The Kenrick Mark Coleman Foundation
Kenrick — A Conversation with Kenrick Mark Coleman Features Romel Rudon
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in Belize City. I am the fifth of my mother’s seven children. In primary school, my life’s ambition was to become an accountant, whereas today I’m teetering between electrical engineering and pure physics. I enjoy watching political videos on Youtube (particularly those concerning developing nations), as well as reading books on science and mathematics.
2. You are currently enrolled at university in Taiwan pursuing an undergraduate degree. What do you believe is important in this your role?
I’m currently enrolled at the National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan studying for my bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering. It is a field that is imperative for any country that wishes to develop beyond 19th century standards of living, and the more I learn, the more I realize how much potential the Jewel has within itself. I particularly like the encompassed group in EE that focuses on Computer Science. I think this is a very low cost way to tap into the international market for service provision. In summary, my field is necessary, will never go away, and brings great promise for low-cost future 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?
As to how I received the scholarship, I’ll say I don’t know the specifics. I submitted all my documents according to the requirements of the Taiwanese Embassy in Belize, and received a phone call some time later. I was, needless to say, euphoric. I chose the university based on the recommendation of the Taiwanese Ambassador at the time, His Excellency Chien Kuo “David” Wu and another very dear Taiwanese friend, Fred Shu. They learned that I had the hots for electrical engineering and that was the first school in the country that they recommended. I started the Mandarin Program in September 2013 and the degree program in September 2014.
In these four years, I’ve been concentrating on courses that have more to do with Computer Science and Software Engineering, as well as a few courses from the Physics department (Physics being my first love). At this point I’m still torn between whether to do a Master’s degree in Computer Science or in Physics. It is a decision in the making.
My classmates are really nice people. I have found, though, that the language barrier and cultural differences make for very limited personal interaction. I spent two years beating myself up for not being as proficient as I would have liked to be in the language of the locals, and also for not taking enough time to fully understand their cultural background (I am speaking more of cartoons and video games that they would reference with great frequency in conversations, basically their backgrounds growing up). I’m not the most extroverted person myself, so it’s okay. I’ve still managed to make those few precious Taiwanese friends that I hold near and dear — just not in my department.
4. Describe your transformation process from little Belize to Taiwan?
In Belize, I was ambitious, on fire, and thought that I was on top of the world, being one of the “best” students in the country. The Romel that’s in Taiwan now is far more cautious, level-headed, and maybe just a tad pessimistic. I am also not nearly as proud of my country as I was originally when I first came.
5. What are the challenges you face as a student at university? Opportunities? How is life as a student in Taiwan?
Coming to Taiwan was an eye-opener. Academically, it has been a really heavy lesson in failure and mediocrity sprinkled with occasional glimpses of success. At first, the language barrier made understanding anything in class almost impossible. This was gradually overcome by actively listening and training my ear in class, though it still does make everything just a little bit more difficult to do (my Mandarin still has room for improvement, you see).Most of the classes are also tremendously uninteresting, and I will never be able to understand how some professors can stand to teach when nearly the entire class of 60 students are snoozing away. Apart from that, I found that I personally started to become less and less ambitious, as the onslaught of mid-70’s on the transcript every semester was something I had never thought was possible. Lo and behold, my pride went straight down the toilet. For the first time, I was able to view the entire school system from the vantage point of those that I had once so scornfully called “mediocre” students. It truly is an eye-opener, one that has lit a fire inside me that calls for Education Reform across this world.
Opportunities are there. If you want a job in the hi-tech industry, Taiwan is perhaps one of the most ideal places on earth for it. This creates a strong pull factor in terms of them attracting foreign professionals.
6. Why is your major important to Belize’s National Development?
Belize is still working on its Telecommunications services and Electrical Power Services. Last I heard, we were still a country with one of the highest cost-to-speed ratio for internet services in the Caribbean. In short, we have a ways to go, and we need Electrical Engineers.
7. How do you uphold Belize’s namesake in Taiwan?
Honestly, I don’t do much promotion of Belize here — not actively, at least. I do hang out with some of the other Belizeans in NCKU, and occasionally go to an Independence Day Dinner in Taipei, but apart from that, my patriotic activities are limited to answering questions that my Taiwanese friends ask about my country — funny how it always ends up with me advising them that if they do travel there, they’d best travel in groups.
8. What are three things you learnt as an International Student studying in Taiwan? What can Belize expect from Romel Rudon in the next five years?
I’ve learnt that no matter where you go, there will be those who choose to ridicule those from different ethnic backgrounds (my hair attracts attention). Now I do feel the pain that my Asian classmates back at home endured. Mind you, it’s only the vast minority that does this, although it’s always just the minority that’s enough to cast a black eye.
I’ve learnt that loyalty to one country is nonsense. Loyalty to worldwide unity is a more worthy goal. Better by far to be a World Citizen, rather than a nationalist.
I’ve also learnt that Spanish is important…. it is very important, especially for a Belizean. I detested the language for many years, as I associated it with Guatemala. Now, I’ve become quite fond of it. It has a special feeling to it, just like Mandarin has its own special feeling, and just as Creole has its own. Spanish is lovely.
In the next five years, Belize can expect that I’ll probably be working in Taiwan to hone my skills in this field. I hope to go back and contribute, of course, but not before I know that I’m properly equipped.
9. Why should Belizeans apply for the Taiwan Scholarships? Tell us more about this programme? Contact? Would you be able to provide support?
The Taiwan Scholarship is good for you if you really don’t have a cent to your name, as I didn’t at the time of receiving it. It’s a complete scholarship that covers educational and living expenses. It’s a huge blessing to anyone that receives it — just be ready for the treacherous road that lies ahead (but at least finances won’t be one of your concerns).
Of course, if you’re in Taiwan (specifically Tainan) I’ll be more than glad to help you get sorted. Worry about nothing…. NOTHING.
10. What three words do you have to say to young Belizeans?
Take your time.
