When Evans Aryeh graduated from Pope John Senior High School with seven A’s in WASSCE, he had a clear plan—apply to the University of Ghana (Legon) and study Medicine. The Pharmacy Programme was not his initial goal, nor was Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), but after receiving advice to consider multiple options, he added KNUST to his applications, selecting Pharmacy as his first choice. Fate had its own plans. Despite being invited for a medical school interview, he was not selected. Instead, he gained admission to KNUST to study Pharmacy—a decision that would ultimately shape his academic journey and professional aspirations.
Like many fresh university students, Evans entered Pharmacy school with an image of university life shaped by movies and TV shows—flexible schedules, free time, and self-paced learning. The reality was far from what he expected. Days started before 6 AM, often beginning with the submission of lab reports before heading to class at 8 AM. A mere 30-minute break followed before long hours in the laboratory, sometimes lasting until 5 PM. By the time he returned to his hostel, there was barely any time left for personal activities like gaming or even relaxing. Weekends were no different, often consumed by additional coursework and academic obligations.
"Pharmacy school quickly became a cycle—wake up, attend classes, write lab reports, sleep, and repeat. It was a robotic routine, but with time, I adjusted," Evans recalled. While the workload was intense, he recognized its value, noting that the structured routine prepared him for the demands of a professional career.
Despite initially feeling content with his placement in Pharmacy, there were moments when doubt crept in. Meeting medical students sometimes made him question whether he was meant to be in a different programme. However, conversations with friends, mentors, and family helped shift his mindset. "One can make the best out of any situation," he reflected. He soon realized that his true passion lay not in Medicine, but in Academia—specifically, Pharmacology.
Growing up, his curiosity about science and discovery was evident. "Since childhood, I have always investigated things—my family even called me ‘Professor,’" he shared. This curiosity found its perfect match in Pharmacology, where he could explore the complexities of drugs and their effects. By his third year, he was fully committed to pursuing a career in academia, choosing pharmacology for his project work, and eventually securing a position as a teaching assistant in the Department of Pharmacology at KNUST.
Balancing the demands of Pharmacy school with personal life was no easy feat. Time management became a crucial skill, and Evans turned to digital tools like the Todoist app to keep track of assignments and deadlines. Friendships also played a significant role in keeping him grounded. Having come to KNUST with friends from Pope John Senior High School, he found comfort in familiar faces while also forming new connections with classmates from Katanga Hall. His religious life, however, suffered over time. "In my first and second year, I went to church regularly with my friend Isaac, but as the workload increased, I gradually stopped. That was a mistake," he admitted, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a spiritual balance alongside academics.
One of the most challenging moments of his academic journey came during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sudden shift to online learning in his second year meant that assessments were conducted through a handful of online tests, significantly impacting students' grades. Despite putting in the effort, his CWA dropped by three points, a significant blow for someone who consistently aimed for excellence. Instead of dwelling on the setback, he returned to school determined to improve, working harder in his third year and scoring above 80 in most of his courses. His message to students facing academic struggles is clear: "One bad semester won’t define you. You still have time to bounce back."
Throughout Pharmacy school, Evans remained steadfast in his belief that students should not settle for the bare minimum. He strongly opposed the mindset of simply aiming to pass, arguing that as future healthcare professionals, mastery was essential. "If you're going to be responsible for people’s health, you can’t afford to do the bare minimum. Strive to truly understand, not just to pass," he asserted.
Despite his commitment to academics, Evans always made time for his passions—gaming and music. Whenever he had free time, he immersed himself in video games like FIFA, Warzone, and Horizon: Forbidden West. "During vacations, I’d spend entire days at a friend’s place just playing games," he laughed. His love for music leaned towards emotional and soul-stirring songs, favoring artists like XXXTentacion, Ed Sheeran, and Billie Eilish. "People find it funny that my playlist is full of sad songs, but I just enjoy them," he added.
One of his biggest academic inspirations at KNUST was Professor Priscilla Mante, a renowned researcher in Pharmacology. For years, Evans admired her work from a distance but hesitated to reach out. "From my first year, I wanted to be her student but didn’t know how to approach her," he admitted. By his fifth year, he finally took the step to work under her guidance for his elective studies, an experience that further fueled his passion for research and Academia. Looking back, one of his biggest regrets was not engaging in research earlier. "In Pharmacy school, most students don’t get involved in research until their fourth-year thesis. If I could change one thing, I’d have started in second year," he reflected.
For first-year students entering Pharmacy school, Evans offers three key pieces of advice: don’t fear the difficulty, build strong friendships, and never settle for mediocrity. "Pharmacy is tough, but that doesn’t mean you can’t succeed," he emphasized. He encourages students to connect with their classmates, form study groups, and support each other, as isolation can make the journey even harder. "Your classmates are your best resource—don’t isolate yourself," he advised.
As Evans Aryeh reflects on his journey, he stands as a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of excellence. From an uncertain freshman to a top-performing graduate and aspiring academic, his story serves as both an inspiration and a guide for current and future Pharmacy students. His parting words encapsulate his entire journey: "Whatever path you choose, embrace it fully and strive for excellence. The effort you put in now will shape your future."