“Not Again… Not Anymore”

After dropping out of a master’s class for a record second time, due to financial reasons, I was almost losing it. I asked myself too many questions without answers … “Not again!!” You see I had the willpower (…And Still Do), but the finances were constricting.

Let me tell you a story of a Great Researcher, of course before he becomes a great one-Courtesy of the ESOMAR Foundation. One day a friend of mine came to my desk and showed me a website and claimed that a certain organization known as ESOMAR Foundation was offering scholarships. I took her words seriously and started the application process. I knew how important getting a scholarship would mean to my career and family. Then on one fine evening on a Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at exactly 9:03 PM I received an email from the ESOMAR Foundation that they were interested in financing my education, I was so overjoyed and eager to start school like the “previous day”. This day Forever remains engraved in my heart like an intaglio.

Fast forward, I started my orientation on February 19th, 2024, pursuing a Master of Arts in project planning and Management. My first semester went on seamlessly and I was able to attend all the classes and did the exams. Currently, I finished my second semester. The only challenge that I have faced this semester is about the civil unrest In Kenya. I have made great connections, both in career and Academia, in school, some of whom are into Research like me. The most intriguing thing for me is that I am in a class full of CEO’s and Engineers, ooh! what a privilege. I am overjoyed to be able to finally pursue my academic and career dreams and fortunate enough to have mentors along the way. You see a journey walked with others can lead far. Having this scholarship has given me peace of mind and a unique opportunity to be able to focus and attain my career goals in research. I now say … “Not anymore!!”

I go by the slogan “Loosing hope or giving up is a luxury I cannot afford, it’s too expensive and it’s costs too tremendous”

Words cannot express my joy, I say a big THANK YOU to ESOMAR Foundation for this scholarship. May God Bless you all.

Tom Joe Omollo is pursuing a Master of Arts in Project Planning & Management at University of Nairobi, Kenya. Tom Joe is the recipient of a scholarship funded by the ESOMAR Foundation.

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If you are a market researcher, a national market research association, an NGO involved in research, or a university interested in a scholarship in your country please contact us at info@esomarfoundation.org

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