My selection
When I first received the selection mail for the QES – AS – WA program, I thought it was a hoax. I had absolutely no idea. I checked the email address that had acknowledged receipt of my application to reassure myself.
The kindness and availability of the entire IAS team during the visa procedure already augured that my stay at Carleton would be a memorable experience.
More than just a fellowship, it was an opportunity for me to meet other African women researchers and discover other perspectives on feminism in the African context. It was also an opportunity for me to promote my country, Benin, which often remains in the shadow of our giant neighbor, Nigeria. I’d also like to point out that in this second cohort, only two of us are French-speaking. All the more reason for me to give my all to make Benin shine in an English-speaking circle where it is little known.
IAS was the perfect place to host my work on the role and influence of women in the promotion of cultural heritage.
A second family
When I landed in Ottawa, I didn’t lift a finger to get settled. Everything had been organized in advance: my accommodation, my bus pass, the discovery of campus amenities and even provisions in the fridge for the first few days. The institute had pulled out all the stops to make sure I was perfectly comfortable. A warm welcome and meticulous preparation for my stay beforehand. Many challenges unrelated to the Institute stood in my way. I had to face adversity, but at no time did I feel abandoned. I was able to count on the unconditional support of my fellow students and the IAS staff.
I don’t think I’m wrong in saying that my fellow students and I were well integrated at the IAS and that the conditions were right for us to give the best of our intellectual potential.
As for my mentor Professor Blair Rutherford, he was a guide and a compass in this scientific adventure. Endowed with infinite patience and great benevolence, he spared no effort to help me perfect my work and turn my article into a top-quality publication. I would like to express my deepest gratitude.
With my internship supervisor, Brenda Williams, founder and director of New Life Project Inc, I acquired new skills that I’m convinced will give a boost to my ambitions and projects as a feminist. I’ve improved certain soft skills and acquired new ones. And most importantly of all, I have considerably improved my level of English, one of my objectives for this scholarship.
An enriching experience
My stay as a QES scholar will always be engraved in my memory. More than a scientific stay, it was a human adventure.
More than colleagues, during my stay I gained sisters who were there for me at every moment from day one, and held my hand when I needed it. I’d like to express my gratitude and affection to them for having been able to fill the shoes of the family I left behind in Benin.
A special mention to Professor Nduka Otiono, IAS Director, and Farhana Moshira, Project Coordinator, who never lost patience despite all the headaches I gave them.
Thursday, September 11th, 2024