Who Am I?
I am a graduate of Christian Service University College.
I hold Bachelor of Arts in communication studies with public relations
as my speciality.
On March 13th, 2018, I received the news I was expecting.
”Your
application to pursue the Erasmus Mundus Journalism programme, Media
and Globalisation, has received careful consideration. With almost 500
applicants and only 90 available places, entry to the programme is
extremely competitive. With this in mind, we take great pleasure to
inform you that the Erasmus Mundus Journalism Masters Consortium has
decided to offer you a programme placement.”
After
reading few lines of the admission letter, I kept my composure and
smiled within. I called few friends to share the news with them. They
were excited for me. Having known about the Erasmus Mundus programme for
a longer time, I consider it one of the best Master's scholarships you
can have. Master in Journalism, Media and Globalisation, is a programme
that has been offered under the European Union's prestigious scholarship
scheme since 2005.
Later,
I read the admission letter thoroughly then I realized I have a huge
task on my hands. I had hopes of banging in full scholarship which
covers tuition fees, a travel/installation contribution, insurance, a
monthly subsistence allowance, and administration costs but I was
offered a self-funded admission for the programme beginning in Aarhus
University on September 3, 2018. My hope got vanished. I can't further
my education in a programme I had toiled for.
It
was my first time applying with high hopes that I would get through.
But it wasn't to be then. Few friends encouraged me to surge on. Some
were ready to help. My family and the programme administrator encouraged
me to accept the self-funded option. I accepted the admission offer.
I
knew it was not feasible due to lack of adequate financial resources.
It was enticing, but I knew I couldn't afford to pay for higher
education on my own, especially outside of Ghana. I went into my savings
and gathered resources. I was able to secure money for my
first-semester tuition, air ticket, accommodation and few things. As I
was preparing towards my new environment, it struck me to ask myself how
I am going to survive in Denmark and Swansea with the Little money I
have saved? I had to make a really hard decision.
After
few days, I told myself this is not the end of the road.I wrote to the
programme administrator to cancel my admission offer. She asked why and
my answer was brief... Inadequate finance. She was hurt because we had
established good relations.
You
can imagine what I went through.I stayed up late at night, made every
effort to get in. I quizzed myself... What was the point of working so
hard when I can't even go? I did my part as a hard-working student, but
because of finances, my dreams got shuttered. I love education. It was
heartbreaking.
Following
that disappointment, my job at Class Media Group also came to an end. It
was a very difficult moment for me but I told myself I wasn't giving
up.
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