Kenrick — A Conversation with Kenrick Mark Coleman Features Jair Pol
The Kenrick Mark Coleman Foundation
Kenrick — A Conversation with Kenrick Mark Coleman Features Jair Pol
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I am Jair Pol, a 27 year old resident of San Joaquin Village, Corozal District. I am the second born child to Maria Luisa and Roberto Pol. Growing up in the village and in a middle class household has taught me two very important lessons: money does not grow on trees and always help those who need it. Education, as people say, is the key to success, and my parents realizing this, set the course for success and instilled in us the need to get educated. Realizing their sacrifice, together with their unrivalled determination, my siblings and I worked tirelessly to see their sacrifices bear fruit, that is, being the best we could at home, in our community and at school.
I attended Corozal Community College (CCC) and Corozal Junior College (CJC). In 2010, I obtained an Associate’s Degree in Mathematics and Principles of Accounting from CJC. I later enrolled in the Bachelor’s program in Mathematics at the University of Belize (UB). Immediately after graduating in June 2013, I got the opportunity to work as a Research Assistant at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) under the supervision of the natural resource lead specialist in the Belize Country Office. After contact with IDB, I went to work for 2.5 years at Atlantic Bank Ltd as a Process Officer. I left Atlantic Bank Ltd after obtaining a full scholarship from the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to pursue a M. A. in International Studies in Taipei, Taiwan. I graduated in June of 2018.
2. You recently graduated from the National Chengchi University with a Master’s Degree in International Studies. What do you believe is important in this your role?
Seeing Belize’s lack of expertise in this field, together with the change in world order, International Studies is a topic of utmost importance as it relates to the future of my home country, Belize. The International Master’s Program in International Studies (IMPIS) at NCCU is an interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with a wealth of awareness of the diversity, complexity and interdependence of the world community, and to provide them with the necessary background to understand and analyze the political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of current world problems and issues. With a strong interdisciplinary foundation and the expertise I need to understand the theory, practices, and complexities of the issues of growth and development that a young country, such as Belize, is currently facing, I am positive that I will contribute to Belize’s socio-economic development.
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?
There’s no doubt that finding the best fit program and university is an arduous task. I was in search for a top-notch university which would align my ambition to learn about the Chinese culture, Asia’s role in the international political arena, and leave me with enough room to juggle a study-life trajectory. My quest led me to Taiwan. The university I chose is located in Taipei, being one of Taiwan’s most prestigious higher education institution and one of Asia’s most important centres for humanities and social sciences. The National Chengchi University (NCCU) was the right choice for me.
After selecting the prospect program and University, it was just a matter of funding. I applied for the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) Scholarship through the Taiwanese Embassy in Belize City in March 2016. After much enthusiasm and determination to further my studies, I was offered a full scholarship to attend NCCU. I accepted the scholarship and commenced studies in September of the same year.
Being an internationally renowned university, NCCU offers a wide-range of English taught courses for students to choose from. Apart from my core courses focusing on international studies, I took various courses related to political economy, development economics, international cooperation and development.
NCCU has a diverse and vibrant student body composed of both local and international students. This mixture provided an atmosphere with the perfect blend of friendliness and hospitality which is conducive to both learning and to social life.
4. Describe your transformation process from little Corozal to Taiwan?
The advantage of traveling to many countries during my young adult life made it smoother for me to integrate into the Taiwanese culture. From Taiwan’s immense shopping malls and cheap scrumptious food to hiking trails with breathtaking views, the “Heart of Asia” has a lot to offer to an avid student-traveler. Taiwan’s strategic geographic location also makes it easier to travel within and outside of Asia. Although the food and language were quite a thrill, I must state that I was immensely amazed by Taiwan’s culture of respect, humility, and friendliness. These attributes, together with an intelligent transport and healthcare system makes it very convenient to live in Taiwan. I didn’t felt like an outsider living there.
5. What are the challenges you faced as a student at university? Opportunities?
One challenge was homesickness. To relieve this, I would often think of the main reason I was in Taiwan, which was to make my family proud and my country better.
Although the food and language were different from home, I do not classify them as challenges, but rather a privilege to learn and immerse myself into a new culture. The opportunities I encountered at NCCU greatly overshadowed the challenges. These opportunities include, but are not limited to:
i. Attending countless academic and non-academic conferences and seminars,
ii. Participating in numerous competitions and in social and cultural events, not only representing Belize, but also increasing my knowledge and network,
iii. Doing voluntary service in various aspects of the society,
iv. Joining multiple academic and sports club, etc.
There is always something to do at NCCU and in Taipei.
