Undergraduate / Describe a situation when you had to work very hard to achieve what was required. [3]

Describe a situation when you had to work very hard to achieve what was required.

challenging experience

As a duty to my Nation to partake in the National youth service scheme, I was posted to exercise this duty in a community secondary school with population of 1700 students. The school wasn't of much quality and they lacked a lot of facilities to accommodate the students. Science laboratories lacked necessary equipment and the students fail to take practical and rather learn the theoretical aspect. Mathematics as a core subject was difficult for the students to understand due to the teaching method employed by the teachers.

Having volunteered to be an SDG (Sustainable development goals) facilitator during my training as a National youth personnel, I was charged with the responsibility of raising awareness on the SDGs and working with rural communities for citizen-led monitoring of the SDGs. I decided to volunteer in teaching mathematics since the subject is a pre-requisite. I made the class interactive, had private teachings with the students even after class and sounded more enthusiastic and engaging in class by selecting some students who were not following up to solve some questions. I also volunteered to put my SDG trainings to action by providing the school with necessary equipment for adequate learning. I solicited for funds from companies and Government. They were not responding due to the dwindling national economy, but I never relented as I got some funds from my savings to help facilitate the project.

I was able to provide the school with a set of laboratory equipment (Titration apparatus). The students recorded success in their results as compared to the former times when the subject was handled by another teacher. The subject class became interesting as the students were always eager to learn due to my teaching method as a result, I awarded the best student. This was a very gratifying experience as the students were very appreciative of my efforts and at the same time I was commended by the principal and staffs of the school for my dedication and service.

Scholarship / Challenges during the scholarship [4]

If you are successful in being awarded a scholarship, what challenges do you think that you will face living and studying in a different country and how do you intend to overcome these? Include both study and personal challenges.

Some of the challenges that I may face living and studying in a different country are;

1) Academic challenges adapting to a new learning style since there may be marked differences between the teaching method, grading system and study pattern. I intend overcoming this by understanding the different teaching spectrums from professors and current students, have a close relationship with them, get a study group and collaborate with other students.

2) Language and cultural barriers: In order to overcome this, I will know as much about New Zealand and study their culture as well before I go and also spend time with the natives of New Zealand so as to know more about their cultures and language.

3) Social challenges feeling like an outsider. I will overcome this by getting to know other students in the same programme going through the same social change, get involved in student and academic groups and make friends with the locals so they can help me get acquainted with the school and introduce me to new friends.

4) Climatic challenges: Moving from a warm tropical country like Nigeria to a much colder place like New Zealand where the temperature is about 16oC might be a bit difficult to adapt. I will overcome this by getting clothes that will match all seasons and weather.