Key Takeaways from “The Tertiary Student Reality” Webinar
About the event
Title: The Tertiary Student Reality: Navigating Academic Pressure, Career Fears & Mental Health
Date: 25th July 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Platform: Google Meet
Host: Mr. Ransford Owiredu
Organisation: Youthnited Ghana
Guest Speaker: Dr. Patrick Asare – Author and Occupational Health Consultant
This virtual webinar was designed to equip tertiary students with relevant tools to manage academic pressure, address career fears, and prioritize mental health while navigating university life.
Summary of the event
Dr. Patrick Asare delivered an engaging talk centered around five core areas that significantly shape the academic experiences of students. He referred to these as the “5 Ships”:
- Relationship:
The right relationships—whether friendships or peer networks—can be powerful for academic growth. In contrast, harmful relationships can distract or derail students from their academic path.
- Mentorship:
Students were cautioned to carefully choose mentors, as bad mentorship can lead to behaviors or habits that negatively impact mental health. A mentor should be someone whose life reflects values worth emulating.
- Leadership:
Leadership adds responsibilities and expectations. Dr. Asare stressed that if a student is already struggling with stress, assuming a leadership position without learning to manage that stress will only amplify the challenge. He said, “If you are not able to manage your stress, you will be the most stressed human on earth.” He also emphasized that a good leader must possess the RAP qualities:
– R – Responsibility
– A – Ability
– P – Possibility/Positivity
And importantly, “A good leader must be a good reader.”
- Partnership:
Collaborations or partnerships can either support or damage academic focus. Students were encouraged to evaluate who they partner with to ensure mutual benefit and avoid disappointments.
- Worship:
Dr. Asare emphasized that students should take their worship life seriously as it contributes positively to personal development and academic focus. However, he cautioned that worship should not be used in ways that negatively affect others’ mental health. He advised students to practice their faith in ways that uplift rather than burden others emotionally. He concluded this point by saying, “God is the only person who has the tendency to make a nobody, somebody (useful) tomorrow,” —encouraging students to remain grounded in their faith and hopeful for the future.
Dr. Asare tied all these points together by saying: “Do not allow any of these Ships to Shipwreck your Mental Health.”
He also addressed career fears, urging students to get involved in volunteer work to explore potential career paths and gain hands-on experience. He shared how volunteering helped shape his own career and identity.
Key quotes from Dr. Asare
- “We are not supposed to only be a part of it but leave an impact.”
- “No condition is permanent, and you must not build a monument out of your predicament.”
- “In order to gain something, you must lose something.”
- “If you want to cook success, you must be interested in your books more than your looks.”
- “Humility is not timidity.”
- “Positivity is a possibility.”
- “Your background must not keep your back on the ground.”
Interaction and conclusion
During the Q&A session, students shared personal challenges related to academic stress, career confusion, and maintaining mental health. The guest speaker responded with empathy and provided actionable advice.
Dr. Asare closed the session with a powerful remark: “If you followed the webinar well, you now have the GPS to navigate academic stress.”
