JOSA urges final-year students to prepare for real life after school
Final-year students of the St. John’s Grammar School have been advised to prepare for life after school by making deliberate choices about their future and prioritising their mental health.
A member of St. John’s Old Students’ Association (JOSA) 2012 year group, Emmanuel Anane, who made the call, said students needed to approach the future with intentionality and purpose because the period after school often presented real-life challenges that require focus, resilience, and clarity.
“The realities of life dawn on you as soon as you’re done with school,” he said. “Don’t see this place as a cage. Rather, see it as a waiting room full of opportunities waiting to be explored.”
He made the call during a mentorship programme held on the school’s premises in Achimota on Friday, May 16, 2025.
Organised by JOSS, the initiative was designed to equip students with the mindset, information, and modern skills needed to navigate life after school.
The programme formed part of JOSA’s broader commitment to grooming future leaders through mentorship and community engagement.
Career preparation, life choices
Mr Anane further explained that the final year of school should not only be about exams, but also about laying a solid foundation for life.
“The decisions you make now are critical to your growth, achievements, and the role you play in the lives of others.
“There are people who are waiting for you to succeed, so that certain doors may open for them,” Mr Anane added.
He encouraged students not to be disheartened if they were placed in academic programmes they did not initially choose.
Mr Anane advised them to identify their interests and work towards them, saying that whatever they wanted to become would start with their passing with flying colours.
He also advised them to research future opportunities, use digital platforms for learning, and embrace technology.
“YouTube is a whole university on its own. Social media is powerful.
Learn to take advantage of the good sides,” he told the students.
Emotional well-being
The mentorship programme also emphasised mental health as a critical aspect of success in school and beyond.
Another member of the JOSA delegation, Francisca Gyamfi-Nyarko, spoke on how emotional and psychological well-being influenced decision-making, stress management, and relationships.
“Mental health is our emotional and psychological well-being.
“It affects how we handle stress, how we relate to others, and how we make decisions,” she said.
She acknowledged the pressures students faced, including academic expectations, social comparisons, and personal insecurities, which could trigger anxiety or feelings of inadequacy.
