Alumni Stories | Mamadú Fati: “From Struggle to Success – How USJ Became the Key to My Future”
Alumni Stories | Mamadú Fati: "From Struggle to Success - How USJ Became the Key to My Future"
24
Nov
24/11/2025
Learn about the incredible journey of Mamadú Fati from Guinea-Bissau, who not only earned a Bachelor’s degree but also went on to achieve a Master’s in Business Administration at USJ Macao!
When Mamadú Fati first arrived at the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) from Guinea-Bissau in 2019, he faced a challenge that many international students know all too well: a language barrier. His English was basic, sufficient for greetings but not for the complex, fast-paced discussions of a university classroom. He arrived two weeks after classes had already begun, feeling behind and overwhelmed. The fear of failure was a constant companion.
“My English was not good,” Mamadú recalls. “It was basic. I came from a culture where we speak more Portuguese and our mother tongue (Creole). Understanding academic English was a completely different world.”
Yet, this is where the USJ community stepped in. Instead of letting him fall behind, his classmates and professors immediately recognised his struggle. They didn’t see it as a weakness, but as an opportunity to support.
“They never let me behind,” he says with gratitude. “They were always pulling me to their side. In class discussions, if I couldn’t answer, they understood. They would come to talk to me, asking if I had any difficulties. I felt free to talk to them, and they guided me on how to overcome the situation.”
This supportive environment was the foundation upon which Mamadú built his success. Professors from the USJ Faculty of Business and Law like Alessandro Lampo, Sérgio Gomes, Alessandro Lobo, Emil Marques, and Ansoumane Douty DIAKITÉ, became more than teachers; they became mentors who invested in his journey. They offered patience, gave him tips to work faster, and, crucially, provided the motivational push he needed.
He remembers a pivotal moment after failing an accounting exam due to the language barrier. A professor sat him down for a tough conversation: “You need to work hard. There are a thousand people out there who need this opportunity but they don’t get it. How are you going to face your family if you go back?”
This accountability, combined with the unwavering support, ignited his determination. He was driven not only by his own ambitions but by the sacrifices of his family. “My mother didn’t have the opportunity to study,” he shares. “She told me, ‘I don’t have eyes to see; you go and you can show me the way.’ That was one of the things that pushed me.”
Mamadú’s story is not just one of academic triumph but of holistic growth. He embraced the spirit of community that he brought from home, where voluntary work is a cultural obligation. When typhoons hit Macao or during the COVID-19 vaccination drives, he was there, volunteering his time to clean up and help others.
“We know it is our obligation,” he explains. “We don’t need to wait for the government or someone else. This is our home, and we need to go together.” This dedication led USJ to nominate him as their representative for International Volunteer Day in 2022, a recognition of his leadership and compassion.
Beyond the classroom and community service, Mamadú also excelled as the captain of the USJ football team, learning invaluable lessons about commitment, teamwork, and fighting till the end. He balanced this with his studies and a job, mastering the art of time management, often sacrificing sleep to achieve his goals.
His journey from a Bachelor’s student to a Master’s graduate in Business Administration showcased his incredible progress. The intensive, focused nature of the Master’s programme suited him, allowing him to dive deep into subjects and apply his knowledge to real-world contexts, like analyzing successful business models from Egypt for potential application in his home country.
When asked what advice he has for future students from Portuguese-speaking countries or anywhere else who might hesitate due to language or confidence, his answer is clear: “Be open-minded. Be humble. Be easy-going. Be a friend. If I had stayed in my place and not involved myself with anyone, I would have lost my scholarship. You need to know what you want for yourself. Set small goals and execute them. It will never be easy, but it is always possible.”
For Mamadú, the USJ experience was more than a degree; it was a transformation. The university’s intimate environment, accessible professors, and multi-cultural community provided the perfect key.
“If I could describe my USJ experience in one word, it would be ‘key’,” he concludes. “What you learn here, the environment with people from Cabo Verde, Angola, Brazil, China, Myanmar, France, Tanzania, Ghana… It is a key that can open any door. You learn about different cultures, you gain knowledge, and no matter where you go next, it will never be something new. You are prepared for the world.”
Your Key Awaits. Start Your Journey at USJ.
