An uncle of mine called me up one day and told me about his ward (protégé) who had an urgent need requiring my assistance. His ward had received PTDF scholarship, a prestigious foreign scholarship from Nigeria, but hadn’t been able to secure an admission in the UK. He was at the verge of losing the scholarship if he didn’t secure admission within the limited time frame. When my uncle approached me about this, I found it strange that someone could have such a prestigious scholarship and not be able to find admission. I purposed in my heart that I would do everything possible to help his ward get the admission.
It was strange to me because I recalled how many admissions I got in the UK and lost due to lack of funding. It took me more than a year from when I started my Masters to finally secure it. This reminded me of a popular primary school song we sang those days before meal to express gratitude to God for provision and ability to eat. In this scenario, the lyrics was modified to:
Some have scholarship but have no admission, some have admission but have no scholarship. We have scholarship and we have admission, Glory be to God on high. Amen
I went to my emails to dig up all the faculty members I had contacted who responded to me positively. They were willing to supervise me but didn’t have studentships at the time. PhD admission, in most countries I have seen, is mostly based on the candidate’s ability to secure a supervisor. And that is what my uncle’s ward was not doing right. He was pursuing a PhD as if it was a Masters admission.
Fortunately, his research interests were similar to the ones I was pursuing then. I gave him the contacts of five professors that were working in this research area which I took from my email correspondence. He told me then that his heart desire was studying at the University of Liverpool.
We went into action. I gave him some advice on how to write emails to the professors. I reviewed the emails before he sent them. Fortunately, he got two replies – one from the University of Liverpool professor and another from the University of York professor. Long story short, we went through his interview preparation together with the Liverpool professor. He was offered the admission to his choice university!
What I love about experiences is that whether good or painful, they can become a valuable asset to us and others in the future. It largely depends on how we approach them and what we can make out of them. Our purpose may be hidden within the rubble of our pain.
My encouragement to you is that you should not despair when you are journeying towards your dream, as slow and painful as it may be. There is a joyful light at the end of the tunnel and greater joy in blessing others with this asset called experience. That joy will overcompensate for all those days of distress. You may not be a king at this instance, but later on you can become a king in your own right and a kingmaker.
This came at the right time. I am currently writing to supervisors to secure admission for my masters with full funding in Canada.
In Canada, Thesis-based MS.C and PHD prospects will have to secure supervisors before they can apply to the schools.
There’s been so many low moments getting feedback of “oh no, I’m not accepting at the moment” and what have you, some have also replied positively, just when I almost gave up.
In all, I believe my story will be a blessing to someone someday. Whatever you are fighting for, keep going. There’s always a breakthrough at the end.
Hi Ify, I’m glad that you are already seeing the present situation through the lenses of hope. Indeed the whole process is preparing you for something great and ultimately to become a blessing. I wish you success in your pursuit and don’t forget to share the success stories when it fully manifests. Reach out if you ever need some dose of motivation.
Thank you for this, it came handy. Ify and I seem to have something in common. I am that point where I’ve gotten lots of negative feedbacks from supervisors.
The most interesting feedback I’ve gotten is “2019 and 2020 quota is filled up, wish you the best in your endeavours”
However I never fail to encourage myself, knowing fully well that no good thing will my Lord withhold from me.
And sure, I sure need a lot of motivation.
Thank you again
I’m happy that you are keeping a positive spirit despite the rejections. These things are designed to make you stronger and more resilient. As a result of these experiences, I developed a thicker skin for failures and rejections, and NO is no longer a final verdict but rather a feedback in my success journey.
I’d be glad to keep you inspired on this journey. Keep in touch.
Similar to Ify’s, i am also seeking thesis based masters program in Canada. I am presently still faced with no response or “sorry, there’s no funding or space” response from Professor’s. I have always been encouraged that I would be a source of motivation to someone else later on, hence I can’t quit. I believe not giving up in itself is a success story about to be told.
Indeed John. What a victorious standpoint you’ve taken: to choose to see the situation as a success story under construction. I wish you the very best.