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Personality of The Week: Ms Wilhelmina Abena Tandoh

Wilhelmina Abena Tandoh

Today's edition of the Personality Dialogue is quite a special one, as we meet the first female student Personality of The Week, Ms Wilhelmina Tandoh, a level 100 Materials Engineering student. Enjoy the interview with our up-and-coming Process Engineer and Makeup Artist.

Who is Ms Wihelmina? 
I’m Wilhelmina Abena Tandoh, from Aduamoa in the Ashanti Region.

What was your experience like in secondary school?
I attended Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ Senior High School in Kumasi. I have so much memories but the one I miss most is the Friday Hymn Practice where we were taught and sang hymns.

Materials Engineering, were you given the programme or you really wanted to do it? What informed your decision if you chose it?
That is the program I wanted to do because I’ve always been curious about the production of materials and what products are made of. Fascinating!

How has the programme been so far?
I won’t say it has been easy. It has been quite stressful, but I’m doing my best.

Why did you choose KNUST among all the other institutions in the country and beyond?
I saw it to be the best among the rest. Wooow!

Has there been any challenge pertaining to Materials Engineering?
There have been few challenges but I’m coping.

What position (s) have you held so far in your academic life?
I was the Main Girls’ Prefect in primary school. Again, I served as the Main Protocol Prefect in junior high school. I was also the Assistant Protocol Prefect in Senior High School. I’ve been a Class Prefect couple of times. I’m currently the floor rep for my lane in Republic Hall. Interesting!

How has first year been so far?
It has been good by God’s grace. I have made new friends and I’ve been able to improve so many aspects of my life. Wow!

Please tell us how you are able to manage social and academic responsibilities.
I’m someone who is naturally friendly. I make sure I choose friends who will influence me positively and by God’s grace, I have some friends whom I study with; they also help me when it comes to certain areas of my academic life. Inspiring!

Any achievements or special awards? 
I haven’t got any yet but I’ll surely get many. Intriguing!

What or who inspires you?
My mother inspires me.
She’s my role model and I look up to her in everything I do.

What peculiar challenge(s) do you face as a female in a male-dominated environment especially as an engineering student?
It’s quite disheartening that there are few women in engineering. Some of the males do encourage the girls but others don’t. Personally, I see it as a challenge that I must overcome so that females in the younger generation can look up to me and do better. Wonderful!

Which extracurricular activities do usually engage in?
I love to swim and I do read a lot. I’ve also earnt how to do makeup and bracelets. Wow!

How do you see the Department so far? Are there any improvements you would want to see?
I would say the executives of the department are doing their best. I was very glad when they encouraged and told us to inform them when we had any problem, but one thing I’ve noticed is that, most of the first years do not know the senior course mates. Maybe, a program can be organized so we get to know ourselves and seek help when we are in need. Good point!

When it comes to Materials Engineering, what field are you particularly interested in and why?
I’m really interested in the Processing aspect. I believe as a Materials or Process Engineer, you’d always have to create new materials to meet certain mechanical and electrical requirements (properties), and that’s what I’ve always wanted to do. Awesome!

What do you think about the way we are taught here in the university? Is it helpful especially for your program of study?
Initially, I thought we were just being lectured without practicals, but I was informed we’d be doing the practical aspect when we get to a higher level so I’m okay with it. It’s helpful. Oh okay


The Core of Engineering Technology is MATESA’s motto, what does this mean to you?
The motto says, "The Core of Engineering Technology," therefore, as part of MATESA, each individual must strive to do his or her best in order to help those in other fields. That's well-said 

Are there any improvements you would want to see in MATESA?
Yes. The Department can add some extracurricular activities to their schedule to help improve the social life of its students. Keenly noted

Do you think our world needs Materials and Metallurgical Engineers?
Yes. Materials and Metallurgical Engineers will always be needed to produce new materials for traditional industries, well-equipped industries and even industries focused on medical and other scientific products. Striking!

Any message for Government and other stakeholders regarding Materials and Metallurgical Engineering?
Government must establish more processing and manufacturing companies. When these companies are established, the service of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering graduates will be mostly needed. This will also help reduce unemployment and move the nation forward. Interesting!

I believe when much attention is given to both programs, it will help a lot because with effective cooperation, both Materials and Metallurgical Engineering graduates, and even students, can produce new materials and products to help in the various aspects of technology. That's quite true

What should we expect from you in the next few years?
I’m doing my best to perform well in all aspects of my life and I hope to become someone who’s life would be a good example to others. Fascinating

Please share with us your last words.
I just want to encourage each and everyone to work hard in order to better one’s life and help the nation as well. Informative!

Thank you so much Ms Wilhelmina, for your having time to inform and inspire us.

Thank you too for the opportunity.

Hello cherished reader, we hope you've really enjoyed this session of the Personality Dialogue. 
We kindly ask that you anticipate our next Personality.  Ms Wilhelmina is on Instagram and Twitter as @wihelmina_pearls.
#TheNextBigThing

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