Student Spotlight
"A study on higher education is one every concerned patriot would most probably wish to be a part of, with regards to the evolution present therein." -Terrence
Terrence is a first year graduate student in the Philosophy in Higher Education master's programme in Oslo, Norway and serves as the class representative. He comes from Cameroon on the west coast of Africa. At a young age, he had dreamed of a noble profession in the clergy. After 7 years of ministry school and graduation, his dreams changed and took him to the University of Buea where he graduated with a BA in History and a minor in Political Science. After working for a few years, he decided to go back to school in Sweden, where he scored full credits on Scandinavian Studies at the University of Gothenburg. Then, he completed a Master's Degree in Scandinavian History at the University of Linkoping. His master's thesis was on "Immigrants and the Swedish Welfare Model: The Integration Question." Now, his dreams have brought him back to yet another noble profession in higher education.
A short interview with Terrence follows:
Why did you apply for this programme?
My motivation came from the fact that HE in Africa needs work towards the contemporary trend geared towards efficiency and improved output. I have been particularly interested in the multi-dimensional aspects of educational development in developing countries. Cameroon, in particular, needs to meet up with modern challenges and face the realities of evolution in the field of education. The desire to see things work for the common good of all is my utmost goal. An understanding of the national, regional, and international context of educational development is a great incentive to this goal.
What topics in higher education are you most passionate about/what topics interest you the most & why?
So far, HEM 4100, the introductory module in higher education that covers conditions under which higher education operates; organization, governmental polices, funding and internationalization has been most exciting to me. However, I can’t wait to dive into HEM 4220, which deals with governance, policies and management of Higher Education. With this, I hope to learn all of the dialectics and get all the techniques that surround these aspects of higher education. I wouldn’t hesitate to state here that I hope to make a strong impression in the field of higher education.
What career would you like to pursue after completing this programme?
My passion for higher education has reached an unprecedented level. It would be unwisely bold switching on to something else with such imbibed and anticipated know how in the field of higher education. I definitely wish to pursue a PhD programme. This is in my view, a way to ease into the ranks of proper academics. In the absence of any, I would appreciate a job for a related experience. I look onto Peter Maassen, Faculty Chair of Hedda, as a model. Serving in his capacity is my utmost dream.
Comments
Being a part of this program along with Terrence, I have gotten the chance to see his dedication and commitment to Higher Education. It is clear that he has a bright future in this field and will have an impact on whatever he chooses to do!
Posted by: Kristi | February 12, 2007 10:15 AM
It is very impressing how Terrence had set his goals and search for them. It does make you feel confident he will be able to reach his dreams in the field of HE, and perhaps we will be watching out for our "new" Peter Maassen!
I am glad the Hedda Blog also gives us the opportunity to learn more about our classmates back in Oslo.
Best of luck, Terrence!
Posted by: Ali | February 12, 2007 10:55 AM
And it's great to know about the other students through this blog! Thanks, Leasa and good luck, Terrence!
Posted by: Catherine | February 12, 2007 08:09 PM
Wow Terrence, you've done a lot of things! It would be interesting knowing a bit more about everybody in class, I get impressed when I find out what you've all done.
Posted by: Jorunn | February 13, 2007 01:06 AM
Well done Terrence, hope you reach your goals!! Seems you are well on your way to getting there.
Posted by: Shane | February 14, 2007 05:48 AM
Just thanking you all for your inspiring and very encouraging comments. They're a great support to my aspirations towards higher education.
Hoping to read more...
Wishing you all what you equally wish yourselves in this domain.
Cheers!
Posted by: Terence Yong Yuh | February 14, 2007 12:16 PM