Ace broadcast journalist, Gifty Anti revealed that she fell ill after being turned down for admission to Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where she had hoped to study land economy.

Speaking on Joy Learning TV’s Career Trail, she shared her disappointment and the challenging path that eventually led her to a successful career in journalism.

"I wanted to do land economy, but it didn’t happen. I hustled, but I didn’t get admission," she expressed bitterly. Despite being denied admission, Gifty Anti still went to KNUST, staying on campus for a semester while trying tirelessly to gain acceptance.

"I think I stayed on KNUST campus for a whole semester, perching with some friends at Africa Hall. Some people still think I attended the school, but no, I was hustling to get admission," she told the host, Irene Adubea Aning.

Following her brother’s advice, Gifty Anti applied to the Ghana Institute of Journalism [now UNIMAC-IJ], to study Public Relations. However, during her evaluation, the panelists advised her that journalism would be a better fit.

When she received her acceptance letter, she found that she had been admitted to study journalism instead of Public Relations.

"First panel said journalism, second panel said the same; I insisted no, I want to do Public Relations. My letter came and it was journalism. I cried," she narrated.

Despite this unexpected turn of events, Dr Anti did not decline the offer. Instead, she embraced the challenge and pursued journalism with determination. "I was raised to give my all in everything I do. My father taught me that no matter what you are doing, give it your all because you don’t know which door will open for you," she stated.

The motivation she received from her father helped her persevere through her university days. She eventually rose to the position of Women's Commissioner and Women’s NUGS Commissioner. She also founded the Ghana Institute of Journalism's first ladies' club, which ignited her passion for gender activism.

Through hard work and determination, Dr Anti's rejection by KNUST turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

"Today, I talk for a living," she said with joy.

The Career Trail is a career and entrepreneurship development program designed to feature conversations with accomplished Ghanaian entrepreneurs who share their stories with young learners aspiring to follow in their footsteps.

The Career Trail airs every Saturday on Joy Learning TV at 4 pm and Joy News at 6:30 pm.