Being an undergraduate student at the University of Ghana, Legon, taught me lessons no lecture hall ever could. Beyond exams, deadlines, and GPAs.
Legon quietly shaped how I think, work, and show up in the world.
Here are a few things I learned along the way:
1. No one is coming to save you
In Legon, independence comes fast. You learn quickly that if you don’t register your courses, chase your opportunities, or ask the right questions, life simply moves on without you. Growth begins when you take responsibility for your own path.
2. Intelligence alone is not enough
Some of the smartest people struggled, while others thrived through consistency, discipline, and resilience. I learned that showing up, doing the work, and staying curious often matters more than raw brilliance. Create Connections!
3. Your people matter
The friends you choose can either stretch you or shrink you. Legon taught me the importance of surrounding myself with people who challenge my thinking, support my growth, and remind me who I am when I forget.
4. Failure is part of the process
Missed opportunities, poor grades, rejected applications? They all hurt. But they also teach you how to reflect, adapt, and try again. I learned that failure doesn’t disqualify you; it refines you.
5. Passion can be born in unlikely places
Some of my deepest interests grew outside the classroom through conversations, side projects, volunteering, and moments of curiosity. Legon reminded me that learning doesn’t end with the syllabus.
6. Your voice matters
Whether through writing, leadership, or service, I learned that my ideas and experiences are valid. Speaking up, even when unsure, is often the first step toward impact.
7. Growth is not linear
Some semesters felt productive; others felt like survival mode. And that’s okay. Progress doesn’t always look like success, sometimes it looks like endurance.
8. Community can save you
Somewhere along the way, I found solace in IANJAP, my poetry club. It became a safe space, a place to express, to breathe, to belong. Being part of a club that aligned with my interests helped me socialize, build confidence, and feel less alone. If you’re an undergraduate reading this, find a club that feels like fun to you. It doesn’t have to be academic. It just has to feel like home.
Legon gave me more than a degree. It gave me perspective, resilience, and the courage to keep learning beyond the classroom.
If I could tell my undergraduate self one thing, it would be this: You’re doing better than you think. Keep going.
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts!