Maria22
Sep 3, 2024
Scholarship / BEYOND BORDERS:How the gks-U scholarship will help unlock my full potential in civil engineering [4]
Merged:
Pursuing a career in engineering was a natural fit for me, thanks to my family's influence. Growing up, my parents both teachers instilled in me the love for learning and a strong work ethic. They encouraged me to explore my interests and supported me every step of the way, often spending hours helping me with my homework. My mother, an English teacher, helped me develop strong communication skills and passion for writing, which served me well in documenting my engineering ideas. She encouraged me to express myself clearly and effectively, skills that l now apply to creating technical reports and presentations. My father, a science teacher, encouraged me to explore the wonders of the physical world, often taking me on trips to explore infrastructure projects which was where l got the chance to listen to the behind sciences of the reconstruction of the kasubi tombs in one of his research projects.
My uncle, a civil engineer was a significant role model in my life. l remembers being fascinated by the way he solved complex problems, his designs and infrastructural projects such as roads and buildings. He would often share stories about his projects and l was captivated by the impact his work had on people's lives, like safe and easy transportation and access to clean water. What struck me most was his passion for using civil engineering to make a positive difference in the world. He once told, "civil engineering is not just about building structures, it's about creating communities and improving lives". His words resonated with me sparks a desire to follow in his footsteps.
However, l has to admit that l wasn't exactly the best in math especially when it came to high school level., in fact l struggled in those subjects but despite my struggles, l was determined to pursue a career in civil engineering. l was dram to the creative problem-solving aspect of the field and opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives. With my family's support felt confident n my ability to succeed in engineering even when others doubted me, l worked hard through those struggles and eventually pursued a diploma in procurement. My interest was further sparked by a project where l was part of the team which carryout tests for the materials of a construction of a bridge which made me realize about the physics and mathematics behind engineering.it further intensified when l volunteered in the community development projects where I saw the first-hand impact of well-designed infrastructure in people's lives.
My academics quest has been a thrilling adventure, bridging from the foundational walls of st benedict high school ,where l laid the groundwork for my O'level ,to the vibrant corridors of Bugisu high school, where I developed my skills and passions through A'level.Finally l arrived at the best private technological university In Uganda ,international university of East Africa ,where l maintained a high GPA through the semesters of the course while developing expertise in carrying out laboratory tests on materials which earned me a diploma in civil engineering and unleased full potential. I also had the opportunity to work on a construction project as an intern for the Hoima-Masindi Road construction. As part of the team, l participated in the assignment that acted as our final year real life project which was the redesigning a plan for the new engineering laboratory.
Beyond the classroom walls, my passion and skills came together to form a picture of experiences that not only changed my character but also left a mark in the world around me and how l perceive things in the world. From the dusty roads of Busia to the bustling construction sites of Tororo, l immersed myself in a world of hands-on learning, where every brick laid, every beam erected and every bridge built represented a new progress and addition to my construction knowledge and unwavering dedication. Whether volunteering with World Vision WASH project to bring clean water to rural communities, interning at tororo cement to lay a foundation of a vertical roll mill, or working alongside CRCC 18th group to connect towns through the Busia- Tororo Road, every experience as a thread that joined the narrative of my growth. I also had the opportunity to participate in the online meeting on SDG innovation challenge hosted by the university where we dived into SDG challenges. As a creative and creative resourceful individual, I enjoy various hobbies that reflect my passion for problem solving and community development.in my free time, l engage in activities such as crocheting, braiding hair and shoe mending while also learning the basics of tailoring which not only provide a creative outlet but also allow me to develop practical skills that can benefit my community.
Through crocheting, l have learned patience, attention to detail and the value of creating something from scratch. braiding hair has taught me the importance of cultural sensitivity and the role of traditional practices in building community cohesion. Shoe mending and tailoring have honed my resourcefulness and ability to repurpose materials, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
Moreover, my computer sills have enabled me to explore digital platforms for social impact, such as creating online tutorials for sustainable fashion and developing community engagement strategies.
Among my hobbies,reading has really helped me generate the version of me that l am today especially currently that am reading "the 7 habits of highly effective people" it has taught me to view the world in a unique way
As a passionate entrepreneur, l have also founded a small business creating and selling perfume oils which taught me valuable skills in marketing, finance, and customer service, this has allowed me to explore my creativity, connect with customers who share my interest in sustainable and natural products.
Through this, l have developed strong problem-solving skills, learning to adapt to changing market trends and customer preferences, I have now mastered the ability to work independently, manage finances and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines. In Korea, I plan to apply these skills to develop innovative solutions for sustainable development, collaborating with local businesses and communities to create positive change so excited to work on real life projects that apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems such as designing sustainable infrastructure, developing green technologies and promoting eco-friendly practices.
My ultimate goal is to return home and my civil engineering to drive development and improve lives for example l envision myself using Korea's commitment to sustainability, as demonstrated by the smart grid project, to provide a model for Uganda. I will promote sustainable development practices by advocating for green technologies, efficient resource management, and environmentally friendly construction methods. By prioritizing sustainability, Uganda can address environmental challenges and foster long-term economic growth. I will focus on improving Uganda's transportation networks and infrastructure to enhance connectivity and support economic activities. This includes developing roads, bridges, and public transport systems to facilitate trade and mobility across the country. In Uganda, I will advocate for high standards in project management, engineering, and construction. This involves building a skilled workforce, investing in education and training, and ensuring that infrastructure projects are executed with precision and integrity. By embracing innovation, sustainability, and excellence, Uganda can embark on a path of significant growth and development using the insights GKS scholarship would have equipped me with from Korea's success and dedicating to leveraging this knowledge to drive positive change and progress in Uganda.
