Ignatius Ayinbora Atimolga, a final-year BSc Electrical and Electronic Engineering student at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), has reflected on his academic journey, highlighting how his initial expectations evolved into an appreciation of the discipline and the personal growth it offers.
Entering the programme, Atimolga anticipated a largely hands-on experience centred on building electronic gadgets. However, his early classroom encounters challenged that assumption, revealing a curriculum rooted more in theory and analytical thinking.
“I honestly thought it was going to be very practical,” he recalled. “But when I actually started, it was very different. It was more theory, mathematics and analysis.”
He noted that despite persistent effort, some concepts proved difficult to grasp, leading to moments of frustration and mounting academic pressure.
“There were times I would read something over and over again and it still wouldn’t make sense. When multiple courses required the same level of attention, it became very demanding,” he explained.
To navigate these challenges, Atimolga adopted a more disciplined and consistent approach to his studies, focusing on gradual improvement rather than immediate mastery.
“One thing that really helped me was learning how to stay consistent even when I didn’t understand everything. I started taking things step by step, asking a lot of questions and relearning some concepts,” he said.
Balancing other responsibilities with academic work helped him become more disciplined in managing his time and staying organised to keep up with the pace of his studies.
“This has taught me discipline and time management. I’ve had to learn how to plan my days and stay organised,” he noted.
Looking back, Atimolga acknowledged the value of the theoretical foundation he initially underestimated and its role in shaping his critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
“I think I was a bit too focused on the practical side,” he said. “But what I am seeing now is that the theory is actually building the foundation for everything. It is training me to think critically, solve problems properly and not just look for shortcuts.”
Although the experience differed from his initial expectations, he believes it has been instrumental in his overall development.
“Overall, the journey hasn’t been what I expected at the beginning, but it has really changed my perspective. It’s pushing me to grow both as an engineer and as a person, and I believe it is preparing me for bigger challenges ahead,” he added.
Story: Belinda Opoku Danso
