I was born in Washington, DC and raised mostly in Northern, VA. I am the oldest of 4 brothers and 1 sister. I have always been a very spirited individual taking dance classes throughout my life, even taking a position at Joy of Motion Dance Center in Washington, DC. Anyone who knows me knows that I love fitness, eating and cooking, and they consume my life (in a good way) and are a big part of who I am. Being outdoors is also important to me. Fitness and nature are my walking meditations and help me to feel centered. 

I first attended college at Northern Virginia Community College, at this time I met Benjie. I then moved to Roanoke, VA to obtain my Bachelor's in biology from Hollins University. I am currently working on my application for an accelerated nursing program to obtain my BSN, and then ultimately becoming a Nurse Practioner. 

My academic journey has been a long and hard one, but very fulfilling. I have endured unique struggles that have shaped the core of my being. I think a big part of what makes Benjie and I close are the similarity in our personal struggles. I am grateful for this, we have definitely leaned on one another for strength. 

My name is Benjamin Ahiadada and I was born in Ghana-West Africa. I am the 5^th born from a family of seven.  My dad is deceased and my mum is still living back home, never got married after the death of my father. My mum was a business woman and my dad was in the military for 32 years. My early childhood was a typical middle class military family. I am also many things: Ambitious, outgoing, cheerful, nerdy and always analytical (in a good way, of course).

I migrated to the United States in the early 2005 in search for greener pastures, and to expand my horizon. In 2007, I enrolled in Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) and earned my Associate Degree of Science in Engineering.   

 I met the love of my life, Ashanti in 2009 while she was also attending NVCC and working nights in the apartment complex where I use to live. We soon discovered we have so much in common: funny, hard-working and ambitious to say the least. We created a friendship that allows us to express ourselves freely and not hold back our feelings. “The rest they say is history”. Ashanti and I fell deeply in love with each other and our bond grew stronger and stronger amidst the struggles and challenges with faced. We both went to college in different state and maintained a long distance relationship throughout. Our hope for the future and believe in each other became the wind beneath our wings as we relentlessly pursue our dreams far from each other. In 2014, on the eve of our graduation, God blessed and sealed our relationship with a brave, intelligent and a beautiful baby girl named Avery (meaning the wise ruler).