Features
What to be avoided in your letter of motivation
In my last write up, I focused on the processes for applications by foreign students seeking an admission to Finnish universities.
I wrote among other things about how to find information or guidelines on the processes for admission to Finnish universities and issues such as assessing applicants and their letter of motivation, which can be found on the Study in Finland portal (www.studyinfinland.fi/admissions).
As I said, the key documents that applicants need to attach to their application and which form the basis of the applicant’s success or otherwise are the relevant certificates, your resume or curriculum vitae (CV), and a letter of motivation.
Today, I focus on the letter of motivation and what should be avoided in that letter.
The letter of Motivation
For many Finnish universities, the letter of motivation can be a key point for a successful application.
A strong letter of motivation can determine whether the applicant is really ready for the study programme he or she wants to pursue.
As I mentioned the last time, the letter of motivation needs to go straight to the point.
The huge number of applications to Finnish universities means that there is always a high competition for admission.
Therefore, a strong letter of motivation is likely to do the magic and result in a successful application.
I mentioned that the applicant should consider telling about how the programme would impact on his/her (future) career.
Avoid playing the emotions card
Many an applicant may think that telling about your plight would draw sympathy from the assessors. This may be far from the reality.
For example, many years ago a friend told a story to me and others about an applicant in an African country who applied to study somewhere in Europe. The applicant wrote in the letter of motivation that the university authorities should consider poverty in the applicant’s country and minimum opportunities for further education.
I do not know how far this story is true. But, according to the narrator such a request rather diminished the chances of the applicant.
The narrator said it was inferred later that the application was unsuccessful because one wondered how the applicant would be able to find the financial resources to travel abroad and pursue the programme. Would anybody want somebody to struggle or be a burden on others?
This story was narrated as a joke or to create fun, but each of us also picked some important points from it.
Again, I do not think that many evaluators would be convinced if you played the gender card by simply saying that women/girls in Africa do not have opportunities or equal rights, for example.
Rather, what may convince an assessor is, for example, when you say how determined you are to pursue the programme to set an example to encourage other women/girls to aim high despite their status.
Stress on your strong/positive points
As I pointed out the last time, the applicant should emphasise his/her strengths (abilities or competencies) that can help or enable him/her to pursue the study programme.
It is important to stress your strong or positive points. You can even boast of your achievements, abilities and what you are capable of doing. As they say: be bold.
In my experience, I can say that sometimes talking boastfully about oneself or one’s achievements sounds convincing and can do the trick for an applicant.
There is the need for you to go straight to the point and the letter of motivation should have no room for unnecessary or unclear information. As much as possible, use active and persuasive voice or words and avoid using passive ones.
Finally, your chances can be slim if your letter of motivation gives the impression that your only aim is to get the opportunity to simply travel abroad.
Also, as I said the last time, I think it should be a huge motivation and something convincing to the assessors if one of your strong motivations is to get an education that would eventually help you in your career when you are back home after your studies. Thank you.
The author is a senior lecturer
at University of Helsinki, Finland
By Perpetual Crentsil
I experienced something on Monday, June 15, that really frustrated me. I had to go to the ministries but I could not get up early that day so I decided to pick a taxi and get to the Tuba Junction.
When I got there I realised that Traffic had built up from the Toll Booth towards Accra. After a while I got a Taxi and it was when we got to a certain spot on the road, that I realised why there was a traffic jam.
There is a short stretch of the road where each time it rains heavily, loose material run down the hill onto the road, blocking one side of the road. Vehicles from Kasoa to Accra are then forced to move into one of the lanes of those going towards Kasoa from Accra.
The two lane road from Accra to Kasoa becomes a single carriage way. That was the reason for the traffic jam from the toll booth onwards.
This has been a perineal problem and yet, no permanent solution has been found till date. The area falls under Ga South and even though, a new MCE has taken over, the technocrats are still there and so the problem is not new to them.
There is therefore no excuse for the inability of the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly to resolving the problem on that stretch of the road. Apart from the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly, another institution that must be held accountable is the Ghana Highways Authority.
The Highways Authority cannot say they are unaware of this issue. The fact that the problem falls within the area of responsibility of the Ga South Assembly, does not relieve the Ghana Highways Authority, of their responsibility of ensuring that our highways are maintained in a motorable state at all times.
A collaboration between the Ghana Highways Authority and The Ga South Municipal Assembly is required for a permanent resolution of the problem.
There was another traffic jam at a place called Atala about 250 metres to the traffic light at Old Barrier as a result of an issue similar to the one close to the toll booth, that I talked about earlier.
When we got to Weija junction, we encountered another traffic jam. The cause of this jam was a bad condition of road about 80 metres from the traffic light at Ga South Hospital heading towards Accra.
Due to the bad nature at that section of the road, vehicles are compelled to slow down resulting in a traffic jam stretching all the way to Weija Junction.
I started wondering if that short stretch of road cannot be sorted on one Sunday when traffic is usually light. When we got to the traffic light at Odorkor, there was another issue.
When the traffic light shows green, there is a slow down because there is a big pothole or should I say manhole in the outer lane, right at the traffic light. Vehicles in the outer lane are compelled to swerve into the second lane thereby causing a traffic to slow down and resulting in a traffic jam.
It is very important to take into account the effect of traffic jam on the national economy. If we are able to assess the value of the loss to the economy of the nation, I believe the issue of traffic jam will be prioritised.
Imagine persons working at various Government Organisations like Registrar General’s Department, Ghana Ports and Habours Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, CEPS etc. and lives at Kasoa and whose job is to collect revenue for the state and is held up in traffic.
Just imagine the effect their lateness to work will have on the economy if you consider the delays in say clearing of goods at the port and as a result traders cannot sell their goods for government to generate the required taxes.
Let us deal with the traffic jams on our streets to promote economic growth. God bless.
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
Mortality is an inherent aspect of life, a universal experience that has sparked philosophical, theological, and scientific inquiry throughout human history.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of mortality, acknowledging the complexity of the topic and the diverse perspectives surrounding it.
The biological imperative
From a biological standpoint, death is a natural part of the life cycle. It serves as a mechanism for the evolution of species, allowing for the passing on of genetic material and the adaptation to environmental changes.
Evolutionary perspective: Death allows for the recycling of resources, promoting the survival and adaptation of species.
Life span and senescence: Cellular aging and the limitations of biological systems contribute to mortality.
Philosophical and existential perspectives
Existentialism: Emphasises individual freedom and responsibility in the face of mortality.
Meaning and purpose: The finite nature of life can prompt individuals to seek meaning and purpose.
The human condition: Mortality is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, shaping our perceptions and values.
Cultural and spiritual views
Afterlife and spirituality: Many cultures and religions believe in an afterlife or spiritual continuation.
Rituals and mourning: Cultural practices surrounding death reflect the significance of mortality in human experience.
Legacy and remembrance: The impact of one’s life can transcend mortality.
Ethical considerations
End-of-life care: Ethical debates surround issues like euthanasia, assisted dying, and palliative care.
Quality of life: Balancing the value of life with the quality of life is a complex ethical issue.
Resource allocation: Societal decisions about healthcare and resource distribution involve considerations of mortality.
Psychological impact
Grief and loss: The experience of mortality can evoke profound emotional responses.
Fear and anxiety: The awareness of mortality can lead to existential anxiety.
Appreciation and gratitude: Recognising mortality can foster appreciation for life.
Conclusion
Mortality is a multifaceted aspect of human existence, influencing how we live, relate, and find meaning. Understanding and acknowledging mortality can prompt deeper reflections on life and our place in the world.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
