What personal experiences led you to select your chosen major? by Winfred Welbeck

What personal experiences led you to select your chosen major? by Winfred Welbeck - February 2024 Scholarship Essay

In my extensive academic endeavors, articulating the personal experiences that steered me towards my chosen major presents a formidable challenge. This challenge stems from my profound passion for political science and its intricate subfields, including diplomacy, conflict resolution, and the relentless pursuits of politicians in advancing equality and enhancing living standards for all. Equally impactful has been my undergraduate pursuit in geography, delving into its diverse realms such as urban studies, rural development, and Geographic Information Science (GIS), among others. The decision to specialize in any of these enriching domains was a weighty deliberation.
Yet, a transformative moment awaited me, altering the trajectory of my academic journey. The pivotal juncture materialized during my third year at the University of Ghana, marking the commencement of my journey into the realm of Geographic Information Science (GIS). During this juncture, GIS transcended mere coursework; it evolved into an exclusive gateway, accessible to only a select few due to logistical constraints. The euphoria of being among the top 20 students chosen from a pool of several hundred kindled the flames of my passion for GIS.
In the halls of academia, I labored diligently, day after day, striving for excellence in my studies. The fruits of my unwavering dedication materialized as I proudly graduated with First Class Honors. Yet, it was not solely within the confines of lecture rooms that I cultivated my fervor for GIS.
A transformative moment occurred at the GIS African Conference, held in Accra, during my tenure at the University of Ghana. This conference was more than an event; it was a revelation, an awakening to the vast potential of GIS in addressing the myriad challenges faced by humanity. Witnessing GIS practitioners from diverse African countries showcase its application in solving real-world problems left an indelible mark on me. From sanitation to healthcare and across numerous critical sectors, GIS emerged as a potent catalyst for problem-solving and service delivery. Inspired and provoked by this experience, I directed my undergraduate honors thesis toward the practical application of GIS to explore the suitability of non-residential students hostels at the University of Ghana. I was thrilled by the challenges and opportunities such a project presented to me during the research process. Particularly, being one of the first undergraduate students to use the department’s analog Global Position System (GPS) to collect the location of the hostels and meticulously convert these analog coordinates into a digital format, brought me great joy. Beyond this, I was very excited my project could identify suitable hostels based on location, cost, availability of facilities, and accessibility from the hostels to campus and vice versa.
Yet, the path to pursuing GIS was not without its challenges. For someone with limited computer literacy, the introduction to ArcView and ArcGIS software posed a formidable obstacle. Maneuvering through these platforms to create interactive maps, establish buffer zones, and depict the incidence of phenomena proved to be an arduous task. The turning point came with the acquisition of a desktop computer, a catalyst that not only sharpened my computer literacy skills but also provided the canvas on which I could practice and refine my proficiency with these intricate GIS tools.
As I embark on the journey of pursuing a Master's degree in Geographic Information Science (GIS), my vision is anchored in a profound commitment to becoming a catalyst for positive change within my community and beyond. GIS, to me, is not merely a field of study; it is a potent tool that can be harnessed to address and alleviate the pressing challenges confronting humanity.
My foremost ambition is to acquire the skills and knowledge essential for navigating the complex landscape of real-world problems. Armed with a comprehensive understanding of GIS, I envision myself as a problem solver, leveraging spatial analysis and innovative mapping techniques to untangle the intricacies of issues that impact communities. Whether it's optimizing urban planning, enhancing healthcare accessibility, or addressing environmental concerns, I aspire to be at the forefront of utilizing GIS as a transformative force for the betterment of society.
Beyond the immediate sphere of my community, I harbor aspirations of making a lasting impact on the academic community through rigorous and impactful research. I see myself contributing to the body of knowledge in GIS, delving into uncharted territories, and pushing the boundaries of what this field can achieve. By conducting research that not only addresses theoretical gaps but also translates into practical solutions, I aim to elevate the academic discourse surrounding GIS.
My passion for GIS is fueled by the belief that knowledge, when applied with purpose and diligence, has the power to reshape our world. I envision a future where GIS is not just a set of tools and techniques but a beacon of hope, guiding us toward sustainable solutions and informed decision-making. My pursuit of GIS is a commitment to being an agent of positive change, dedicated to solving challenges and contributing to the creation of a world that is more equitable, sustainable, and interconnected. In the convergence of academia and real-world application, I see boundless opportunities to make a meaningful difference and leave an enduring legacy in the realm of Geographic Information Science. It is these personal experiences that led me to select GIS as my major.
Thank you.
Winfred Welbeck Wyettey.