As international students studying in Canada, most of us would agree that we made a lot of sacrifice to be here. Notwithstanding, I understood the privilege to be here for graduate studies in Quality Systems Engineering.
Graduate school is demanding and requires that we students give our all in achieving our goals. It is important to set goals as well as making the right effort to in achieving those set goals. This is why I felt inspired to share the triple A concept as it has helped me achieve some success in my graduate studies.
1. Ambition
At times, it can be easy to settle for average results in our academics, but as international students pursuing graduate studies we need to have a great sense of ambition. It is essential that we aspire for the very best and not be swayed by fear of failure. Our aspirations for success in graduate school can be exemplified by this quote: “Aim for the moon; even if you miss, you would land amongst the stars.”
Shortly after my program started, I learnt about some interesting research in analysing data to make better quality decisions. This fascinated me and I immediately switched from my course work program to a research program. I took a risk with my future (in the hopes it would have a positive outcome) because I knew the decision would provide me with a number of opportunities going forward in my academic pursuits. Ambition they say is priceless so dare to dream big
2. Aptitude
This simply means our proficiency in a specific area. As international students pursuing graduate studies, it is important that we focus on learning both in and out of our classrooms. We must ensure that we make exhaustive use of the resources for learning and development provided by the university, including such as those offered by Concordia University’s GradProSkills. GradProSkills provides workshops, seminars and opportunities to equip graduate students with the necessary career and personal development skills to help them compete effectively outside the university.
After I switched to a research graduate program, I faced a number of challenges in my research work. I was able to deal with those challenges after acquiring the necessary aptitude. Don’t forget that the potential to learn and excel in our academics is within us. We simply need the right amount of energy and hard work to transform that potential towards realizing our goals.
3. Attitude
In my opinion, I feel positive attitude is the most important aspect of the triple A concept because it sustains us in the direction of achieving our goals. Attitude woke me up (even on cold winter mornings) with a sense of urgency and purpose to complete my research work. Attitude kept me going even when I was lacking aptitude in the beginning of my research work. Attitude gave me confidence in my ability to achieve my goals. It never allowed me to consider giving up, even when I wasn’t getting the right results in my research. Attitude still keeps me going till today.
If you are reading these words, I am excited you got to this point and I hope you learnt something new from my experience.
– Eromonsele Oboh, Concordia University
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