Nickname(s): Izzy, Bellacqua, Izzybabes, Iz
Nationality: Ghanaian with a pinch of American and British
Favourite Catchphrase/saying: Ayeshh this one dierr, It’s hot like chicken Vindaloo, We Moveee, Periodt, Ad3n?
Favourite Class: French lessons with Monsieur Abloso were the funniest times of my life
Favourite Form: Form 4, Socio with Mr Paul was a movie, with the engaging debates and intriguing discussion and also the play rehearsals for Merchants of Venice where we shared such refreshing moments where I could bond and get advice from many people both older and younger.
Favourite staff member: That’s a hard one, but Auntie Becky has to be my top favourite as well as Mr Ako, Mrs Senya, Mr Kofie, Mr Ameko,Mr Boateng and Mr Paul
Favourite spot: *Only 6 formers shall enter*
Most embarrassing moment: In From 1, I had finally mustered the courage to participate in a UN day performance with one of my mates and a senior friend as we had just entered form 1. Unfortunately, one of my friends bailed on me, so I had to just wing it because at that point I was extremely nervous since it was my first time singing on stage without my voice being drowned in a group. After thinking I had done an okay job I go back to sit with my friends and lo and behold my friends inform me some girls in front were laughing at me, talking about how bad my voice was and seeing them evidently laughing made the feeling worse, trust me if the floor could have swallowed me at that moment I would have loved that.
Four words that describe you: Ambivert, Kind, Determined, Overthinker
Your GIS experience in one word: Oxymoron
Best GIS memories: I remember the day before we were about to perform the play In The Heights, all of sudden everyone seemed to be getting sore throats and just feeling all worn out, so a parent surprised us with some lime and honey and we got to bond and ended up feeling ten times better than before. Then the next day after the performance while getting ready for day 2 we were again pleasantly surprised by a beautiful comment made on our production by the one and only Lin Manuel Miranda, the creator of the play, the jubilations weren’t small at all. Also, working at the haunted house was hilarious, imagine me being ‘bloody mary’ while this boy comes up to me scared out of his mind yet still trying to be bold saying he can fight me, I tried my hardest not to laugh because at that point I just couldn’t hold character when this boy was shouting at me at the top of his lungs. How could I also forget the bio trip with Ameezies (Ama) as my roommate, with exception of the accident, It was laughter upon laughter,Iykyk. Lastly, almost all my shenanigans with Blessing, I remember specifically the times where I would force her to be part of my mini fake YouTube videos regardless of whether she is feeling it or not. One time we were doing a whole vlog during our free period but that was cut a bit short when we almost got caught by Mr. Amponsah Mensah.
Where you think you will be 10 years from now: Let the success speak for itself.
That One person who inspired you during your time GIS: Mr. Ako’s words are ones that would resonate in my head throughout my life due to the motivation it instilled in me even at a point where I thought there was no hope. Form 5 after mocks after struggling continuously with some of my subjects, including economics, I decided to make peace with my fate and while I had gotten a C I had only hoped by some divines grace I could push to a B but, once I went to his office after we had received our mock papers from him, he looked at me and said “ Isabella I know you can make an A*” You should have seen my face, I laughed silently thinking it was far from my reach but those words still rang in my head, making me put even more effort and I’m sure you guys can guess what I ended up getting in my final exam, just to clarify the prediction was definitely my reality.
Best lesson GIS taught you: Friends come and go but friends who influence you positively are keepers.
What you want to be remembered for at GIS: For being the one and only Bellacqua, maybe not as popularly known as the brand just yet, but always accommodating and willing to help whenever I can.
Greatest achievement while at GIS: Standing on the assembly hall stage presenting my manifesto while hundreds of eyes stared back at me, and honestly passing through the whole process of prefectship elections, although I lost, the experience I got can never be replaced.
Best advice while at GIS and who gave it? : “You can do it”, “Don’t limit yourself”. Mrs Owusu Boateng, Mr Ako, Mr Paul, Mr Ok, Mrs Senyah and Mrs Baah would always stand as the teachers who kept reinforcing these ideas in my head and I would always appreciate them for that.
What you will tell your 13-year-old self knowing what you know now: There may be a lot to catch up on, but anything is possible if you put your mind to it. You have to cherish the people who cherish you, don’t waste time on the ones that disrespect your value and although you may be looking for 100% in everyone that you find close to you, remember that nobody is perfect. We all have flaws, you just have to know your worth and maintain your price and let the rest play out for itself. Nevertheless, don’t set the pace, set the stage.
A song that best describes your entire GIS experience: Zoom by Cheque
Social media/contact information: Instagram bell_acqua and on Snapchat with bellacqua
Any last words: I thank God for seeing me through this 12-year journey in GIS, I would definitely miss all the events enjoyed and all the ones I missed as well. I’m really thankful for this opportunity and want to take the time to thank all the teachers who taught me, helping contribute to the person I am today. If I were to mention all the teachers, staff, and students that impacted me throughout my journey, we would not finish now, so I just want them to know I really appreciate each and every teacher, staff member and student who has been such a positive influence on me and I can’t wait to see them all again in the future when I’m all grown up and flourishing, and that’s on periodt.
Remember -Tough times never last only tough people do –
IZZY OUT