Lesson to the University Fresher

Congratulatory handshake from the then KNUST VC, Prof. Otu Ellis

I received my admission notice with mixed feelings. One, happy that I was going to ‘Tech’ and unhappy because I couldn’t get my first choice programme (I know some of you are going through same) but both were short lived.

I entered campus with the intention to know what life will offer me after all. First year, second year, third and now final year – and there are a few lessons I would like to share – as I saw them as the years went by. These will be helpful to first years and non-first years alike.

First of all, DON’T TAKE IT THAT YOU ARE IN THE UNIVERSITY ONLY TO LEARN. Wrong! The university is not there solely for teaching and learning. After all, in the twenty-four hours, how many hours do you spend at the lecture room or studio? The human being is a complete complex being and as such can multitask himself. You have to fulfill all other facets of the human life aside learning, and the university is one of the most perfect places for that to happen. Let me end that here, we will get to see more on that.

Secondly, THE UNIVERSITY IS FULL OF OPPORTUNITIES, FIND THEM! Napoleon Hills once said “Your big opportunity may be right where you are now”.
You can find out from the CEO of Keakster Development, Founder and CEO of AgroMindset, COO of Watsuptek.live, Head of RemedyMultimedia, DNTN Consult and
Ninety3Studios, NewPage, to mention but a few. Campus is a very fertile grounds and serves as a place and an opportunity to start up or sometimes, realise your dreams, plans and ideas.
Most of these aforementioned entrepreneurs started achieving their aims aside academia, right on campus.
Opportunities like human resource (in the form of people, friends, course mates, roommates, religious affiliates, political faithfuls); capital, which I will talk on soon; ‘connections’ and partnerships; inspiration, motivation and all you need to start up something – are all available if and only if you open up, open your eyes (become vigilant) and passionate about something.

Now let’s look at some of these opportunities. On human resources, you are surrounded by so great a cloud… Or let’s say a crowd. The university has so many people in it. People you’ll on a normal day not meet or get the chance to interact with. Right from your hall or hostel, through Mecca road (if you’re in KNUST), to the lecture halls, the library, shuttle areas, at church and even at the gorbɛ (food) joint. On the average, you are going to meet like seven people in a day, interact with just one of them and in the semester, you would have established rapport with about 120 people in the semester. But also, be discerning enough to know whom to approach and interact with and whom not to (don’t also be too ‘ahosh’).

CAPITAL, and I write on it in capitals  is the next thing I will talk of. I came to first year with quite an appreciable amount of money (that’s how I saw it at that time). And I had this money ‘sitting’ beside me and ‘looking’ at me doing nothing. By the time I realised, I had spent a chunk of it. Money is good but if you don’t have a purpose for it, it becomes bad.
Many people may be in my shoes too. With lots of cash but not knowing what to do with it.
Here are a few options which can attempt.
1. Investments: You can put your money to use through buying Treasury bills, MFunds, shares in companies doing well on the stock market or invest in a startup. There are a lot you can do but again know what you want to do, read and seek advice before you venture into it.

2. Starting up: You can also start up something. If you have the idea and the money, why not make it happen. Startups like fashion/clothing line, photography, publishing and printing, editing services, selling of gadgets, food and delivery service…the list is inexhaustible. You can do something, sometimes you’ll have to team up with a friend, relative(s) or colleague(s).

3. Loans: You can also lend out money to people and take interests on them. But be very cautious, if you don’t have the heart, courage and skills, don’t think of this.

“Let your money work for you” is what I will say to end this part…
And oh, those of us with financial difficulties, there are a chunk of scholarship schemes available. Just find out from the finance offices and you will be briefed on them. Make good use of them. They are there for you.

Again, BUILD RELATIONSHIPS ON CAMPUS. Human beings are social beings and as it is said “no man is an island”. Even if you’re an island, you will be surrounded by water bodies. What I want to drive at is, you need people and relationships to be successful.
We all at one point or the other hand to rely or ask for the assistance of someone to get going. As I earlier said, even in putting up a venture, you will need the advice or the assistance of others say, colleague(s), a tutor/lecturer, a religious leader or a relative.

We must appreciate the people we have in our lives and be ready never to underestimate anyone. Build relationships the very day you get to campus. That is why we don’t stay in one-in-a-room rooms in the traditional halls and even some of the hostels. Relationships are very necessary as humans. You might even find the person you will marry there so shine your eyes.

I have experiences of mates who would have missed tests and even examinations but for the vigilance and faithfulness of friends and other relations.
Some are good to the extent of having cordial relations with Heads of Departments and people of high status in the universities and they have really benefited from that. You are not far from it. You can start from your lecturers or academic tutors.
I don’t want to talk much. If you are introvert like I still am, there are still people you can be ‘like that’ with so try and find them. We all need someone at some time.

Next, TIME MANAGEMENT. The only commodity the old, young, rich and poor have in common is time. As students, how we use our time is very necessary. It can affect us a lot. Learn to learn at the appropriate time where you’re very efficient. Do what is important first then do what is necessary next. Apportion time for almost everything you do – from watching series to escorting your beloved (funny). Use your time wisely and know which time you can learn best and do so.

LEARNING is very important as a student. That is why your parents and guardians paid monies for you to be here (though it is their responsibility or your right, they could have invested elsewhere). Since you think it is their responsibility or your right, remember responsibilities come with rights. So you have to give time for your books too. I’m not the best person to ask you to learn but I think it is worth mentioning. You’ll understand better at the end of the semester. And also note, a trail is not the end of life. Setbacks make way for comebacks; but what you can avoid from happening, avoid them before they happen and your efforts will be rewarded.
Get senior course mates who will assist you and always remember to ask questions. The website is there for your perusal. Go there often. Whatever you don’t understand, someone else does. Seek assistance where necessary. If you don’t KNOW anything, ASK, don’t feel shy or be ashamed to do so. It will save you time, money and energy

To conclude, I will also talk on PUTTING GOD FIRST. Though I made it last doesn’t make it least. In fact, it is the most important. The world we are in has both the physical and spiritual aspect. So as you work on your body, don’t forget your spirit and soul. Go to church or the mosque, making sure that you are spiritually healthy at all times. I have testimonies which time won’t allow me. Give in your all to God and He will reward you in due time. Don’t party all day or study all day. Pray as well. Get time for God too.

PS: Join the right associations and organisations. Take up leadership roles. You will find them useful some time to come. Ladies and guys stay safe (you know what I mean). Go for programmes especially the ones with ‘ITEM 13 IS ASSURED’. Enjoy life but wisely, enjoy your stay on campus. You’re here for a reason, find it. I’m out!

The writer is a graduate from KNUST with a Bachelor of Science (First Class Honours) in Nursing. He is an IT lover and Art fanatic. He is a part-time graphic designer as well.

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Facebook: Isaac Emmanuel Dickson III
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