Meet Miss Manner Atimboro, President of the Civil Engineering Students Association
Interviewer: Kindly introduce yourself
Manner: My name is Miss Manner Thurlby Atimboro. I am enthusiastic and keen on developing the necessary skills and qualities for a successful career and future. I try to keep myself active, and I want to learn from more experienced people than myself, so I surround myself with those I can learn from. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and have just finished my third year. Civil engineering involves preparing, planning, constructing, operating and maintaining systems and infrastructure to maintain and improve society's orderly functioning.
Interviewer: What initially drew you to this field of study, and how has your academic journey evolved since you started studying in this College?
Manner: My interest in Civil Engineering is the fascination with how infrastructure shapes society and how the environmental aspect of civil engineering has a societal impact- a cause I’m passionate about.
This passion has deepened while at the CoE as I've delved into diverse coursework and hands-on projects. My academic journey here has honed my problem-solving skills and fostered a commitment to sustainability and making an impact, aligning perfectly with the dynamic field of civil engineering.
Interviewer: As a third-year student, you've had the opportunity to explore your program in depth. Can you share some highlights or key insights you've gained from your coursework and studies?
Manner: The final semester of my junior year had an Integrated Design course, amalgamating all the Civil Engineering fields to solve a problem. I chose a lot I wanted to explore and work on in this course. This course provided a wide range of experience, from site reconnaissance to field tests. I learned to think critically to solve problems, increased my communication skills, improved my collaboration skills by working closely with other experts and defended my work. This project culminated all the knowledge I had gained since my first year; overcoming it is something I'm proud to highlight.
Interviewer: What have been some of the most memorable moments or experiences you've had in this College so far?
Manner: My most memorable moments are at Engineers Without Borders (EWB) gatherings. It’s an unusual combination of me learning from my colleagues and lecturers, developing and practising hands-on what I learn in class, and building connections as I value diversity. Ultimately, I leave every meeting knowing that I have contributed to impacting communities and that my little volunteerism is changing people's lives.
Interviewer: Balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and personal life can be challenging. How do you manage your time effectively and maintain a healthy work-life balance?
Manner: By principle, I prioritise tasks, set realistic goals, and create a well-structured schedule that allocates time for academics, extracurricular activities, and personal life. I also check whether I can take them up before I let any new activity into my schedule, like church activities on short notice and hanging out with friends. I also review and adjust my schedule and frequently seek support from lecturers and mentors.
Interviewer: Have you had the chance to participate in internships, research projects, or study abroad programs during your university years? If so, how have these experiences contributed to your personal and professional growth?
Manner: I have interned with Arscale Lmt. and CGICOP (A consultancy and a Contractor, respectively), where I had the opportunity to experience work at the office, like report writing, making structural drawings and how board meetings look. I leveraged the opportunity to learn engineering surveys, quantity surveys of Civil Engineering materials and geotechnical investigations on-site and in the labs. I have also had the privilege to go on an exchange ( Visiting Scholar/student) at Iowa State University (ISU), USA, as part of a collaborative initiative between EWB-KNUST and EWB-ISU generously supported by the US Embassy, Ghana and KNUST CoE.
At ISU, I was exposed to cutting-edge research, innovative engineering techniques, and a vibrant academic community. This experience has fueled my passion for Civil Engineering and has motivated me to seek practical knowledge and hands-on training in both professional and educational settings.
Interviewer: Reflecting on your time in this College, are there any challenges you've faced, and how have you overcome them?
Manner: my most challenging moments are when I get overwhelmed by academic tasks, like meeting deadlines for projects and assignments, while I have a lot on my table. To overcome this, I have a study group where we work together on assignments and projects, share knowledge, and frequently learn. This has saved me the stress of sitting behind my books for hours. Also, knowing how busy I can get, I have made it a point to attend every lecture since my first year, and it has worked for me.
Interviewer: What advice would you offer first-year students beginning their university journey?
Manner: I suggest they regularly check in with their academic supervisors and mentors, identify colleagues who are better than you in a particular aspect you want to develop and learn from them. They should discipline themselves, commit diligently to every good cause and have accountability partners. I encourage them to make it a point to discover their purpose and work at it while committing diligently to their academic work. The campus is also an excellent place to grow spiritually, so leverage the opportunity. Lastly, they should make sure to build strong ties with both students and staff on campus.
Interviewer: You're approaching the final stages of your studies. What are your short-term and long-term goals, both academically and personally?
Manner: My academic goal is to maintain a first-class honour and excel in coursework. I want to make the most of my remaining time in college by taking specialised courses that align with my interests in civil engineering and eventually pursuing a master's degree. I wish to delve deep into project management so I can explore the various fields of Civil Engineering through diverse projects I can get to work on.
I want to continue building strong ties with my lecturers and colleagues for the rest of my stay here. I plan to work in a promising and fulfilling role within the civil industry to make money and invest in the education and empowerment of the youth in Northern Ghana, where I come from. As feminine as I am, I dream of building a family with someone who shares my vision.
Interviewer: Finally, if you could describe your overall experience in the College of Engineering in a few words or phrases, what would they be?
Manner: I am an ordinary young girl privileged to find herself on an extraordinary journey here at the College of Engineering. I have met lovely people I learn from, who continue to shape me in every sphere. My experience here has been nothing short of challenging and rewarding, transforming, impactful, opportunity for growth, progressive improvement and ultimately, exciting!
