From A Gap Year to Duke University: My Journey with Open Dreams | Mefane Carol-Benoit Mobey
- Open Dreams
- 22 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Graduating from high school was both an ending and a beginning. I chose to take a gap year, not knowing that it would become one of the most transformative seasons of my life. During that time, I was introduced to a remarkable community through my uncle, Mr. Nju Reuben Akum, the Open Dreams family.
Open Dreams is more than an organization; it is a movement. For over ten years, it has helped high-achieving, low-income students in Cameroon pursue their dreams, securing scholarships and opportunities at leading universities across Africa, North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
A Community That Welcomed Me
Though I wasn’t able to participate in the Open Dreams Summer Academy (ODSA), the community opened its doors to me. I was given a place to stay while working on my college applications, and more importantly, I was embraced as family.
was privileged to be mentored by Mr. Seka Jean Blaise Tarnyuy under the guidance of Mr. Akaba James. They provided not only room and meals whenever I needed, but also wisdom, mentorship, and encouragement. Mr. Seka became more than a mentor; he was a father figure. He taught me how to listen, how to communicate effectively, and reminded me of a truth I carry with me today: “Lending a helping hand to someone in need is a calling for all and not a choice.”
Lessons in Resilience
Together, we applied to more than 15 colleges across Africa and America in 2023. That first year was not successful. But instead of giving up, we kept working and prepared for the next cycle.
During this time, I volunteered with DeWise Energy, founded by Mr. Seka. I joined in installing solar systems in local communities in Yaoundé, Cameroon, an experience that deepened my sense of service and connection to community impact.
Preparing for the Next Step
When the 2024 application cycle opened, Mr. Seka encouraged me to take the SAT. At first, I hesitated because of my family’s financial situation. But with the unwavering support of my parents, both financially and emotionally, I prepared using resources provided by Open Dreams. We selected Duke University as my Early Decision school. Writing the essays was challenging, but with continuous guidance, I refined my story and submitted my application.
The Moment of Truth
As I worked on other applications for Regular Decision, I anxiously awaited the Early Decision results. The day finally came. I counted the hours, the minutes, until the decision was released. Opening the website, the words appeared: Congratulations! I had been admitted to Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.
The celebration was overwhelming. I reached out to Mr. Seka Jean Blaise, Mr. Akaba James, Mr. Nju Reuben Akum, and my parents to share the good news. Together, we rejoiced in a dream realized; not just mine, but a collective victory for everyone who had walked this journey with me.
Life at Duke University
Today, I am proud to say that I am currently at Duke University, a supportive community that provides not only world-class education but also resources for wellbeing, mentorship, and personal growth. Here, I have met professors and peers who are kind, generous, and always ready to advise or guide me along my path.
Duke is more than a university; it is a place where every resource is designed to help students become impactful members of the world we live in today. I feel deeply grateful to be part of such a nurturing environment, one that continues to shape me into the person I aspire to be.
My journey is proof that resilience, mentorship, and community can turn obstacles into opportunities. Open Dreams gave me more than a chance at higher education; it gave me a family, a vision, and a responsibility to keep lending a helping hand. A Journey Shaped by Crisis
My educational journey was deeply affected by the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon. Due to the instability, my parents sent all of us, their children, to the northern region of Cameroon for safety. This meant leaving Saint Peter’s Comprehensive College Kumbo, and transferring to Government Bilingual High School, Banyo, where we studied for one year. Later, we relocated again to reunite with our parents in Magba, where I attended Collège Polyvalent Bilingue Sainte Famille de Magba.
Despite the constant transfers and challenges, I graduated from high school with 25 points at the GCE Advanced Level. In all, I attended 3 different schools.
Staying Glued to the Dream
To pursue my applications, I often had to travel nine hours by bus from Magba in the West Region to the Open Dreams Center in Yaoundé. Each trip was a sacrifice, but it was worth it. At the center, I took full advantage of the resources available, staying focused on my applications with the mentorship and guidance of Open Dreams Program Facilitators and Mentors. Those long journeys reminded me that dreams require effort, persistence, and sometimes discomfort. All of that paid off as I now live my academic dreams at Duke University in North Carolina, USA.
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