I was about to spend £30,000 on an MSc. in the U.K. Data Science…. Leeds Beckett University, started the travel process;TB test, CAS , etc.
One random evening, Debbie, my friend from uni, called. We were catching up… life after school and all. Told Debbie I was going to the U.K. for MSc, self-sponsored.
Few days later, Debbie called to tell me about a fully funded scholarship. She was so eager and pushy. “Wale, I’ve tried this thing, but you’re the only person I know who meets all the requirements. The bar is really high. It’s people like you they are looking for. I believe you’ll get it.”
Such audacity. Such belief in my potentials and abilities. She forwarded all the documents to me, even paid for a coaching program. All this stress for a Wale that’s already scouting for a studio apartment in Leeds.
I was reluctant. Even though I had won multiple scholarships in the past(Microsoft, Western Union etc) , I didn’t want to join thousands of applicants hustling for the few available slots. I just wanted to do the MSc, come back to Nigeria and continue building my startup .
So I dismissed Debbie. I didn’t act. I went ahead with my U.K. plans. Was already buying and saving £s.
But Debbie kept disturbing me, so I reluctantly started the scholarship application. She’d call to ask about my progress, if I had sent my transcript, share updates about the scholarship, guide me on how to pay the admission fee etc.
I finally decided to give it a shot. Spent 3 whole days putting the application together. It was a solid application nonetheless. I put in my A-game. But to be honest, I only did it for Debbie.
Then the list came out, 9,000 applicants from 100 countries. Only 300 were granted. That’s a 3.3% success rate. I was among.
The congratulatory email came. A fully funded scholarship. Flight ticket, visa fee, monthly stipend, tuition, accommodation, everything.
All because Debbie was selfless and believed in my potential.
If you’ll go far in life, you must have friends who believe in your dreams and potentials.... and that will put you on.. Some friends are destiny helpers sent by God. Debbie is one.
Thank you again Debbie.
x.com/ceo_wale/status/198143…
It’s very sweet. You don’t have to worry about money or immigration issues. You won't need a POF. I attended the 'visa interview' with a calm mind (t-shirt and jeans), flew to Abuja same day, went to embassy and was out in no time.
Was paid to study, paid to attend my graduation dinner, provided with the best software, the best computers, travel allowances, access to global companies for internships, office tours, and mentorship. I even got a free iPhone (lol) . Studied alongside some of the best minds working with global companies like Apple and Sony... made friends with Chinese guys building mad stuff in gaming, AI, and data.
But beyond all the perks and benefits, winning a fully funded scholarship will boost your confidence 100x. You’ll stop underrating yourself and realize you’re in the top percentile. I always knew I was exceptional, but I rated myself even higher afterward. I applied once, and got it the one and only time.
Pray for God’s grace, that's the most important factor, even though you're in the top percentile, there are thousands of other top applicants.