The KNUST Counselling Centre (KCC), in collaboration with the Resilient Minds Project at KNUST, has organized an academic life seminar for first-year students. The event aimed to equip students with the tools they need to adjust to university life and enhance their learning skills.
The Resilient Minds Future Leaders Project is a mental health initiative by Johnson & Johnson and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi.
The Head of the Counselling Centre, Mrs. Victoria De-Graft Agyei, emphasized the Centre's commitment to supporting the student body with the resources available to them. She encouraged students to reach out for help.
"The KNUST Counselling Centre is widely open. Come in at any time, get to know your counsellors, and don’t pile up problems that could become overwhelming, leading to actions you may regret in the future," she stated.
Students were taken through a series of presentations on topics such as adjusting to life away from home and how to become a grade-A student.
Mr. Gilbert Konwei Langu, Assistant Counselling Psychologist, highlighted the importance of goal setting for students. "Set goals for yourself, short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals," he advised.
In addition to goal setting, Mr. Langu emphasized the importance of self-awareness. He advised students to identify a study routine that works best for them.
"You need to create a schedule that balances study time, breaks, and leisure. Consistency is key. Stay organized," he said.
Mrs. Bernice Peasah, Senior Counselling Psychologist, acknowledged that adapting to campus life can be both overwhelming and exciting.
She therefore encouraged students to embrace the changes they would face and develop strategies to thrive in their new academic and social environments.
"You need balance in your academic and social life. The freedom you now have has limits; know why you are here primarily, and in doing so, you must adjust to campus life," she added.
"You are responsible for the choices you make. How you adjust and proactively make the best out of this environment will determine how high you can go. Set your goals, make plans, get to work, stick to it, and you will reach your goal," Mrs. Peasah continued.
Mr. Leroy Ankrah, a consultant on the Resilient Minds Future Leaders Project, expressed optimism about the students' ability to adapt to their new environment.
"It’s a different environment, and we hope you can adapt seamlessly. You will need to seek assistance, and this is where the Resilient Minds project comes in. Resilient Minds is designed to encourage you to know yourself, understand what situations require immediate action, and help you develop strong mental resilience," he said.
He also encouraged them to build relationships with Peer Counsellors, as they can provide access to valuable resources that may be needed during their time at KNUST.
Additionally, the KNUST Counselling Centre informed the university community about the upcoming launch of an eCounselling mobile app, which is set to roll out in the coming months.
The app aims to further support the Centre’s work and enhance the accessibility of counselling services for students.
