Friday Feature: Ms. Akyere Sobukwe-Whyte ’05
"The community makes Rabun Gap special; I always had a sense of family and community even though I was thousands of miles away from home. From the faculty to the students, to the families that opened up their hearts and homes, my entire experience at Rabun Gap felt like home."
Ms. Akyere Sobukwe-Whyte ’05 is an Operations Manager for an investment management company in Johannesburg, South Africa. Akyere, whose father is from Ghana and mother is from South Africa, was born in Washington, DC but grew up in a number of African countries. When she came to Rabun Gap in 2001, her family was based out of Uganda. She, along with her sister Antwiwa Sobukwe-Whyte ‘02, was a boarding student. After graduating, she moved back to South Africa and obtained a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a postgraduate degree in Economics from Rhodes University. She moved to Cape Town to start her career in the financial services sector and along the way acquired a Masters Degree in Development Finance from the University of Cape Town’s Business School.
What made you decide on attending Rabun Gap? How many years did you attend?
My older sister, Antwiwa, went through the process of looking for an international boarding school to attend. She chose Rabun Gap, so she essentially made the decision. I simply followed her a year later, as little sisters do. I was there for four years from my freshman to senior year.
What do you do as a career?
Currently, I am an Operations Manager at an investment management company. This involves everything from recruiting, developing and managing teams to maintaining service levels with our clients. It includes the maintenance of our “engine”, continuous improvement of processes, staying on top of legislation and the implementation of business strategy as it relates to operations. Every day is different.
How would you say Rabun Gap has impacted your life since leaving? Did it change you as a person?
Rabun Gap definitely impacted me. My strongest characteristics can be directly linked to my experience there. I was fourteen when I left my family in Uganda, to join a boarding school on the other side of the world, in the middle of Northeast Georgia. Every single experience was a culture shock.
I found my independence and developed resilience. I learned to appreciate diversity and became a curious individual. Rabun Gap showed me the value of community and building meaningful relationships. I became comfortable celebrating my roots, being proud of my differences and sharing stories from my home. The three pillars of Work Study Worship illustrated the importance of having a solid foundation through which to live life.
Looking back as an adult, what in your mind makes Rabun Gap a special place?
The community makes Rabun Gap special; I always had a sense of family and community even though I was thousands of miles away from home. From the faculty, to the students, to the families that opened up their hearts and homes, my entire experience at Rabun Gap felt like home.
What was the greatest lesson being at Rabun Gap taught you?
Rabun Gap instilled in me a strong work ethic - one that not only commits but continuously strives to be better. At the same time, it illustrated the need to live a curious, varied, and full life. This means spending time discovering and growing in what you love and are passionate about.
Tell us about something you wish you would have done while at Rabun Gap, but didn't.
Rabun Gap is truly an exceptional place, every experience was unique and valuable. I wish I had practiced more gratitude and taken less for granted.
Which sports/clubs/extracurricular activities were you involved in while at Rabun Gap?
I was involved in tennis, Equestrian Club, French Club, National Art Honours Society, and Community Service.
What's your favorite memory from Rabun Gap?
The proud journey that was my Senior Symposium Project- setting up and teaching a weekly art class for local elementary students, organizing an art exhibition and showcasing all of their completed work. Being given a platform to explore an interest and the autonomy to create my own space was a priceless experience.
Another favourite memory was the annual International Day. It was a day dedicated to celebrating our cultures, sharing our customs and stories. Tracking down specific ingredients to make dishes from home and wearing our traditional attire was an educational experience that everyone participated in. I remember the atmosphere being vibrant and lively, and it being a very proud moment.
What do you miss most about Rabun Gap?
I miss the sense of safely and feeling informed but protected from a world that is less pretty. I miss the freedom to discover and explore. There was a special place for everyone’s unique talents and interests. I miss being surrounded by a squad of teachers/mentors/coaches/dorm parents who constantly had your best interest at heart and were driven to see you win.
And the mountains, I miss the mountains dearly.
What advice do you have for current Rabun Gap students that you wish someone told you during your time at school?
My advice would be to slow down, enjoy yourself and take everything in.
Which teacher or coach had the greatest influence on you?
Ms. Manoogian and Ms. Loder’s art classes where I spent hours creating and visually expressing myself, something that was initially daunting and unfamiliar to me. Every canvas became an opportunity to be vulnerable, challenge perspectives and tell a story. Till today, even with a career in finance, I nestle in art as my release and meditation of choice.
"I remember Akyere very well," says Ms. Terri Manoogian. "Her bubbly personality and huge smile are what I remember most. She is a testament to the legacy of Rabun Gap.
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
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Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a private, coeducational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12. Centrally located between Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, we prepare young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service.
