As the theme for this fellowship connotes, “Wurin ta na yin rubutu,” I had my own room to write and work on my PhD thesis during the QES program. The fellowship offered me the space, resources, and serene environment to concentrate and work on my PhD thesis. My research skills and writing ability improved during the fellowship.
At the welcome ceremony and Winnie’s book launch event with the QES- AS-WA scholars
Visit to the high commission office, Ottawa
Communication is important to the advancement of one’s career trajectory. My QES experience has greatly improved my communication skills. Interacting with my QES colleagues, mentor, placement partner representative, professors, and students at Carleton University, has enhanced my ability to engage in constructive discussions and the effective articulation of questions and answers. In addition, my interactions with others during this QES program has exposed me to different cultures and diverse perspective, thereby fostering my sensitivity in communication. One unique attribute of the QES program is that it gathers scholars from all over West Africa to Canada, a beautiful country admired for its cultural diversity and ever green vegetation. This exposure has not only broadened my perspective, but it has also enhanced my ability to work with diverse teams.
With my Mentor
My QES experience has improved my research and professional skills in diverse ways. First and most importantly, the scholarship provided good financial assistance for me to travel and focus on research. With this funding, I did not have to worry about any financial burdens and was able to dedicate my time to research. As the name of the Scholarship says, I was indeed given my own room to write. The scholarship also offered mentorship opportunities which has contributed to the development of new research skills as well as my professional skills.
Us at Brenda William’s Birthday Party
During the QES program, I had the opportunity to meet and interact with a wide range of people in academia, officials from the diplomatic corps and lay people. I have built positive relationships with my QES colleagues, individuals within the Carleton fraternity as well as some Canadian citizens, and I foresee opportunities for future collaborations and partnerships.
Early morning walks with my fellow scholar, Sophie
I came back from the QES program with a new sense of abilities and confidence. My short stay in Canada and Carleton University specifically has been a life-transforming one. This fellowship has challenged me to step out of my comfort zone. I have learnt to adapt to new environments, identified how to manage my time effectively and face challenges with resilience and faith.