Submit an Academic Petition or Appeal

Petition Letter: I am a third year Global Developments student. I have previously worked in Kenya for a month with a non-profit organization, helping to build schools for the Masai people. During this experience I came to love the culture and the people of the Masai Mara. This experience was so meaningful to me that it inspired my choice of academic studies.

I am applying to McGill's Canadian Field Studies in Africa. As a Global Developments student, this field study would provide me with an amazing opportunity to move beyond the classroom and study topics that I hope to be able to use in specific situations. My career plan is to work for a charitable organization providing aid and development strategies in Africa. If I do not have the opportunity to take this trip I would be taking similar courses at Queen's but I would not have the hands-on experience that would enhance my course studies. For example, if I were to take a course at Queens about nutrition in African society, I would have the academic knowledge without understanding the real life implications of the academic facts. I would not be able to apply my knowledge because I couldn't truly understand the experience and specific situations. Without the experience of being in Africa, several of the courses would not be as meaningful or have the same impact as a result of not having seen and experienced the daily struggles within some African communities.

Over the past few years, I have been part of many discussions about nutrition, the environment, education, healthcare and development. While I value and appreciate these discussions, I have always felt as if I could not contribute because I do not have first hand experience or knowledge about topics such as nutrition in Kenya or health care in Uganda. My information comes strictly from textbooks and professors who, despite their best efforts, are biased. Since I am in my third year of studies, I feel it is time I start making my own opinions about global aid. Therefore, this field study will not only provide me with the opportunity to grow as a person, it will provide me the opportunity to grow as a student.