The 18 students, who joined the first edition of the Master in Resilience in Educational Contexts in October 2023, come from very diverse backgrounds from Australia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Colombia, Philippines, Greece, Indonesia, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Moldova, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkey and the United States. The students have previously read into a wide variety of courses from education, teaching, sociology, psychology and community development. In this first newsletter, we meet Farhana Yesmin and Ceren Kurtdere, the two student representatives on the programme.
Ceren Kurtdere, Turkey
The program’s objectives are closely aligned with my career aspirations. It was occasionally very difficult for me to deal with the issues at the school where I worked. Enhancing the school climate through resilience training seemed to be an excellent concept. I want to support the development of resilience in myself, my students, and my colleagues.
What motivated you?
I was greatly motivated by the chance to push myself and learn from at least three different universities, meet friends from different backgrounds, and, in the end, become a more effective teacher for my students. Knowing that this program will benefit me not just academically but also personally excites me much.
How/where do you plan to use what you learn after your masters?
My hometown experienced a huge earthquake back in February that affected many people, especially children. I want to return and support children who had adverse effects from the disaster in becoming resilient. My long-term goal is to obtain a PhD and begin instructing aspiring educators.
Your first impressions of the course, University of Malta and life in Malta?
I have only been here a month, but I can already feel that the professors and the project manager are always there to support us. The lectures are interesting, informative and interactive.
In Malta, all roads lead to the sea, and the climate is lovely. I have to remind myself that this is not a vacation; this is a place where I study. It is feasible to go to a lot of festivals and events, which makes for wonderful memories shared with lots of friends.
Farhana Yesmin, Bangladesh
Why did you apply for the Master in Resilience in Educational Contexts?
The shocking breakdown of the covid-19 pandemic was a big reminder to the world that our mental health matters, and we need to build our inner strength and resilience to bounce back and move forward in life. Coming from a teaching background, I have firsthand experience with how mental health is not given any significance in the education system of my home country. After the post pandemic situation, I was eager to focus in this sector, and I could not have found a more appropriate program than Flourish Master of Resilience in Educational Context program.
What motivated you?
This program is designed in such a way that it will facilitate the core understanding of mental health in the educational setting and how to foster resilience in both children and adults. It is my hope and dream to establish the significance of building resilience in the education sector of my country and create a better setting for both students and teachers.
Your first impressions of the course, University of Malta and life in Malta?
Starting this amazing journey with University of Malta has been a great blessing. A beautiful campus with wonderful faculty and stuff, diverse student body from all over the world, friendly locals and with picturesque views everywhere, there is no better place to start a new journey. I am truly glad to be here and become a part of this diverse community.
