Insights and Inspiration of the Graduate Breakout Room during the Open Dreams 10th Anniversary
Day one of "Open Dreams @ 10" at the Campus of the International Relations Institute
On July 25th, 2024, Room AB3 at IRIC Yaoundé was a hub of inspiration, hosting over 60 participants for enriching sessions led by distinguished speakers.
Araba Botchway of Ashesi University in Ghana
We kicked off with a presentation by Araba Botchway on Ashesi University in Ghana. Her insights into the university's unique offerings, particularly its sole Master's program in Mechatronics, fascinated me. It was encouraging to see an African institution competing at such high levels in terms of quality education and job placement for its graduates, especially with the emphasis on ethics during exams, conducted without invigilators.
Dr. Gilbert Miki, Pioneer Commonwealth PhD Scholar, Open Dreams
The next session by Dr. Gilbert Miki struck a personal chord as he shared the transformative power of volunteering. His journey revealed how giving back can open doors to unexpected opportunities. I found his suggestion to create a personal development plan particularly valuable; it made me think about how I can structure my goals and track my progress both academically and professionally. His quote, “we need just a little opportunity to kickstart the greatness in us,” resonated with me, pushing me to reflect on my path forward.
Mr. Bate Elvis took the stage next, adding to the conversation about humility and the importance of volunteering, regardless of our circumstances. His focus on crafting a compelling statement of purpose (SOP) and curriculum vitae (CV) was incredibly practical. Learning about the nuances between an SOP and a personal statement helped clarify my understanding of these applications, especially the need for originality and specificity in our writing. It felt empowering to think about how I could present my own story effectively.
Dr. Gwanyama Noella | TPDN | Aviva Initiative
Lastly, Dr. Gwanyama Noella’s insights on social media and community engagement were thought-provoking. Her quote, “Community engagement is putting that burning desire into action,” inspired me to consider how I can actively contribute to my community.
After this session, I felt a renewed sense of purpose and connection. The entire experience was not just informative; it genuinely motivated me to take actionable steps toward my personal and professional growth.
Atagio Bruel | Open Dreams
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