well as juggling deadlines and questioning all my life choices (we’ve all been there). But here’s what I’ve learned: it’s not about doing everything perfectly it’s about finding rhythm in the chaos. Volunteering with OTL doesn’t take away from my life; it adds meaning to it.

Now, let’s talk about the less-glamorous side: writer’s block. There are moments when my mind just… stops. I’ll stare at a blank screen, convinced that every word I type sounds off. But then I remind myself why I started to share stories that matter, to put heart into words, and to give people a reason to care about what OTL does.

Determination, I’ve realized, is what keeps me going. That quiet voice that says, “Keep writing. Someone needs to read this.”

Volunteering with OTL has given me more than I expected new skills, connections, and a sense of purpose that goes beyond just writing. I’ve found a place where I can grow while helping others do the same.

And that’s why I’m here to stay. To write. To grow. To keep telling the story of a foundation that’s changing lives.

If you’ve ever wanted to volunteer but felt unsure about where you’d fit in, here’s my advice: start with what you love. There’s always space for that. Whether it’s writing, organizing, mentoring, or simply showing up, your contribution counts.

Being part of OTL has reminded me that impact looks different for everyone and that’s the beauty of it. Volunteer Spotlight: Benedicta