10QFNC ft Ellen Ayepa

Mental health is a crucial aspect of your total well-being. Once in a while, take a break from the stress of life and pamper yourself. And when you’re done, get back to work and raise the bar. That’s exactly what’s happening on season 3 of 10QFNC.

Hi, I’m Nana Cady and you’re welcome (once again) to 10QFNC. After a long break, we’re kicking off this new season with a beautiful China-based Ghanaian international student. She’s an old student of Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ and an alumna of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology where she had her 1st degree in Biological sciences. You know what, let’s jump straight into the convo.
For the purpose of this interview, I’ll be represented as N.C and my guest as Ellen.

Q1. Welcome Ms Ellen Ayepa to 10QFNC. How about you tell a little about yourself?

Hi, thank you for having me.
I’m Ellen Ayepa, 28years of age😉.
I’m from a very large family and currently a student 😊 doing my PhD in Microbiology. I did my masters here as well.

NC: Impressive!

Ellen: 😊😊

Q2. Why China?

Firstly, I got a full scholarship to study there.
And secondly, I needed something practical as what I had already done in Ghana was more of theory. And truth be told, I think I made the right choice.

N.C: Glory to God

Ellen: Amen

Q3. What’s your experience with Chinese people towards blacks?

Some are racist while some others are amazing. Some have the notion that once you’re an African, you’re a bad person. And most of them think Africa is just one country.

Q4. Let’s come home for a while. Where did you grow up and how would you describe your childhood?

I was born and raised in a little village in Dunkwa. Left after class six, came to Kumasi (Esreso to be precise) for junior high school and moved to Ohwimase Kwadaso during Shs time until I left for China. My childhood was pretty amazing until I left my parents. We were many in the house ( I have quite a number of siblings) so the place was never quiet. Up until now, we still scream when we call each other😀

N.C: Hahaha. How many siblings do you have?

Ellen: Based on those I know, we are 17 but apparently, there are some I haven’t met yet😂😂

N.C: Wow

Ellen: Hehehe

Q5. How did growing up in such a big family shape or affect you?

It shaped me well to value family because we were and are always there for each other.
I learnt a lot of relationship stuff from my siblings; the good, the bad and the ugly. And how to choose friends. My brothers and sisters are my number one friends.
My brothers are super protective of me when it comes to men even though they do their own things.

Q6. Talking of relationships, how many were you in back in Yagss from form 1 to 3?

Actually I was single throughout until I accepted my Alaya’s (Them Things) proposal during one vacation somewhere in form two. I thought over it after a week and ended it because it sounded silly😀😀

N.C: Hahahaha this alaya caused trouble for me one Saturday but it’s in the past

Ellen: 😂😂😂😂😂. I had a lot of troubles with this alaya ‘thing’.

Q7. What are the 2 topmost struggles as a Ghanaian international student in China?

1. Language barrier. Because most of them can’t speak English and most of those who can speak it, ain’t confident to speak it.
2. No job opportunities for students in general.

Q8. Heard your feeding is heavily affected as well. How true is that?

Yeah but that’s for those who cannot cook. I cook all my foods though I eat out once in a while. They don’t have most of our ingredients too so we compromise.

N.C: What’s your favorite dish of theirs?

There is this ‘Sichuan hotpot’. It is a must try. It is cooked with lots of vegetables and meat plus potatoes and the special Sichuan pepper. It tastes amazing. You can eat it with rice.
There is also this Sichuan noodles. I just like these two

N.C: I’m salivating

Ellen: Me too

Q9. What do you and your partner prefer; condom or contraceptive ( you thought I was sparing you lolx)

Jeeeze😂😂😂. We like condom or play it safe( rhythm method). Oh oh and pull out method 😂😂😂😂.

N.C: Girl 😂

Ellen: 😂😂😂😂😂

Q10. What do you miss most in Ghana?

The fooooood, my family and friends

N.C: Awww any specific food?

Ellen: Tz, kelewele, Yam, and oh did l say Tz😂😂

N.C: It’s been a great convo Ellen. Thanks for gracing this platform. Your last words please

Ellen: Awwww. Thank you so much for having me, I really enjoyed myself.
I love what you are doing and you know I’m one of your biggest fans. You may not see the impact now but girl, we know and one day, one day, you’ll be recognized. I love you 😘😘😘

N.C: I love you too girl and you’re very welcome and you’re very amazing 😘😘

Ellen: 💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾

N.C: I hope this was a good seasonal opening. Well, catch you next week. Wanna leave you with this message ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️