The coronavirus pandemic has suddenly forced a wider embrace of distance learning following the closure of most institutions of higher learning across the world. Even though things may seem complicated, at least in the near future, opportunities like the Commonwealth distance learning scholarship arrived just in time to enable anyone gain internationally accredited postgraduate qualifications. This week, we speak to Brenda Kemunto, a 2020 commonwealth distance learning scholar.
Hi Brenda, many thanks for your willingness to speak to us today. You have an inspiring story, having received a scholarship just an year or two after finishing your undergraduate degree.
Start by telling us about yourself- your academic and professional background
I am a certified clinical nutritionist, currently working as a lecturer/tutor at a technical training institute in western Kenya. My background is in nutrition, I graduated with BSc Food Nutrition and dietetics from Pwani University, Kenya in 2019. This year, I was awarded a commonwealth distance learning scholarship to study an MSc Clinical nutrition at the University of Aberdeen.
Why did you choose to study MSc clinical nutrition at the University of Aberdeen?
My choice to pursue MSc in Clinical nutrition at the University of Aberdeen is informed by its relevance to my research and career interests. First, this programme is delivered and designed by leading academics and professionals, secondly the university is a top in Scotland and UK. Collaborations with the Rowell institute, a leading centre for ground-breaking nutritional research and research excellence also quite appealing.
Did you have any concerns about studying by distance learning? What were they?
Definitely. I have not studied by distance learning before so like most people I was concerned about were familiarization with the online learning platform, whether I would receive adequate support and supervision throughout the programme and adequate IT resources to support online learning. Thankfully, the university offers very good support to distance learning students.
Does the programme meet your expectations even though you study by distance learning?
So far, the learning experience has exceeded my expectations. I am confident that by the end of programme, I will be able to demonstrate an advanced knowledge of advanced aspects of clinical nutrition clinical, metabolic, and molecular nutrition. I am quite interested in public health nutrition in sub-Saharan Africa so I know this is the perfect program for me.
How did you go about finding a scholarship for your postgraduate studies?
Relationship issues: Marital issues such as arguments, fights, poor communication and anger are deeprootsmag.org purchase generic levitra also likely to make you put on weight especially belly fat.Finding a scholarship was a process, and everyone must be prepared irrespective of your grades. For me this started by first identifying courses I was interested in mainly informed by a problem I wanted to be part of the solution. I identified several courses linked to the area of interest offered by different institutions in the UK. Through the help of IGSI, I did a proper research to know the different funding opportunities out there through the university platforms, identifying those which I was eligible for and fits into my career goals. On several occasions, I attended webinars hosted by IGSI that were quite useful in pointing out funding opportunities for international students.
Importantly, I sought for advice on how to put forward a good application since this was the first time I was applying for internationally competitive scholarships like commonwealth. Some scholarships like commonwealth require more comprehensive essays which I am thankful for the free support available at IGSI for the advice on how to approach such demanding applications. This is where I learnt scholarships are not necessarily for talented students but those who put forward good applications. I applied for several scholarships, and thankfully the current one went through.
Also worth mentioning is that there is a first time to everything, and the first times are prone to errors. My mentor, a previous scholarship recipient and founder of IGSI guided through the process on how to write and put in place better applications, that would have a greater influence on the reviewers panel.
How do you think the commonwealth distance learning scholarship will help you achieve your goals?
My goal is to attain a career where I can use my expertise in clinical nutrition skills combined with to contribute towards improving health and well-being in my country. I am grateful for the commonwealth distance learning scholarship which has given me an opportunity to undertake a postgraduate study, a fete I would not have otherwise achieved given the financial constraints. The MSc Clinical Nutrition is a small step in bridging a skill gap in this field in the country. Through the studies it will further my professional development goals in turn help me start a career in oncology nutrition.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering doing distance learning?
Distance learning is the best study mode to develop time management and networking skills. However, be prepared psychologically to avoid frustration and losing track. Develop your own study plan when it’s effective to work on your schoolwork by identifying your most productive hours. Stay connected with your lecturers, find a support system in your university as they can always help you when faced with challenges. Identify colleagues in your cohort and keep in touch with them to be up to date with your studies for its easy to get bored while studying alone. Get a mentor who has gone through the same process.
Be ambitious and have a vision in life. It’s not about being a first-class student but having clear vision of your future that will set you to the path of success. Be clear on where you are going and why.
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