Features
What to be avoided in your letter of motivation
In my last write up, I focused on the processes for applications by foreign students seeking an admission to Finnish universities.
I wrote among other things about how to find information or guidelines on the processes for admission to Finnish universities and issues such as assessing applicants and their letter of motivation, which can be found on the Study in Finland portal (www.studyinfinland.fi/admissions).
As I said, the key documents that applicants need to attach to their application and which form the basis of the applicant’s success or otherwise are the relevant certificates, your resume or curriculum vitae (CV), and a letter of motivation.
Today, I focus on the letter of motivation and what should be avoided in that letter.
The letter of Motivation
For many Finnish universities, the letter of motivation can be a key point for a successful application.
A strong letter of motivation can determine whether the applicant is really ready for the study programme he or she wants to pursue.
As I mentioned the last time, the letter of motivation needs to go straight to the point.
The huge number of applications to Finnish universities means that there is always a high competition for admission.
Therefore, a strong letter of motivation is likely to do the magic and result in a successful application.
I mentioned that the applicant should consider telling about how the programme would impact on his/her (future) career.
Avoid playing the emotions card
Many an applicant may think that telling about your plight would draw sympathy from the assessors. This may be far from the reality.
For example, many years ago a friend told a story to me and others about an applicant in an African country who applied to study somewhere in Europe. The applicant wrote in the letter of motivation that the university authorities should consider poverty in the applicant’s country and minimum opportunities for further education.
I do not know how far this story is true. But, according to the narrator such a request rather diminished the chances of the applicant.
The narrator said it was inferred later that the application was unsuccessful because one wondered how the applicant would be able to find the financial resources to travel abroad and pursue the programme. Would anybody want somebody to struggle or be a burden on others?
This story was narrated as a joke or to create fun, but each of us also picked some important points from it.
Again, I do not think that many evaluators would be convinced if you played the gender card by simply saying that women/girls in Africa do not have opportunities or equal rights, for example.
Rather, what may convince an assessor is, for example, when you say how determined you are to pursue the programme to set an example to encourage other women/girls to aim high despite their status.
Stress on your strong/positive points
As I pointed out the last time, the applicant should emphasise his/her strengths (abilities or competencies) that can help or enable him/her to pursue the study programme.
It is important to stress your strong or positive points. You can even boast of your achievements, abilities and what you are capable of doing. As they say: be bold.
In my experience, I can say that sometimes talking boastfully about oneself or one’s achievements sounds convincing and can do the trick for an applicant.
There is the need for you to go straight to the point and the letter of motivation should have no room for unnecessary or unclear information. As much as possible, use active and persuasive voice or words and avoid using passive ones.
Finally, your chances can be slim if your letter of motivation gives the impression that your only aim is to get the opportunity to simply travel abroad.
Also, as I said the last time, I think it should be a huge motivation and something convincing to the assessors if one of your strong motivations is to get an education that would eventually help you in your career when you are back home after your studies. Thank you.
The author is a senior lecturer
at University of Helsinki, Finland
By Perpetual Crentsil
Features
Who knows tomorrow?
Recently a friend posted a sad news on his Facebook page, announcing the death of a school mate who had passed away, suddenly. The report had it that he was on his way to the airport to take a flight to Ghana.
I am sure this man had already informed the wife or a friend or a work colleague at work that he was returning home but he was not to return as a human being but as a dead body.
Such is life and so we need to be circumspect in how we go about things in life. The Bible reminds us that we are like grass which at one point in time looks elegant and the next moment becomes withered according to Psalm 90:5 and 6. It is for this reason that we need to guard our hearts with the word of God so that we shall be motivated to do the right thing, at all times.
This will enable us live on this planet, free from all sorts of troubles in our personal lives, even if we ignore the question of Heaven and Hell. Living a disciplined life delivers us from any kind of trouble as the Bible declares in Galatians 5:23 that against such there is no law.
The uncertainty surrounding our lives on earth is the more reason why people should commit their lives into the hands of the one who created it, in the first place unless you believe that the world created itself and that it appeared from nowhere.
Otherwise, the logical thing to do is to recognize the authority of the creator and surrender to his Lordship. Heaven is real and Hell is real, so for us who know the truth and have received Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, the onus lies on us to encourage our relations who have not believed and received Jesus into their lives, to do so.
We are a couple of days from another Easter Resurrection celebration and an opportunity to reflect on our lives in relation to the significance of Easter. In the Bible, the only occasion Jesus, Saviour of the world commands us to celebrate is his death and resurrection.
He never commanded his followers to celebrate his birth but like everything else, we chose to ignore Jesus’s instructions and decided to do what pleases us, just like our forefather and mother in the Garden of Eden.
