Scholars in a relaxed mood at UBC Ropes Course
A lot of exciting moments shared with fellow scholars this week especially at the UBC Ropes Course where we all had a tasking day. The week is also one of my best week in the orientation since it focused more on our professional and academic development. Starting from Monday’s panel session made up of a current grad student and MCF alumni where they addressed issues bothering on academic life in UBC, social life and engagement, time management, cultural shock, self discovery, resource usage, striving for excellence, self confidence amongst other themes.
Particularly, I appreciate the fact that a current research Masters student(Drake) from my faculty was on the panel. He shared a lot of his personal experiences with me which will be very helpful in preparing for my course / research work in the faculty. One of my major take home from the panel session was “never feel intimidated, since you were able to win the MCF scholarship you have all it takes to excel in UBC”. Shortly afterwards, I was privileged to chat over lunch with Susan Watts, the assistant Dean of communication, UBC faculty of forestry. Amazingly, she has been in the faculty for 44years. I tell you, Susan has got all the information / contacts you need in the faculty. She offered me relevant advice on course selection especially since I will be taking all the 3 courses she teaches during my first and second terms. I was impressed with the day a great deal.
Relaxed Sam
My biggest moments of learning this week were the session with Alicia and Preetasha on resumes / cover letter plus online and networking presence. The session was very practical and highly engaging for us. Both facilitators shared personal experiences with us which we could all relate with. Through the things learnt during the session, I have carried out some fine tuning on my resume and I used the guide provided by Alicia to draft cover letter for a job opening. The idea of compiling a master resume has presented by Alicia is a familiar approach, mentioning it suggests to me I need to compile mine soonest. Preetasha exposed us to some new functionalities on LinkedIn such as searching out the alumni of our previous / current school based on career, year of graduation, etc. and how to connect with a potential employer via LinkedIn.
I ha a fun filled and tasking day at the Ropes Course. I think the MCF staff chose the course for us to better foster team work amongst the scholars and in our future engagements. The course posed a challenge that should be overcome to us as individuals or team. The Ropes Course connect to leadership in coordinating or participating in a team to achieve a task. It also inclines participants to be willing to take risks. In addition, the Ropes Course also helps one to conquer ones’ fear especially of heights.
Scaling heights @UBC Ropes Course
As the orientation comes to an end, my conclusion is that it was a huge success as it greatly surpassed my expectations. Right from the warm welcome we received from Maya and Jola on the first day of the orientation down to each session in each of the days were enjoyable, educating, thought provoking, tasking. All the facilitators of the 3 weeks orientation were lovely and detailed in the delivery. More importantly, the orientation enhanced myself discovery and skill development as well as interpersonal relations with other scholars and all the people I came by during the orientation.
Challenge by choice at UBC Ropes Course
Lest I forget, I and Nkem (MCF scholar in MBA program) won the 5 minutes pitch about a solution we are planning to proffer to the poverty and employment situation of Nigeria. We were adjudged best of the 4 groups that presented on Friday.
I and Nkem (MCF scholar in MBA program)
The orientation ended on a rather emotional note. I was strong well enough not to shed tears like some did. LOL!!!
All for good though.
Thank you, UBC MasterCard Foundation Scholarship Program
Thank you, my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for your GRACE.
Some scholars at the close of the 3week orientation program at UBC Global Lounge