Letter from Dr. Sekabira Wilson:
It is the most memorable journey of my life and the memories are fresh every morning. It was a dream come true for me, who could have ever imagined that one day I would be one of the only two people to represent the entire nation across the oceans for such an event! Not even me! But little did I know that the impossible was about to happen thanks two the endless efforts of Dr.Judith Shedden through whom we were able to get full sponsorship from McMaster University, Canada.
The traveling was fantastic and enjoyable, the people were very hospitable and the country so beautiful. For the very first time I was able to live in a dust free and well planned environment! The food was great and I discovered new tastes! We visited great places from museums, hotels to universities, towns to mention but a few. I still have fresh memories of the ROM! Oh, I was able to see the dead sea scrolls!
The competition was well organized, the expectations we high and the pressure was immense.I learnt new things especially about the format of the competition. I met a number of people and made great friends.
I believe that the Brain bee competition if well organized can inspire a great number of young men and women to consider careers in the neurosciences.
Dr. Sekabira Wilson
Letter from Wampaalu Peter:
My experience with the brain bee is indeed difficult to express verbally or emotionally but in all it comes to an overwhelming inspiration for young students who are very eager to learn the science of the brain.
After the national championship, the dream of going to Canada seemed too impossible for me since I could not see how my parents would raise all the much money needed to cater for travel expenses as well as up keep.
However, our national Brain Bee coordinator, Dr.Sekabira encouraged me and told me about a rare opportunity we had got. McMaster University through Dr.Judith Shedden was to full sponsor our trip to and from Canada!!
When I boarded my first ever flight I could not believe that it was actually true and happening! I kept on whispering to myself endless times things I cannot even remember. Indeed it was true and before I knew it the plane was already over and above the clouds! I felt like I was on top of the world. I realized that I could actually do much more than I had ever imagined.
All my competitors were from developed countries and I was the only one from Africa! I got to know how people from developed countries do and learn things. I got to meet a number of people and made a lot of friends. I explored the 'heart' of Canada (Toronto). I visited the ROM and even saw the dead sea scrolls!! We went to Toronto University, McMaster University to mention but a few. I enjoyed good infrastructure accompanied by very beautiful sceneries.
The Brain bee is a very good event though in developing countries a lot is still needed. The low socioeconomic status makes it very difficult for a number of activities to be sponsored. A number of people are still not aware of its existence and thus more sensitisation is required. In the end this means more funds!
I see Brain bee as a door to detailed understanding of neuroscince of the brain and thus research.
CHALLENGES
1.Language; the accent made it a bit difficult for me to fully comprehend the questions.
2. Jet lag
3. New foods!
What should be done:
1.More sensitization of the people to make them aware of Brain bee and its impact.
2.More funding as most activities can't be carried out without such.
Wampaalu Peter
