Unlocking Your Potential: Joy, Purpose, and the Ikigai Journey with Cynthia UwimpuhweIn this inspiring episode of Global Student Voices, host Scott R. Martin sits down with Cynthia Uwimpuhwe, a first-year student at the African Leadership University (ALU) in Kigali, Rwanda. Known for her infectious joy, clarity of purpose, and deep self-awareness, Cynthia shares her powerful journey of self-discovery and her vision for creating meaningful change in her community.Throughout the conversation, Cynthia explores the importance of confidence, purpose, and intentional living. She reflects on how embracing the Japanese concept of Ikigai—the intersection of passion, skills, purpose, and impact—has shaped her academic path and personal mission. Listeners will gain insight into the mindset required to pursue purpose-driven work, especially as a young leader in Africa.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why self-belief is the foundation of personal and professional successHow the Ikigai framework can help you discover your purposeThe meaning behind the idea that “the two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you discover why”What it means to do hard things and thrive within the innovative culture of African Leadership UniversityHow Cynthia is working to address food waste and food insecurity in Rwanda through community-driven solutionsCynthia’s story is a powerful reminder that purpose, joy, and impact are deeply connected—and that young leaders across Africa are shaping a more hopeful future.Connect with Cynthia Uwimpuhwe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-uwimpuhwe/Email: cynthiampuhwe@gmail.comKeywords: Global Student Voices, African Leadership University, Ikigai, purpose-driven life, self-discovery, confidence, youth leadership, African changemakers, food security in Rwanda, personal growth, student success.This video is brought to you by Global Student Solutions and My College Coach and more information is available on the website at www.theGlobalStudentSolutions.com

This week on Global Student Voices, Coach Martin sits down with someone you absolutely need to know: Paul Udah, the Student Representative President at African Leadership University (ALU) — and the first Nigerian ever elected to the role. In this conversational and motivating episode, Paul opens up about his journey from what he calls a “failed spot” to becoming a powerful young voice in international education and student leadership. Representing a student body from 40+ countries, Paul serves as the connector between ALU’s administration and its students, advocating for better systems, stronger community life, and a leadership model driven by impact, not politics.You’ll hear Paul talk about:What makes African Leadership University a globally recognized hub for leadership education, How he learned to negotiate, manage projects, and influence change on campus, Why Africa’s next generation of leaders must focus on solving problems, not chasing positions, His long-term mission to consult with organizations and governments, How personal growth transformed his life—and can transform others, and If you’re passionate about international education, student success stories, or the future of leadership in Africa, this episode will stay with you long after it ends.Paul Udah’s BookPaul is the author of You: The Starting Point to Global Leadership, a practical guide created to help struggling young people grow, build confidence, and step into leadership.Get Paul’s Book: • Email: pauludahleadershipfirm@gmail.com • Also available via SellarConnect with Paul: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-udah-/ • Founder, Paul Udah Leadership FirmAbout the Host – Coach MartinCoach Martin (Scott R. Martin) has spent nearly 30 years supporting students around the world as they navigate university pathways, personal growth, and global opportunities.Check out his book: • The World Needs YOU by Scott R. Martin (Amazon)Explore coaching & resources: • www.theglobalstudentsolutions.comEnjoying Global Student Voices?Be sure to SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW — it’s the best way to support the show and never miss powerful conversations like this one.

Embracing the Journey: The Untold Story Behind Ben Between Africa What does it mean to grow up between cultures and how do family stories shape our sense of belonging?In this episode of Global Student Voices, Coach Scott R. Martin sits down with Ari Ali, creator of the powerful documentary Ben Between Africa. Together, they explore the deeply personal journey behind the film, uncovering themes of Third Culture Kid (TCK) identity, family silence, loss, cultural displacement, and healing through storytelling.Ari shares how making this film helped her recognize her own TCK identity for the first time, while retracing the life of her uncle Ben, a missionary in Ethiopia whose story was left largely unspoken. Through letters, memory, and reflection, Ari confronts questions many global families carry: Why are some stories never told? What happens when we lose our cultural home?In this conversation, we explore:What it means to grow up as a Third Culture Kid (TCK)The emotional impact of cultural displacement and return migrationFamily legacy, loss, and the silence around difficult storiesThe “superpowers” TCKs develop through adaptability and cross-cultural empathyHow film and storytelling can be powerful tools for healing and connectionAri also reflects on audience reactions to Ben Between Africa—including how small, familiar images from the film awaken deep memories for viewers around the world. These shared experiences reveal just how universal the search for belonging truly is.🎬 Learn more about the film and get tickets:https://www.benbetweenafrica.com/About Global Student VoicesGlobal Student Voices is a podcast sharing stories from globally minded students, educators, creators, and leaders navigating education, identity, and life across cultures.If this episode resonates with you, like, subscribe, and share to support global storytelling.Leave a comment and tell us: Where do you feel most at home?#ThirdCultureKid #TCK #GlobalStudentVoices #BenBetweenAfrica #CrossCulturalIdentity #GlobalEducation #DocumentaryFilm #Storytelling #CulturalBelonging #InternationalLife #DiasporaStoriesCoach Martin is providing individual coaching services from the founder of GSS, Scott Martin. more information is available on the website at www.theGlobalStudentSolutions.com