From Circuit Boards to Life Lessons: How Basic Electronics Shaped My Thinking
My Experience with Basic Electronics in Secondary School
When I first signed up for Basic Electronics at Koforidua Secondary Technical School (KSTS), I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Little did I know that the course would become a treasure trove of life lessons that still resonate with me today, even though my current career path doesn’t involve soldering irons or circuit diagrams.
The Art of Attention to Detail
One of the first things that struck me was the precision required in designing and reading circuit diagrams. Every line, every symbol, every connection had to be just right. If even one wire was out of place, the whole circuit would fail. This taught me to be meticulous, to pay attention to the smallest details- a skill that’s useful in everything from writing emails to planning big projects.
Soldering: More Than Just Melting Metal
Then came the soldering. Fumbling with the hot tip of a soldering iron, I learned to attach diodes, capacitors, and transistors to circuit boards without burning myself (most of the time). It was messy, sometimes frustrating, but incredibly satisfying when everything fell into place. The process made me appreciate the value of patience and careful execution.
A student using a soldering iron
Rectification and Everyday Confidence
Clip: A clip showing the difference between AC and DC
Understanding rectification- how alternating current (AC) is transformed into direct current (DC)- gave me a new perspective on the gadgets I use every day. Now, whenever I plug in my phone or laptop, I have a tiny bit of confidence that I actually know what’s happening inside that charger. It’s a small thing, but it makes me feel a little more capable and curious.
Resistors and the Rhythms of Life
Learning about resistors was another eye-opener. I discovered that resistors aren’t always fixed- some, like rheostats, can be varied to control current. That idea stuck with me. It’s a metaphor for life: sometimes you need to adjust, change your approach, and adapt to new situations. Not everything is set in stone, and flexibility is key.
Project Work: Fire Alarm and Feedback
Clip: A fire alarm in action
My favorite part was the project work. I designed a fire alarm using capacitors to control the flickering of two LEDs. When my teacher pointed out that someone with their back turned might miss the warning, I realized the importance of feedback and user experience. I replaced the LEDs with a small beeping speaker, making the alarm much more effective. That experience taught me to think about the people who will use what I create, not just the technical details.
Lessons That Last a Lifetime
Looking back, a lot of what I learned in Basic Electronics didn’t make sense at the time. But now, years later, I see how those lessons have added up. They’ve made me more detail-oriented, adaptable, and confident in my ability to learn new things. Even though I don’t work with circuit diagrams or resistors in my job, the skills and mindset I developed in that class have shaped who I am today, and especially the books I write. For instance, click the link https://a.co/d/4H5wEfw to check out my crossword puzzle book “Slang & Scroll word Search Book” to Unlock the Lingo around Fun Social Media & Texting Slang for the young and young at heart.
Image: Current work and hobbies
Final Thoughts
If you’re exploring new skills or careers-even ones that seem unrelated to your current path-remember that every experience adds up. You never know which lessons will stick with you, or how they’ll help you grow. So keep learning, keep experimenting, and don’t be afraid to get your hands a little messy!
