Kenrick — A Conversation with Kenrick Mark Coleman Features Solomon Antonio Jr.
The Kenrick Mark Coleman Foundation
Kenrick — A Conversation with Kenrick Mark Coleman Features Solomon Antonio Jr.
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Solomon Samuel Antonio Jr., son of Solomon Sr. and Leonora Antonio. I am a student of life: as a son, a brother, a friend, a father, and a husband. Like many Belizeans I am a mixture of a few things, but I always fill out surveys and put Garifuna. I was born in Dangriga Town, but my dad was a police officer so we moved all over Belize; so I’d say I grew up and had my formative years in Orange Walk Town. I was a Science Lab Assistant at the University of Belize (Belmopan) for six years before leaving to further my education. I recently completed my master’s degree and I am currently an agriculture researcher doing my PhD in Taiwan.
2. You graduated with a Master’s Degree from the National Chung Hsing University (NCHU), majoring in the International Master Program of Agriculture (IMPA). What do you believe is important in this your role?
Increasing agricultural productivity remains a central concern of developing countries such as Belize. Agricultural research has an important role to play in developing new technologies and techniques of production that increase agricultural productivity. Agricultural research is the key to sustainably feed the increasing global population by finding innovative ways to increase our food productivity such as livestock and crop yields, improve farmland productivity, reduce loss due to disease and insects, develop more efficient equipment, and increase overall food quality. Agricultural researchers also look for ways to increase farmers’ profits and to protect the environment. Through agricultural research, the standard of living we enjoy today can be improved.
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?
Academics at NCHU is really good. It is a top notch research-led university ranking very high in the Taiwan comprehensive university system. It is the number one university for agriculture in the country. I got the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) International Higher Education Scholarship and commenced my studies in September 2016. I did my research in Molecular Fungal Genetics in the Plant Pathology Department. The IMPA program is a great program that allows students to focus research on any topic within any of the departments under the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. This meant some people were doing agribusiness, agro-tourism, plant pathology, entomology, soil and water science, horticulture and so on. The program allows students to take a wide range of courses in areas they might have interest.
My relationship with the fellow students varied on an individual basis. To some I was a big brother, to some I was a friend and counselor, to some I was just the friendly chatty classmate. There was a large international student population with people from all parts of the globe. I am a social butterfly so I made friends with other students from other departments from every continent.
4. Describe your transformation process from little Belize to Taiwan.
Coming from a developing country like Belize to a very developed country like Taiwan was a drastic shift; especially in everyday things like commuting around the city, use of technology and so on. Being someone that loves technology it was easy for me to adapt to living here since technology was everywhere and made life very convenient. Being on the other side of the globe was difficult but technology made it easier. I was able to video chat with my family whenever I wanted to.
My first week here I was comfortable enough to take a trip to another city by myself. Google maps quickly became my best friend for getting around everywhere. The food took the longest to adapt to. I spent the first month going around all the food stores around campus trying everything and seeing what I could actually eat and be contented with. I love to eat and so I needed to find food quickly.
5. What are the challenges you faced as a student at university? Opportunities?
As a student in a foreign country I think the biggest challenge is being away from home; and with Taiwan being on the literal next side of the globe from Belize it was easy to get homesick. I think every student that leaves home to study in a foreign country needs to find a way to cope with being away from friends and family. I tried to just focus on my studies and my research and used that as a way of distracting myself from the loneliness. Reminding myself why I was here and how it would help with not only self-growth but also the development of my country was a great way to get through it all.
Opportunities include doing research at a top notch university, with up to date equipment and facilities. Besides academics and research, there is also the opportunity to enjoy any of the varsity sports and extra-curricular clubs; I was a part of my department’s basketball and football teams. There are also host-family program events. I had an interview feature in a newspaper article about the host-family program and my journey to Taiwan. There are a lot of fun things to do and see as a NCHU student.
6. Why is your major important to Belize’s National Development?
“Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity, and is the torch which illuminates the world.” Louis Pasteur hit the nail on the head with that statement, and wiser words have never been uttered by men. Science and technology are the tools that will bring insight and forward innovation to a country in need of advancement. Science is an important tool to every nation. Belize is so small technologically, it is hard to tie in the degrees I want to do with my country’s development. However, I am confident that whatever skill and knowledge I obtain will be beneficial to such a young country. Belize is very dependent on crops such as citrus, sugar and banana; and I believe we need forward innovations to help maintain and improve our agriculture industries.
I am inclined to become a professional that can provide science based data and recommendations to the decision makers. The condition of the natural environment and our national resources are of vital importance and this is one of the reasons why I have chosen to take this career path.
7. You recently commenced PhD studies. Share with us a little story of your journey this far. Expectations? Research?
I recently started my PhD studies as a part of the Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP) in Molecular and Biological Agricultural Sciences (MBAS) at Academia Sinica. Academia Sinica is the national academy of Taiwan and supports research activities in a wide variety of disciplines. Currently I am doing my first lab rotation, and my research is focused on heat stress and plants’ ability to overcome drastic changes in temperature. Global warming has increased the world mean surface temperature and it is expected to continue increasing. Several studies demonstrate that high temperature impacts plants from various aspects, such as seed germination, plant development and photosynthesis; and these impacts eventually reduce yield. Therefore, functional analysis of plants’ thermotolerance responses is crucial to provide us with more insight into how they cope with high temperatures and thus allow us to figure out ways to improve that tolerance.
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? What is your definition of discipline and excellence?
I believe Belizeans should not be quick to settle. Belize is a very young country, and we need to accept help when it is offered and seek ways to develop ourselves and in effect our country. President Barack Obama once said that change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek. This statement spoke to me very loudly and motivated me to not give up.
9. Why should Belizeans apply for the Taiwan Scholarship? Tell us more about this programme? Contact? Would you be able to provide support?
Belizeans should apply for the Taiwan ICDF Scholarship because it is a great opportunity to gain a higher education, experience another culture, and visit another part of the world. It is also a great opportunity to grow on a personal level, emotionally, mentally and intellectually.
The Taiwan ICDF Scholarship is an excellent program that allows students to choose from over 30 programs at either the bachelor, master or doctorate level to further their education. I believe myself as well as any other past ICDF scholarship recipient are more than willing to provide support for anyone that is interested in the scholarship program. People should not be afraid to ask questions; having more information is one way we make better choices.
10. What three words do you have to say to young Belizeans?
Three words are hard, but I will leave with this idea that I think will help every young Belizean.
Stay curious! Read!
Reading is the gateway skill that makes all other learning possible.
