By 2003 Kouassi Dapa had spent nine years in IT serving in the army as a citizen of the Ivory Coast. As with other Regis students, it was his family’s encouragement and gentle persuasion that led him to shift his focus towards a new path, one that included continuing education. For Dapa, that shift involved a move to Denver to pursue a Bachelor’s in accounting degree from Regis University CPS.
“The political and economic life in the Ivory Coast is tough,” Dapa explains. “Even people with college degrees can’t find work.”
Dapa took his sister up on her suggestion and moved to Denver, where he initially enrolled in the Community College of Aurora (CCA), a community college partner within Regis’ Associate’s to Bachelor’s transfer program. And with the transfer to Regis, he is earning his Bachelor’s degree in accounting.
“I’ve gotten further at Regis than most of my family could have ever dreamed. I’d like to earn a Master’s degree and take the CPA exam,” he said with pride.
Dapa currently works in cost accounting for Laser Technology, a company that manufactures sophisticated measuring devices, while going to school. The pursuit and achievement of a Master’s degree in accounting and CPA certification will only further support his career goals and aspirations. Then Dapa will serve as the family member to instill the importance of education with future generations, which includes his 11-year old son who joined him from the Ivory Coast in 2009.
“My parents are proud. My sister is proud. And I know I’m on the path to a better life.”
