19/08/2026
“It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.”
Today, those words carry a deeper meaning for me as I celebrate the successful completion of my Master of Science (MSc) in Sustainable Development from the Cuttington University School of Graduate and Professional Studies (Global Affairs and Policy).
This achievement is the product of two years of sacrifice, sleepless nights, moments of self-doubt, continued prayers, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to a dream that sometimes felt far away, but never impossible.
As a musician, education is not always part of the conversation, especially in our society. Too often, talent, popularity, and public recognition overshadow academic pursuits. Yet, I have always believed that growth should never be confined to one path. Musicians are capable of chasing multiple dreams at the same time.
As Liberians, we know that education is not only about intelligence or hard work. More often, it is about endurance, surviving difficult seasons, finding school fees when there seems to be no way, balancing family responsibilities, work and refusing to give up when every obstacle tells you to quit.
This degree represents every challenge I faced, every setback I overcame, and every person who stood beside me along the journey.
First and foremost, I give all glory to God Almighty. There were days when the future seemed uncertain. Days when the academic pressure felt heavier than New Kru Town sand bag 😌, and moments when I genuinely questioned whether I would make it to this point. But through it all, God's grace sustained me, HIS favor covered me, and HIS mercy carried me forward. Without God, determination, and hard work, this milestone would not have been possible.
To my beloved parents, Rev. Henry F.K. George and Mother Getrude C. George, this accomplishment belongs to you just as much as it belongs to me.
Thank you for every sacrifice you made so I could have opportunities you may never have had yourselves. Thank you for every prayer whispered on my behalf, every word of encouragement, and every lesson about faith, discipline, hard work, and resilience.
There were burdens you carried that I did not fully understand at the time. There were sacrifices you made quietly and selflessly so that I could keep moving forward. Today, I stand on the foundation you built for me, and I will forever remain grateful.
I would also like to express profound appreciation to former President George Manneh Weah for creating an avenue of opportunity that enabled me to earn a living, save money, and pay my school fees. Understanding the struggles many Liberian students and musicians face, I do not take that opportunity for granted. It played a meaningful role in helping me reach this stage, and for that, I remain deeply thankful.
My sincere gratitude also goes to Senator Bill Twehway for his fatherly support and remarkable generosity.
A very special thank-you goes to my supervisor, Dr. J. Teakon Williams (the senior brother of my favorite Liberian rapper, Superstar JB the General). Thank you for believing in me even when my work was far from perfect. Your patience, guidance, corrections, and invaluable feedback pushed me to become better. Many times, I thought my thesis was complete, only for you to identify areas that needed improvement.
At the time, it felt challenging, but today I understand that your insistence on quality and commitment to academic excellence was preparing me to become a stronger researcher and professional.
I also extend profound gratitude to Professor Kau Belleh and Ambassador Elias B. Shoniyin. Throughout this program, your academic rigor, leadership, and commitment to excellence inspired students, particularly me, to become better thinkers, scholars, and purposeful citizens. You never accepted mediocrity because you believed students were capable of achieving greatness. The lessons you taught went far beyond textbooks and the classroom which have helped shape our character and prepare us for service to our nation and the world.
I am deeply grateful to Honorable Richard Ngafuan of the Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS) for his generous support during my research. Thank you for providing the official population data for my study area.
To all my professors, thank you for investing your knowledge, experience, and time into our lives. Your impact will continue long after graduation.
To my classmates, thank you for the friendships, support, laughter, and shared struggles. The journey was not always easy, but walking it together made it worthwhile.
Today, my story stands as proof that a Liberian musician can pursue academic excellence while doing music. It is proof that with faith, determination, resilience, and the support of good people, dreams can still become reality in Liberia.
This degree is dedicated to my parents, my mentors, and every young Liberian who is fighting through hardship but refusing to surrender their dreams.
Keep believing. Keep pushing. Keep praying. Keep trusting God.
Your story is still being written.
To everyone who prayed for me, encouraged me, corrected me, supported me academically, emotionally, financially, and spiritually, from the depths of my heart, I say a big THANK YOU.
I remain forever grateful.
May God bless you all, yaaaaa! 🙏🏾
