Development Practice in Indigenous Development

Admit Letter

I am applying to the University of Winnipeg's Masters in Development Practice -- Indigenous Development with the desire to improve not only my life but the lives of others who may be less fortunate than myself. I believe there are very few alternatives to this Masters program by which I can accomplish those improvements during my sojourn through the classrooms of the world. Participating in the global network offered by the University, as an integral part of the 22 prominent academic transnational institutions (Masters in Development, 2011), would allow me the opportunities and challenges of a reputable and well-known university as well as the resources of a network of additional highly regarded institutions.

In addition to those resources and opportunities one intriguing aspect that I am eagerly anticipating is the Global Classroom. Many other educational entities require, and charge, for courses that are not nearly as comprehensive, intellectually stimulating and thought provoking as the Global Classroom course at the University of Winnipeg, and do not even give credit for such a course. Yes, the Global Classroom is required of every student, yet each student actually benefits greatly from completing the course. Conversing with not only great leaders and instructors throughout the world, but using innovative technology to hold face-to-face meetings with peers in an ongoing dialogue could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Masters program 'transcends borders while offering valuable insight into sustainable development' (The Masters, 2011) which is the exact route I must travel in order to reach the next objective in my search for excellence.

I started my journey approximately fourteen years ago as a news reporter for a radio station. While employed for the Thai World View Foundation I developed a deep interest in the field of development, hopscotching from assignment to assignment, gaining valuable experience while acquiring a deeply intellectual knowledge of the troubling aspects indigenous societies face every day. My personal development in widely diverse areas such as refugee welfare, protection of children and rural development blossomed and grew.

I also gained exceptional international experience as well when I worked with groups such as; The ZOA Refugee Care Netherlands, Terre Das Hommes in Germany and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA). Positions that I held for these various organizations included; administrator, project coordinator, program consultant and assistant country director . While working with these groups I was privileged to attend training with world reknowned NGO's who schooled me in issues that included child-related issues, sexual exploitation and rural problems.

Even with all the experience fifteen years of hard and dedicated work in the indigenous arena afforded me, I am still inherently driven to gain more theoretical and practical knowledge regarding indigenous development. I firmly believe that earning a Master's degree from such a prestigious university will provide me with a salve to that burning desire to become a Master in development.

One reason why I believe that I will be fulfilled by completing such a program is the unique aspect of the specific program itself.

Having the opportunity to experience the 'innovative blend of theoretical and applied studies' offered by the University while also learning at the feet of reknowned 'local, national and international guest lecturers' is a unique and life-changing possibility. I feel that participation in the special courses that focus on the 400 million indigenous citizens of the global community would open avenues to worlds that few are able to glimpse, and even fewer are able to influence to any degree at all. My acceptance into the program would allow me that glimpse and the distinct possibility that I might have some tiny say in any improvement in that indigenous community.

Though my resume is greatly detailed with the more tangible aspects of the knowledge and experience I have gained, it is still somewhat incomplete regarding the deeper understanding I desire in learning about human needs, desires, problems and the many bonds of mankind. Having experienced an indigenous background, I understand and empathize with the world of a minority. One of the disadvantages faced by minority groups is the desire to maintain a culture that defines a life and society with which there are heavy ties, yet at the same time being constantly battered by mainstream culture to conform. Minorities face a cultural extinction that should not be erased. Instead the culture, beliefs, attitudes, desires, traditions and values should all be preserved, documented and passed on as valuable commodities from one generation to the next.