Merged:
Laying the foundation for success:My journey to becoming a civil engineer despite the odds
Pursuing a career in engineering was a natural fit for me, thanks to my family's influence. Growing up, my parents both teachers instilled in me the love for learning and a strong work ethic. They encouraged me to explore my interests and supported me every step of the way, often spending hours helping me with my homework. My mother, an English teacher, helped me develop strong communication skills and passion for writing, which served me well in documenting my engineering ideas. She encouraged me to express myself clearly and effectively, skills that l now apply to creating technical reports and presentations. My father, a science teacher, encouraged me to explore the wonders of the physical world, often taking me on trips to explore infrastructure projects which was where l got the chance to listen to the behind sciences of the reconstruction of the kasubi tombs in one of his research projects.
My uncle, a civil engineer was a significant role model in my life. l remembers being fascinated by the way he solved complex problems, his designs and infrastructural projects such as roads and buildings. He would often share stories about his projects and l was captivated by the impact his work had on people's lives, like safe and easy transportation and access to clean water. What struck me most was his passion for using civil engineering to make a positive difference in the world. He once told, "civil engineering is not just about building structures, it's about creating communities and improving lives". His words resonated with me sparks a desire to follow in his footsteps.
However, l has to admit that l wasn't exactly the best in math especially when it came to high school level., in fact l struggled in those subjects but despite my struggles, l was determined to pursue a career in civil engineering. l was dram to the creative problem-solving aspect of the field and opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives. With my family's support felt confident n my ability to succeed in engineering even when others doubted me, l worked hard through those struggles and eventually pursued a diploma in procurement. My interest was further sparked by a project where l was part of the team which carryout tests for the materials of a construction of a bridge which made me realize about the physics and mathematics behind engineering.it further intensified when l volunteered in the community development projects where I saw the first-hand impact of well-designed infrastructure in people's lives.
My academics quest has been a thrilling adventure, bridging from the foundational walls of st benedict high school ,where l laid the groundwork for my O'level ,to the vibrant corridors of Bugisu high school, where I developed my skills and passions through A'level.Finally l arrived at the best private technological university In Uganda ,international university of East Africa ,where l maintained a high GPA through the semesters of the course while developing expertise in carrying out laboratory tests on materials which earned me a diploma in civil engineering and unleased full potential. I also had the opportunity to work on a construction project as an intern for the Hoima-Masindi Road construction. As part of the team, l participated in the assignment that acted as our final year real life project which was the redesigning a plan for the new engineering laboratory.
Beyond the classroom walls, my passion and skills came together to form a picture of experiences that not only changed my character but also left a mark in the world around me and how l perceive things in the world. From the dusty roads of Busia to the bustling construction sites of Tororo, l immersed myself in a world of hands-on learning, where every brick laid, every beam erected and every bridge built represented a new progress and addition to my construction knowledge and unwavering dedication. Whether volunteering with World Vision WASH project to bring clean water to rural communities, interning at tororo cement to lay a foundation of a vertical roll mill, or working alongside CRCC 18th group to connect towns through the Busia- Tororo Road, every experience as a thread that joined the narrative of my growth. I also had the opportunity to participate in the online meeting on SDG innovation challenge hosted by the university where we dived into SDG challenges. As a creative and creative resourceful individual, I enjoy various hobbies that reflect my passion for problem solving and community development.in my free time, l engage in activities such as crocheting, braiding hair and shoe mending while also learning the basics of tailoring which not only provide a creative outlet but also allow me to develop practical skills that can benefit my community.
Through crocheting, l have learned patience, attention to detail and the value of creating something from scratch. braiding hair has taught me the importance of cultural sensitivity and the role of traditional practices in building community cohesion. Shoe mending and tailoring have honed my resourcefulness and ability to repurpose materials, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
Moreover, my computer sills have enabled me to explore digital platforms for social impact, such as creating online tutorials for sustainable fashion and developing community engagement strategies.
Among my hobbies,reading has really helped me generate the version of me that l am today especially currently that am reading "the 7 habits of highly effective people" it has taught me to view the world in a unique way
As a passionate entrepreneur, l have also founded a small business creating and selling perfume oils which taught me valuable skills in marketing, finance, and customer service, this has allowed me to explore my creativity, connect with customers who share my interest in sustainable and natural products.
Through this, l have developed strong problem-solving skills, learning to adapt to changing market trends and customer preferences, I have now mastered the ability to work independently, manage finances and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines. In Korea, I plan to apply these skills to develop innovative solutions for sustainable development, collaborating with local businesses and communities to create positive change so excited to work on real life projects that apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems such as designing sustainable infrastructure, developing green technologies and promoting eco-friendly practices.
My ultimate goal is to return home and my civil engineering to drive development and improve lives for example l envision myself using Korea's commitment to sustainability, as demonstrated by the smart grid project, to provide a model for Uganda. I will promote sustainable development practices by advocating for green technologies, efficient resource management, and environmentally friendly construction methods. By prioritizing sustainability, Uganda can address environmental challenges and foster long-term economic growth. I will focus on improving Uganda's transportation networks and infrastructure to enhance connectivity and support economic activities. This includes developing roads, bridges, and public transport systems to facilitate trade and mobility across the country. In Uganda, I will advocate for high standards in project management, engineering, and construction. This involves building a skilled workforce, investing in education and training, and ensuring that infrastructure projects are executed with precision and integrity. By embracing innovation, sustainability, and excellence, Uganda can embark on a path of significant growth and development using the insights GKS scholarship would have equipped me with from Korea's success and dedicating to leveraging this knowledge to drive positive change and progress in Uganda.