A Leader’s Journey: Bohang Shapes Student Life as Ashinaga UK Council President

Moving to a new country isn’t easy, but as the current president of the Ashinaga UK student council, Bohang has shown how diving right in can make all the difference. His journey from newcomer to student leader shows how embracing every opportunity can lead to growth.

“When I arrived in the UK in 2021 to begin my studies, I was excited and nervous about the new chapter ahead,” he recalls. “I wanted to make the most of the experience, so I consciously tried to stay curious and get involved in as many activities as possible.” Sports clubs and university societies became Bohang’s gateway to making friends, understanding British culture, and connecting with people from around the world. Along the way, he developed crucial communication skills that would prove valuable for his future leadership roles.

These early experiences taught Bohang an important lesson about leadership. “I realized that becoming a well-rounded leader would require continuous self-reflection and effort,” he says. That’s where the Ashinaga Leadership Development Framework (LDF) became invaluable. The LDF is a structured approach designed to help scholars grow in academic, personal, and professional areas through goal-setting, self-reflection, and feedback. “Using the LDF tracker, I regularly reflect on my progress, set meaningful goals, and incorporate feedback from Ashinaga UK staff to improve my skills. This process has helped me focus on achieving the best outcomes across all areas of my development.”

Over his three years at the University of Central Lancashire, Bohang has worn many leadership hats. He started as Vice Chair of the university’s futsal club, then became the Futsal Development Secretary, working closely with student groups to promote inclusivity and participation. This year, he’s serving as the Sports Representative on the student council, advocating for students’ interests in sports and encouraging others to get involved in physical activities.

One achievement that means a lot to him is receiving the 2023/24 Red Rose Service Award from the University of Central Lancashire, which recognized his efforts in supporting and positively impacting fellow students, particularly internationals. “I know how challenging it can be to adapt to a new environment,” he shares, “so I made it a priority to help others settle in by encouraging them to join sports clubs where they could make friends and feel at home.”

All these experiences led him to his biggest role yet – becoming President of the Ashinaga UK Student Council for 2024-2025. “Being the President of the Ashinaga UK Student Council has been an exciting challenge that has taken my leadership development to the next level,” he says. “I feel honored to lead such a dynamic group of future leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa. Everyone in the student body strongly desires to lead, so my role has been to guide, support, and create opportunities for others to develop their leadership skills.” The position has pushed him to think differently about leadership. “I’m constantly thinking about how to boost morale, communicate effectively, and ensure tasks are completed in engaging and innovative ways,” he explains. “Each day brings new lessons, and I’m grateful for the chance to grow alongside such inspiring peers.”

Looking back at his time in the UK, Bohang can see how much it’s changed him. “Studying in the UK has indeed been a transformative experience for me,” he reflects. “It’s allowed me to build meaningful connections, take on leadership challenges, and develop the skills I’ll need to achieve my future goals. With the support of Ashinaga and the experiences I’ve gained, I feel confident and ready to continue making a positive impact wherever life takes me.”