Academics
Lily Nti-Kyeremeh poses in her dorm room

Training to be a Community Assistant began when she was seven years old.

Lily Nti-Kyeremeh '24 sometimes loses count of her brothers. "I come from a family of 8 or 9 - I forget because we have so many." Upon further review, Nti-Kyeremeh has eight siblings: seven brothers and one sister. Nti-Kyeremeh is the oldest.

Nti-Kyeremeh is from Ghana in west Africa. Large families are common (her mom is the oldest of 10). It's also common for the first-born - a revered distinction within their culture - to take on the role of a third parent. Since she was seven, Nti-Kyeremeh was responsible for her siblings.   

Lily and her younger siblings
Lily and her siblings

At school, Nti-Kyeremeh made sure her siblings weren't bullied. She also carried the money for the family. At home, she would line her brothers up and give them baths on the outdoor veranda. After that, she'd start dinner. She spent most of her childhood caring for other children. It makes sense that now as a college student, she's most comfortable caring for other college students.

Nti-Kyeremeh wants to be a doctor - specifically a neurosurgeon or neuroscientist. Years ago, she wanted to attend college in America post-high school. Her grades were good enough, but the scholarship money wasn't sufficient. She went to work, selling prepaid phone cards at the same store where her mom worked. After seven years, she decided to apply again. She needed to find a college in the States with her values and major, and with a scholarship package that would make it all possible. She prayed...

"God is the reason why I've come this far."

She believes God connected her to Siena. She started her freshman year in January, and a couple months later, applied to be a Community Assistant. Most freshmen don't get the job (or even apply), but most freshman aren't 25 - with nearly two decades experience raising children. Nti-Kyeremeh was assigned to Hennepin Hall this fall.

Nti-Kyeremeh is also the president of the International Student Association. It's in her nature to care for others, which is partly why she's chosen a career in medicine. She had to travel halfway around the world to do it (though she talks to her mom every single morning). Still, Nti-Kyeremeh believes she is exactly where she's supposed to be.

"I didn't realize it then, but having my siblings tell me how delicious the meals I prepared were, or how I had boiled their bathing water to the right temperature, or how I hadn't taken anyone's side during a dispute... helping my siblings, just like helping my fellow Saints, brings me immense joy." 

Lily Nti-Kyeremeh '21

"Lily Nti-Kyeremeh has been an instrumental leader on Siena's campus. Her compassion guides her in building strong relationships and connecting with a wide range of people. She serves as an advocate for others by seeing what support is needed and dedicates herself to implementing positive change. Lily has an innate ability to share optimism and radiate joy, even in a trying semester. All of these characteristics accumulate into someone who works to stay positive, create an inclusive environment, and be a great role model to others. As such, we can be proud that Lily is a part of the Siena community." 

Emiley Dionne, resident director of Hennepin Hall