We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Benjamin James Mulbah. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Benjamin James below.
Benjamin James , thanks for taking the time to share your lessons with our community today. So, let’s jump right in – one of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. Where does your self-discipline come from?
My self-discipline stems from my upbringing, rooted in the values my parents instilled in me. Growing up in a family where discipline wasn’t just expected, but lived out daily, I learned early on the importance of structure and responsibility. My parents, strict but fair, led by example. They followed the same household rules as my siblings and me, which set a foundation of consistency that shaped my outlook on life.
In our household, there were certain non-negotiables: weekly family devotion every Sunday, and bringing home good grades to show our appreciation for the sacrifices my parents made for our education. Despite their absence from our school grounds, their presence loomed large through these expectations. They created an environment where we understood that discipline wasn’t a punishment but a key to achieving greatness.
This sense of responsibility transferred into every aspect of my life. I realized early on that achieving anything meaningful requires focus, persistence, and the ability to hold oneself accountable. I took the lessons from home, particularly my father’s advice, and applied them as I pursued my goals.
Overcoming challenges became less daunting because I had a system: I linked everything I did to my long-term goals, discipline, and consistency. Pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering, while juggling many other demands, has tested this resolve. There are times when consistency feels impossible because of competing priorities, but I’ve learned that turning my goals into habits is the key to staying on track.
In essence, my self-discipline comes from a blend of the principles my parents imparted to me and the practices I’ve developed as I’ve grown. It’s not easy, but with each challenge, I become more committed to turning discipline into a lifestyle, not just a means to an end.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m currently pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering at the University of Lay Adventist of Kigali in Rwanda. Before this, I graduated from William V. S. Tubman-Gray United Methodist High School in Liberia in 2021, where I had the privilege of serving as the boys’ varsity basketball captain for two years, working as a Teacher’s Assistant, and winning the Best Graphic Arts Student of the Year award. I also had the opportunity to participate in an Exchange Program in the USA, where I sharpened my leadership skills and broadened my worldview.
In my current journey, I am actively involved in the Google Developer Student Club, where I engage in peer-to-peer tutoring, networking, and learning from others in the tech community. I’ve always found immense value in collaborating with people who share my passion for innovation and problem-solving. Volunteering and connecting with others is something I’m deeply committed to, as it continuously helps me grow both personally and professionally.
What excites me the most professionally is the potential to make a tangible impact on education in Liberia. My long-term goal is to provide high school students in Liberia with access to comprehensive, project-based education in software development. By offering both hands-on and virtual learning experiences, I aim to prepare students for careers in tech or further studies. I’m driven by the desire to give young people opportunities I didn’t have growing up—opportunities that can empower them to succeed early in life.
In addition to my academic and professional pursuits, I’m also a commercial model, and I have a growing interest in high fashion. It’s something I enjoy exploring in my free time, and I look forward to getting more involved in that space in the future.
Whether it’s through education or fashion, my focus is on creating pathways for others to succeed while staying true to the things I love. I’m excited about the future and what lies ahead, and I’m driven by the desire to keep learning, growing, and contributing to the community around me.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, the three most impactful qualities and skills that have shaped my path are: passion, respect, and dedication.
1. Passion
Growing up in Liberia, where resources for youth to pursue their dreams are often limited, passion became my driving force. My love for technology was ignited at a young age, despite not having clear access to computers or tech resources. I remember the first time I got close to a desktop computer at my grandparents’ house. Though I wasn’t allowed to touch it, I learned from my cousin, who was attending a vocational program. Together, we would practice typing on an old keyboard, turning it into a fun competition. That passion for technology is what kept me pushing forward, even when the odds were against me. My advice for those just starting out is to nurture your passion, even when the path isn’t clear. It will carry you through challenges.
2. Respect
Respect is something I was taught early on, both at home and in my community. Growing up in a strict family in an African setting, respect wasn’t optional; it was a way of life. Whether it was respecting elders or even younger people, I learned that respect builds bridges and opens doors. In my community, discipline came from everyone, not just parents. If you got in trouble, anyone could hold you accountable, and that level of mutual respect became ingrained in me. This quality has helped me professionally, especially now that I’m away from home. Even in Rwanda, I still carry that sense of respect with me, which has allowed me to build strong, positive relationships wherever I go. For those beginning their journey, I recommend cultivating respect—it’s a timeless skill that fosters trust and success.
3. Dedication
My dedication to my goals is what keeps me moving forward. Whether it’s volunteering or my academic pursuits, I approach everything with the same commitment. During the pandemic, I volunteered 55.5 hours of community service with Academic Year in America (AYA). That experience deepened my love for helping others and reinforced the idea that dedication goes hand in hand with making a difference. My approach to staying dedicated is to turn my goals into habits, ensuring that I keep making progress, no matter how small. For those just starting out, my advice is to remain committed to your goals, even when it gets tough. Consistency and dedication are key to long-term success.
However, passion, respect, and dedication have been the pillars of my journey. By nurturing these qualities, I’ve been able to overcome obstacles and stay focused on what truly matters.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
The person who has been most instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and develop the essential skills I needed for success is my high school principal, Rev. Dr. Anna Kaydor Labala. She has been a guiding figure in my life, offering invaluable support and wisdom that shaped me both academically and personally.
Coming from a disciplined family, I had limited opportunities to explore new hobbies outside the home. School became the place where I could truly grow, and meeting Rev. Dr. Labala was a pivotal moment. She provided strong guidance and helped me maintain a high academic standard, keeping me focused even when I was playful by nature. Her belief in me, even to this day, has had a lasting impact. She brought me closer to God and instilled in me the importance of helping others, a value that has become central to who I am.
Her dedication to guiding students, especially teenagers, is truly remarkable. It’s not easy to keep young people focused on their education, yet she made it happen with patience and care. She taught me that opportunities are rare, and when they come, we must seize them. For all of this, she deserves the highest recognition for the role she played in my success.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_iceyben?igsh=MTBnZHN0eG5xenpuYQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iceyben?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-mulbah-8a7a39181?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
Benjamin James Mulbah
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
