Joshua Cann Lamptey has traveled a long and impressive road of accomplishments and aspirations that have led him to his convocation day at Niagara College.
Originally from Ghana, West Africa, Joshua came to Niagara College to study in the Hospitality and Tourism Management program. With a background in photography and media, he leveraged these skills beyond his program to work as a Social Media Associate in the College’s School of Hospitality and Tourism. Combining his academic knowledge with his exceptional photography skills, he showcased the achievements of students and graduates in the School. Through this role, Joshua gained new marketing skills that enriched his creative skill set and his future business aspirations.
Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, Joshua’s diverse experience includes working as a university teaching assistant, senior technician at Opoku Ware II Museum, and a member of BlaxterLINES, an art community. His dream is to become a renowned artist and to own his own museum one day.
Reflecting on his time at Niagara College, Joshua shares his thoughts and experiences:
Your NC Experience
What were you doing before attending NC?
Before attending Niagara College, I worked as a Senior Technician and Assistant Department Administrator at the university I graduated from in Ghana. I also ran a photography and videography business and worked as a Media Expert for the Metropolitan Assembly.
What led you to study at NC and your program of study?
My parents have been running a bakery and restaurant business for years, and I wanted to find ways to expand the business and make it one of the top bakery and restaurant establishments in North America. This motivated me to study Hospitality and Tourism Management at NC to acquire the knowledge needed to help our family business grow.
What interests you in / why are you passionate about your field of study?
Knowledge is power, and I believe there is nothing one cannot do. Although my initial passion was to become a medical doctor, circumstances led me to pursue art, where I excelled. This field has allowed me to combine my artistic talents with my interest in business, particularly in entrepreneurship, which aligns with my goal of owning a museum.
What did you find rewarding about your program/area of study?
My course in Entrepreneurship stood out to me as it directly supports my goal of museum management. The marketing knowledge I gained is invaluable, not only for running a museum but also for other entrepreneurship in other fields as well.
Did you face and overcome any challenges to graduate?
There were many challenges I faced, especially regarding time management, how to balance academic work, professional work, staff work, family, and my faith. What really helped me was to have a schedule and stick to it. At times, I had to sacrifice some important things just to make sure I completed my schedule for the day. I never gave up on working hard and taking my academic work seriously, and always made sure to be the first person to show up in class.
These challenges have shaped me into who I am today. Though they aren’t always easy to overcome, I always embrace challenges because they make me curious, and I always come out with a new skill gained.
Were you involved in any clubs/teams or extracurricular activities during your time at NC?
I believe that volunteering is something everyone should do, as it leads to unexpected opportunities. I’ve always loved giving back to this school that has given me so much. Working as a Social Media Associate for Niagara College was a role I cherished, and I was dedicated to giving my best in everything I did for the SchHospitality and Tourism department.
What’s next for you?
Currently, I am working with a construction and engineering company, which I enjoy. My goal is to return to Niagara College to pursue a course in Construction Management to further enhance my skills and career opportunities.
