Kenrick — A Conversation with Kenrick Mark Coleman Features Geana Hanson

The Kenrick Mark Coleman Foundation

Kenrick — A Conversation with Kenrick Mark Coleman Features Geana Hanson

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Geana Creslyn Hanson and I am 22 years old. I was born and raised in Belmopan City but I am currently studying in Taiwan. I have an Associate’s Degree in Biology and Chemistry and a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology which I obtained from the University of Belize. I am a dedicated individual following my dreams 8,992 miles away from home. I love to read and dance. I also have a passion for helping kids which is the foundation for my goal to specialize in Paediatrics.

2. You are currently enrolled at I-Shou University pursuing your medical degree. What do you believe is important in this your role?

I am currently studying at I-Shou University (ISU) in Kaohsiung City. I am presently enrolled in the School of Medicine for International Students undergoing a four-year M.D. program. My role as a student is to strive and become a successful and devoted medical professional. This role will help to shape the person I will be in the near future. With the knowledge I obtain from this experience, I will be better prepared to face the challenges and issues that might come along throughout my career in the real world.

3. Tell us more about your academic life at this University? How did you receive the scholarship? Why did you choose this particular University? When did you commence studies? What subject areas are focused on? What’s your relationship like with fellow students?

I successfully received the ICDF scholarship by applying through the Taiwan embassy and also to I-Shou University independently. The Taiwan ICDF partners with many different universities throughout Taiwan. Nevertheless, I-Shou University was the only school that offered an M.D program. I chose I-Shou as my university of choice due to their main aim to cultivate passionate and devoted international medical professionals while also providing excellent teaching, featured research and international connections.

I started my studies on September 9, 2019. My overall focal area is general medicine; however, during the first two years of my programme I will be learning basics sciences which includes various disciplines. During my third and fourth year I’ll be transitioning into my clinical experience by using what I’ve learnt within my first two years in the hospital. Throughout my current educational journey, I have met persons from all over the world and have made amazing connections that I will be ever grateful for. I have been given the opportunity to experience not only Taiwanese culture but many others that I’ll cherish.

4. Describe your transformation process from little Belize to Taiwan?

My transformation process from Belize to Taiwan was not as difficult as I thought it would be. The hardest challenges faced in my transition were associated with adapting to the time difference of 14 hours, language barrier and getting used to the transportation system. As a resident of Belmopan City, getting around the city is fairly easy with short distances between destinations. I could definitely move from point A to point B whether I decided to use a vehicle or if I decided to walk as mode of transportation. Now, given the large distances between places I need to take the bus or train just to get to the store for example. This mode of getting around was totally new to me. Due to the language barrier, it was also difficult to communicate properly and explain what I wanted. Five months later into my programme, I’ve adapted properly and it can be seen as my sleeping patterns have adjusted to the time change. In addition, I can move around easily and can speak a few sentences in the Chinese language. Just like everything else in life, I let time take its course and I found the solution.

5. What are the challenges you face as a student at university? Opportunities?

As a student, I haven’t come across many challenges. The main challenge would be the language barrier between my lecturers and peers. When it comes to expressing oneself its always easier to do it in your mother tongue. Given that I’m a part of the department of International students, you tend to have persons from diverse backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities. However, everyone is quite patient and helpful so it allows us to figure out some solutions to the challenge. At I-Shou I have had the opportunity to be taught by some outstanding doctors who are always willing to share their experiences and advice with their students.

6. Why is your major important to Belize’s National Progressive and Sustainable Development?

Belize is a developing country and proper medical care plays a vital role in my country’s advancement. Medicine is important to Belize’s National Progressive and Sustainable Development because it ensures that all Belizeans have access to affordable, safe, effective and quality medical care. This helps persons to be able to get the essential medicines and healthcare treatment that they would need in order to stay healthy and productive over their life-course. Medicine also helps to control basic sanitation (E.g. safe drinking water, proper disposal of garbage and waste water) and communicable disease. Furthermore, it allows the development of societies with individuals who live longer and healthier lives.

7. Apart from your studies, do you participate in activities with other Belizeans there? How do you uphold Belize’s namesake? What is your perspective on discrimination in Belize (across the board)?

Due to being enrolled in a M.D program, I do not have much free time to travel and be a part of much Belizean activities that do occur. However, I do represent my country and uphold Belize’s namesake by wearing outfits that represent Belize, showcasing my flag wherever I go, and sharing my culture, food and stories with persons of other nationalities.

I personally have not experienced discrimination, but that does not mean it does not exist. Discrimination is built on being different, which can come in many forms such as race, ethnicities, religion, and economic status. The phrase “Melting pot of cultures” speaks for itself. Belize is filled with a diverse set of cultures which all contribute to what makes this country so unique. We fail to realize that even though we have our differences, we all came here by birth and will leave by death. The quote that helps describe my perspective on discrimination is “Closed minds should keep their mouths shut”. Discrimination only divides us.

8. In one of my recent articles, I stated: ‘It is important to realize that majority of Belize’s younger populations continue to be very mediocre as it relates to becoming holistically educated and cultured, personally and professionally.’ What’s your perspective on this?

I believe that people grow through experience. Growing up most of our parents transitioned straight from high school to the work field. Now our younger population are stepping out and pursuing a tertiary education. However, most are not able to grow and showcase their potential due to not being able to experience this new chapter. Most older persons are reaching that age of retirement and instead of leaving the workforce they are staying. This causes less job opportunities for the younger population to begin to develop personally, professionally and even cultured (environment with different ethnicities) the way they did. So instead, this forces the younger population to be mediocre in these fields of their life.

9. Tell us more about your Scholarship Program? Why should Belizeans apply? In your perspective, what made you stand out to win this award? What can Belize expect from Geana Hanson in let’s say, the next 5 years?

I received my scholarship through the Taiwan ICDF programme. The programme’s aim is to help partner countries cultivate and nurture a talented pool of human resources. They are committed to enhancing socio-economic development, improving human resources and promoting economic relations within their partner countries.

Belizeans should apply because it allows our citizens to come to Taiwan to pursue a higher education and help them to develop the skills and knowledge that can be used to address vital developing issues within Belize. This scholarship also allows Belizeans to experience the lifestyle and culture of the Taiwanese people and be an advocate for the diplomatic relations between our two countries.

In my perspective, I believe my dedication and willingness to learn made me stand out. Personally, going thousands of miles away from home while studying Medicine is not a walk in the park. Nonetheless, being able to push pass those fears and show that I was ready to dedicate myself to studying and completing my M.D helped to show that this was something I was seriously passionate about.

In 5 years, I’ll be finished with my four-year M.D program from I-Shou University. I’ll return home as a devoted medical professional whose main goal is to use my new profound knowledge, skills and experiences to help contribute to the health care system in Belize.

10. What three words do you have to say to young Belizeans?

My three words are:
Trust, Believe and Achieve
Trust the process, Believe in your dreams and make it a reality by Achieving them.