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Development studies and my dream to attend King’s College London
DEAR EDITOR,
What do you think of when you hear the term development studies? The examination of issues such as poverty, inequality, economic growth and good governance are key concepts that immediately pop into your mind. However, on a more nuanced note development studies seeks to identify why we live in a world of haves and have-nots.
Development studies draws on environmental studies, history, sociology, anthropology, geography and of course economics as well as political science to understand why a world of unparalleled wealth and opportunity sits side by side with a world of unjustifiable social and economic injustice. In addition, to understanding why, development studies seek to advise the people that are trying, no matter how imperfectly, to change things for the better.
As a 22-year-old young man from the rural part of Guyana, pursuing a career in development studies was never on my agenda growing up. For most of my life, I was content with the idea of becoming an entrepreneur but moving overseas has opened my eyes to what truly interests me and heartened me to pursue those interests furiously. Taking a step back is widely credited with allowing us to see things clearly and leaving Guyana has provided me with a similar experience. Living abroad helped me realised just how immensely I cared about my country and people, while highlighting to me opportunities for our socioeconomic development. That is why since returning home, I have committed to play my role in developing Guyana.
My goal is to pursue an undergraduate and eventually master’s degree in the development field to become a Policy Analyst. As a policy analyst, I will have the freedom to engage in activities such as the systematic analysis of society while influencing legislation and stimulating positive growth and development for all. Earlier this year, I was fortunate to be accepted to read for the BA in International Development at King’s College London; a feat I was unsure about accomplishing. King’s College is ranked as the 7th, 9th and 31st best university in the UK, Europe and the world respectively and while I am elated about the offer, the challenges that arise in financing my education has presented a major barrier.
My family and I were the victims of hurricanes Irma and Maria while living in the Virgin Islands, and the hurricanes have had a significant impact on my ability to pay for college; in conjunction with other factors. Academically speaking, I have a 3.51/4.0 GPA from my community college tenure, and I am a member of the Phi Theta Kappa international honors society. I would be truly grateful for any assistance that I can get to fund my tuition and accommodation needs while attending King’s. The value of an education is not lost on me and if given the support, I plan to apply the same level of diligence to my collegiate studies as I have to this point, making education and service to others my top priority.
Sincerely,
Tevin Skeete
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