Let us deliberately choose to do things differently as Christians this Easter, so we can really benefit from all the blessings that the celebration of the death and birth of Jesus, has on offer. Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is definitely insanity.
I choose to be different this Easter and I am believing God for a newness of life so God’s glory would be revealed in me to draw the unsaved to him. It is only when people especially the unsaved, see the character of Christ in us, that they can be convinced about the authenticity of Jesus, as Saviour of the world, who can bring transformation in their lives too.
This is what would motivate them to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ. Let us make this Easter a memorable one that will be cherished for a long time. It is also a period for reconciliation and it would be great if in the spirit of Easter, we would try to reach out to those who have wronged us or have a grudge against us.
This would demonstrate that we have indeed accepted Jesus and that our religious posture is not a sham. May the good Lord grant us the grace to love our neighbours as ourselves, demonstrating the love of God in the process.
Those who have lost their loved ones and Easter brings sad memories, may the good Lord comfort and strengthen you. God bless.
.NB: ‘CHANGE KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO KOFI BAAKO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’
Features
Cosmetic deformities
COSMETIC deformities refer to physical imperfections or abnormalities that affect an individual’s appearance, often causing emotional distress and impacting their quality of life.
These deformities can be congenital, acquired, or result from various medical conditions or treatments. This article provides an in-depth exploration of cosmetic deformities, their types, causes, effects, and treatment options.
Types of cosmetic deformities
Cosmetic deformities can affect various parts of the body, including the face, skin, hair, nails, and teeth. Some common types of cosmetic deformities include:
1. Facial deformities: Congenital or acquired abnormalities affecting the shape, structure, or appearance of the face, such as cleft lip and palate, facial paralysis, or facial asymmetry.
2. Skin deformities: Conditions affecting the skin’s texture, tone, or appearance, such as acne, scars, birthmarks, or skin discoloration.
3. Hair deformities: Abnormalities affecting the hair’s growth, texture, or appearance, such as alopecia, hirsutism, or hair loss due to medical conditions or treatments.
4. Nail deformities: Conditions affecting the shape, size, or appearance of the nails, such as nail fungus, nail psoriasis, or nail trauma.
5. Dental deformities: Abnormalities affecting the shape, size, or appearance of the teeth, such as tooth decay, tooth loss, or malocclusion.
Causes of cosmetic deformities
Cosmetic deformities can result from various factors, including:
1. Genetics: Congenital conditions or inherited traits can cause cosmetic deformities.
2. Trauma: Injuries or accidents can result in cosmetic deformities, such as scars or facial trauma.
3. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as acne, psoriasis, or eczema, can cause cosmetic deformities.
4. Treatments and procedures: Medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery, can result in cosmetic deformities.
5. Aging and environmental factors: Aging, sun exposure, and environmental factors can contribute to cosmetic deformities, such as wrinkles, fine lines, or age spots.
Effects of cosmetic deformities
Cosmetic deformities can have significant emotional and psychological effects on individuals, including:
1. Low self-esteem: Cosmetic deformities can lead to feelings of insecurity, self-consciousness, and low self-esteem.
2. Social anxiety: Individuals with cosmetic deformities may experience social anxiety, avoiding social interactions or feeling embarrassed in public.
3. Emotional distress: Cosmetic deformities can cause emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, or stress.
4. Impact on quality of life: Cosmetic deformities can affect an individual’s quality of life, impacting their relationships, career, or overall well-being.
Treatment options for cosmetic deformities
Various treatment options are available to address cosmetic deformities, including:
1. Surgical procedures: Surgical procedures, such as reconstructive surgery, cosmetic surgery, or dermatological surgery, can correct or improve cosmetic deformities.
2. Non-surgical treatments: Non-surgical treatments, such as laser therapy, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion, can address cosmetic concerns, such as skin texture, tone, or appearance.
3. Medical treatments: Medical treatments, such as topical creams, oral medications, or injectable treatments, can address cosmetic concerns, such as acne, hair loss, or nail deformities.
4. Prosthetic and orthotic devices: Prosthetic and orthotic devices, such as wigs, hairpieces, or dental prosthetics, can help individuals with cosmetic deformities.
5. Counselling and therapy: Counselling and therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy, can help individuals cope with the emotional and psychological effects of cosmetic deformities.
Conclusion
Cosmetic deformities can have significant emotional and psychological effects on individuals, impacting their quality of life and overall well-being.
Understanding the types, causes, and effects of cosmetic deformities is crucial in addressing these concerns.
Various treatment options are available, ranging from surgical procedures to non-surgical treatments, medical treatments, prosthetic and orthotic devices, and counselling and therapy.
By seeking professional help and support, individuals with cosmetic deformities can improve their appearance, boost their self-esteem, and enhance their overall quality of life.
Reference
1. “Cosmetic Deformities” by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
