More than a year ago, I started to search for Masters programs to apply for, searching possibilities and opportunities rather than specialization, wasn’t really sure of what exactly I wanted to do my Masters in nor why was I looking for one. As an education projects coordinator, searching for a program in education, non-formal learning and pedagogic specialization was the option that made sense.
But the question everyone around me asked was: Why are you even considering to pursue a degree? I never replied the same answer twice, each time I had a different reason; building on my experience by knowing the theories, shifting careers, grow in the field faster, take a break from the working field and other excuses.
After compiling my papers, legalizing my translated certificate and even renewing my passport, I eventually applied for three different universities, each was in a different city, different country in Europe.
After a couple of months, I started receiving replies from admission offices, one after the other, same reply: REJECTED! I was so furious and angry, but mostly feeling rejected! I wrote back to each admission asking why and how did the selection process in three different universities end up rejecting my applications. I got two replies, one included:
Dear Ms. Sharif,
Thank you for applying for the Master’s Degree Program in Education and Globalization of the Faculty of Education in the year 2017. The admission to the program was granted on a competitive basis. The evaluation was based on eligibility, academic standing, the suitability of previous studies, motivation and English language skills.
Unfortunately, your application was not successful enough in this competition. Your motivation letter lacked driven-based content of your passion in the field of application. If you are with grounds for appeal on the student selection, you may apply for rectification of the decision within 14 days of notification of results and we can provide mentorship through our student councilor.
What do I do next you think? I definitely contact the student councilor recommended in the reply and sent an email. After few emails back and forth, we set a date and time for a call. She asks: “Why are you looking for a Master’s degree?”. I pause, silent but thoughts very loud, I answer: I don’t know. For her, she probably thought this answer was a joke, she asked again, and I answered again: I don’t know.
After that quite long Skype call, I started questioning myself more: What do you want? I reflected more on what I did and experienced in the past few years, where it all got me and if it was what I wanted and what made me happy. I was satisfied with what I have achieved, a degree wasn’t much needed rather being a financial burden and I started thinking of what I might get out of traveling for a degree. SO MANY EXPERIENCES ! most skills and knowledge will be by experiencing a different culture, traveling, meeting people. If it was about the degree, I could take it in my home town, even online, but I wouldn’t live in an alien neighborhood, explore the world nor have the be out of my comfort zone.
As a member in an NGO and youth worker, I have traveled for training and seminars, I have been exposed to the Euomed world and its programs and key actions, I know what EVS is as the NGO I volunteer with host European volunteers and I get to mentor them.
A random thought popped then:Why not an EVS?
This idea sounded crazy at first; leaving my family and friends, take a while off of work, leave my place and where I’m comfortable and go somewhere I don’t know. How will I live? With whom? Will I spend my savings? what if I risk all the stability for nothing? Where will I go? First place I thought of was Portugal. I have visited it recently and was so fascinated with its various aspects.
Today marks the 7th day of my first week here in Portugal. Was it a good week? Will I continue this journey? Was an EVS the best decision? I don’t know. All I know is that I’m sure that it will be quite an experience, the one I was searching for, the one that will give the opportunity to discover and learn, know more about the world, It will definitely give me the time and space I need in order to know myself better. Today, one week is over, of course the picture is still blurry, but at least I see a picture there right in front of me. It’s not about this being the right decision, I’t about taking the risk and chances in life and making the best out of it.
Still in search for myself and probably always will keep searching !!!
