Quynh Thuy Do
Dia dhuit (Hello in Irish) and Xin chao (Hello in Vietnamese)!
My name is Quynh Thuy Do and I am a proud Vietnamese graduate of the MA in International Development at Maynooth University (MU) through the Ireland Fellows Programme in the academic year 2021-2022. Looking back to my learning experience at the MU Department of International Development, I am beyond grateful for all the knowledge, skills, and memories that I had during one year studying and living in Ireland.
I am personally interested in working in youth empowerment and development. After several years of immersing myself into voluntary projects related to youth work and community development in Viet Nam and abroad, I found myself challenged by a lack of foundational knowledge of academic theories and the technical skills demanded by the international development sector. Thus, I was determined to upgrade my academic knowledge by pursuing a Masters degree in Development. Having received some admission letters from several recognised universities in Thailand, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, however, I made the decision to study in Ireland thanks to the fully-funded scholarship from Irish Aid.
The MA International Development course at MU provided foundational knowledge and current debates on a broad range of aspects of international development, which helps me to have a better systematic overview of what I had been wondering about in this social science field. I also understand more about the correlation of government, civil society and non-profit or non-governmental organisation and the public. Besides, I particularly enjoyed learning with other classmates in practical modules such as Results Based Management for Development, Participatory Adult Learning for Development, Gender & Development, etc. Having the opportunity to to learn theories and reflect on this knowledge with my working experience and interaction in development work so far, I greatly enjoyed my learning time at the university with diverse approaches and activities in class hours such as discussion, teamwork projects, policy brief drafting, etc. Engaging into the academic setting full-time again helped me to improve my critical thinking skills and embrace the diversity in many aspects. The learning process and assessment also enhanced my other soft skills such as academic writing, reading, project management, etc. Moreover, people at the Department have been always of great help to me and other students throughout the time. I have felt more confident and motivated to strive to overcome obstacles during my learning path with committed guidance and care by the experienced and affectionate lecturers and staff. “Small is also beautiful” – this resonates well with a humble Department of International Development at a young higher educational institution like Maynooth University.
In the present, looking ahead to my journey after graduation, I hold the excitement and humbleness at the same time to keep learning throughout the rest of my life not only in development work but also in personal growth. I do not know what the future will hold for me, however, with the carry-on luggage including positive, dedicated attitude and responsibilities in every single task, the continuous self-reflection and open mindset from the course and the people at the Department and the University, I am encouraged to go further on whichever journey that I am going to embark on. From the bottom of my heart, I feel a deep glow of thankfulness to all the lecturers, staff at the Department of International Development and MU for being lively vibrant ignitors for students like me on this endless and challenging-yet-enlightening learn and unlearn processes, as well as on the journey of searching for answers.
Once again, Cảm ơn rất nhiều (Thank you very much in Vietnamese) and Go raibh míle maith agat (Thank you very much in Irish)!