6. Why is your major important to Belize’s National Progressive and Sustainable Development?
With knowledge of International Studies together with the crucial analytical skills gained, graduates like myself can make sense of the international system and are capable to work in government, international organizations, journalism, international consulting, business, education, community development, and human rights initiatives. Returning to Belize and working in these fields enables us to have a direct impact in Belize’s socio-economic development:
i. Contributing to peace, social and political stability in the region and world at large,
ii. Preparing Belize to reap the benefits of trade and globalization through the promotion of successful trade policies with other nations. Belize would experience unprecedented economic growth through access to new markets, increase in productivity, knowledge, specialization, innovation, technology transfer, and foreign direct investments.
iii. Enhancing Belize’s capability to negotiate and cooperate with other nations (E.g. Taiwan and Belize relations), pool resources, and share information as a way to face global issues (Climate Change and the environment, pandemics, terrorism, etc.) that go beyond our country and region.
iv. Promoting cultural exchanges, diplomacy and policy development with other nations.
v. Transforming Belize’s education, healthcare and transport systems through the implementation of Internet Of Things that would then serve as a pathway for the creation of smart cities that can benefit government agencies, the environment and residents through their efficiency.
These and through many other ways, International Studies can contribute to Belize’s National Progressive and Sustainable Development.
7. Apart from your studies, did you participate in activities with other Belizeans/classmates there? How did you uphold Belize’s namesake?
Throughout my short-professional career, I have represented Belize in numerous occasions. During my studies at UB, I represented the university and Belize via a student exchange program for a semester at the Universidad Autonoma de Chiriqui (UNACHI), David City, Republic of Panama. Upon returning to Belize and graduating in June of 2013, my classmate-Luis Ek, and I represented Belize at the 6th congress of School of Mathematics of Latin America and the Caribbean (EMALCA) held in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
In Taiwan and wherever I go, I work to excel and aim to inspire and be inspired by others. From participating in cultural events to giving presentations about Belize, I have been keen in showcasing what Belize is all about and the beauty it has to offer.
To feel “a home away from home”, a group of Belizeans (myself included) would gather at someone’s house on a regular basis where we would prepare our delicious Belizean cuisines, discuss headlines on news/issues affecting Belize and plan group outings.
8. What is your personal definition of discipline and excellence?
I echo the words of Admiral William McRaven. Discipline is waking up in the morning and making your bed. Admiral McRaven posits that by waking up in the morning and making your bed you will have accomplished the first task of the day. This will in turn give you a sense of pride and encouragement for the tasks ahead. At the end of the day, this single task of making your bed in the morning teaches us that the little things in life does matter. If you can’t do the little things right, you will never do the big things right. Only through this medium we can achieve excellence — a state of satisfaction for one’s work and achievement.
9. (a) In one of my recent articles, I stated: ‘It is important to realize that majority of Belize’s younger population continues to be very mediocre as it relates to becoming holistically educated and cultured, personally and professionally.’ What’s your perspective on this?
It is of utmost importance to be cognizant and alarmed of the fact that Belize’s younger population continues to be mediocre in becoming holistically educated and cultured, personally and professionally. However, I would argue that not only should one be concerned about the younger generation’s lack of discipline, but also that of the general population. (Keep in mind that today’s decision is tomorrow’s result.)
The general population should be vigilant of the issues affecting Belize and how our current leaders are steering Belize’s future. The perfect example to portray this would be the course of our politics and the upcoming ‘ICJ referendum’. Whatever the eligible voting population (elders, adults and young adults) decides on, will influence the future of the ineligible voting population.
As the future leaders of Belize, the younger generation should be hawk-eyed and prepared to confront whatever comes ahead.
However, we should first ask ourselves “What is the root cause of this phenomenon? Have I contributed or helped in this cause?” Once these are answered, we can continue to champion the problem. To close off, remember what it takes to mold children to become holistically educated and cultured: family, society and teacher/school.
(b) What can Belize expect from you in let’s say, the next 5 years? What do you believe should be 5 national priorities for sustainable development in Belize?
Many things can happen in the course of 5 years. However, I hope that within the next 5 years my contribution to Belize’s socio-economic development would come through the Government and/or other stakeholders I would be working with.
As per Belize’s 5 national priorities for sustainable development, I would say they are:
1. Economy
2. Education
3. Health
4. Infrastructure
5. Sustainable Energy
10. What three words do you have to say to young Belizeans?
- Respect… yourself, others and the environment
2. Self-confidence…if not you, who else?
3. Gratitude … thankful for our achievements and failures, because even our failures teach us a lesson.
