Kenrick — A Conversation with Kenrick Mark Coleman Features Naudia Leonardo Williams
The Kenrick Mark Coleman Foundation
Kenrick — A Conversation with Kenrick Mark Coleman Features Naudia Leonardo Williams
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Naudia Lilly Leonardo. I am 35 years old. I was born in the Stann Creek District and raised in Punta Gorda Town. I am a student, a nurse, a wife and the proud mother of two wonderful children who are the driving force behind my motivation, sacrifices and determination. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and have been working as a Registered Nurse for the past 12 years at the Punta Gorda Community Hospital.
My goal was to accomplish my Master’s Degree before the age of 35; however, I will be accomplishing my goal at the age of 36. I realize that to pursue my dreams I had to make huge sacrifices.
2. You are currently pursuing your Master’s Degree in Taiwan. What do you believe is important in this your role?
I am pursuing my Master’s Degree at the National Yang Ming University in Taipei, Taiwan. I am currently enrolled in the International Health Program, majoring in Public Health.
What do you believe is important in this your role?
Most people think of Public Health in times of crisis; however, public health encompasses a wide array of health care issues which is a global concern. It focuses on improving and protecting community health and well-being with an emphasis on prevention among communities, countries and regions. Keeping abreast of all the changes in diseases’ patterns and the environment is essential because these changes do not impact one person. It can affect a country or the entire world resulting in high mortality rates and causing severe economic crisis.
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?
National Yang Ming University is a medical university with global representation. The International Health Program which I’m enrolled in, welcomes both foreign and local students. All courses in my program are in English, there are core mandatory courses and also an abundance of courses which students can pursue in their area of interest. The staff of IHP and Professors welcomed us with open arms in a friendly environment which is conducive to learning.
I successful received the ICDF scholarship by applying through the Taiwan embassy in Belize and to the National Yang Ming University. I submitted my applications to the University and the Taiwan Embassy, respectively. I did an interview and was selected to be one of the successful recipients of the Taiwan ICDF scholarship. I chose National Yang Ming University because it was the University which offered the Public Health Program which I wanted to pursue my degree in.
I commenced my studies in September 2019 and it has been an exciting and remarkable journey thus far. The core programs for my major includes biostatistics and epidemiology; however, I have done subjects in the areas of mental health and global health. My educational journey at NYMU would not have been possible without the wonderful support from my colleagues. We were quick to create a close knit remarkable relationship.
5. What are the challenges you face as a student at the university? Opportunities?
As a student in a foreign country one of the main challenges I had was the language barrier. I took the opportunity and enrolled in Mandarin class which taught me the basics to get around. Other opportunities provided by the International Health Program included field trips to other universities, museums and recycling plants to gain a better understanding of Taiwan’s history and areas of developments.
6. Why is your major important to Belize’s National Progressive and Sustainable Development?
Belize is a developing country and the health of its people and environment will make a healthier Belize. The area of Public health focuses on vast array of Sustainable Development and National Progression. Public health encompasses collaborative efforts from multiple disciplines working to attain optimal health for people, animals and our environment. This collaboration is coined “One Health”. Environmental health focuses on adapting adequate waste management strategies to create a healthier environment thereby minimizing pollution, decreasing vector borne diseases and prevent diseases outbreak.
Also, integrating health concerns of animals and how they can affect human well-being and the environment is paramount. The triad of people, animal and the environment are essential for sustainable development. Strategies aim at National Progression includes identification, containment and prevention of epidemic, effective surveillance systems to identify possible treats to our country and policies for better management and control of our population.
7. What are three things you learnt as an International Student, this far? What can our country expect from Naudia Williams in the next five years?
Three things learnt are:
*Being mindful of others because our culture, customs and beliefs differ,
*Keeping an open mind to learn new things,
*New experiences such as new food and drinks and also the importance of making friends away from home.
Upon returning to Belize, I will continue serving my district through the Toledo District Health Services. With the knowledge that I have gained I would like to improve areas such as surveillance, quality assurance and quality improvement and policy interventions at the Toledo District Health Services.
Within the next 5 years, I aspire to pursue my PhD in Public Health.
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 do believe that the laid back lifestyle in Belize has made the younger population settle for less. However it can be noted, that there has been improvements in the area of education with an increase in the number of students graduating annually with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree. Although there are many highly motivated and educated young people in Belize, the possibility of gaining meaningful employment is very low thereby preventing these persons from developing professionally.
If Belize had more professional opportunities we would see vast improvement in our younger population. However, Belize has seen its fair share of brain drain of professionals, high unemployment rate and low minimum wages with little to no incentives and no succession planning causing burnout of employees.
9. Tell us more about the Taiwan Scholarship Program? Why should more Belizeans apply? How can they apply? What is your personal definition of intelligence and discipline? What is your perspective on discrimination (across the board)?
There are two Scholarship programs available through the Taiwan Embassy for Belizeans (annually) namely ICDF and MOFA Scholarships. These are both full scholarships. The International Cooperation and Development Fund (Taiwan ICDF) is dedicated to boosting socio-economic development, enhancing human resources and promoting economic relations in a range of developing partner countries.
Belizeans should apply for the ICDF Scholarship because it is a great opportunity to gain a higher education and also to experience living in a different part of the world. It is also an opportunity for many to achieve their dream of pursing a higher degree. For many people, the possibility of pursing higher education is impossible due to financial constraints. However, with good grades, they can take advantage of the opportunity and apply for the scholarship. ICDF Scholarship program is open from the 1st of January to the 15th of March of each year. Firstly, students must apply to the University of choice. Secondly, they need to submit all necessary documents to the Taiwan Embassy in Belize and the third step is to attend an interview.
My personal definition of intelligence is the ability to apply knowledge of what you have learnt and to interpret in your own words what you understand. It is also the ability to reason, problem-solve and make rational decisions. Discipline for me is the ability to stay focus on achieving your goals put forward, ensuring that you do all in your power and not side track.
To me, discrimination is a learnt behavior usually developed at home or from an immediate environment where one tends to treat or perceive others as different or inferior. Being born and raised in Belize, I must say I have witnessed my fair share of discrimination coming from a multiracial family. Most people perceive discrimination as an indifference due to race however discrimination goes a far way. I have seen people discriminated based on their socio-economic status, where they live and their level of education. However living in a community which is a melting pot of diverse cultures we see all of us as one people “Belizean”.
10. What three words do you have to say to young Belizeans?
SELF-WORTH
It is very important to know what you mean in life.
DEDICATION
MOTIVATION
