Journey with ScholarX

Hello everyone,
I am Yasod GInige, a second year undergraduate in the Department of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, University of Moratuwa.
Schoalr X is a program done by Sustainable Education Foundation in Sri Lanka with the aim of uplifting the higher studies standards and give more opportunities to SriLankan undergraduates in higher studies and international research programs. In ScholarX, there was a set of mentors who are high professionals in separate areas and we were asked to choose a mentor according to our fields. After selecting a mentor, we had to contact him and our group who has selected the same mentor. Then we had six monthly meetings with him and discussed the doubts we had, opportunities and future trends, life experience and so many other topics. It was really helpful. I am so happy to be a part of this great program because I was searching for advice to shape up my career when came across this program.

My mentor was Dr. Rukshan Batuwita who is a data scientist at Google. He was very friendly with us and we discussed a lot about higher studies opportunities, research opportunities, some technical things like Machine learning, Deep Learning, time management, and taking decisions in effective ways. It was really helpful for me to get an idea about how to chase my goals while balancing my social life. The things we discussed are useful to maintain higher academic achievements while maintaining other useful skills like communication, leadership, and humanity. Actually, the advice I got was very much helpful to spend the Covid 19 period efficiently, improving my skills in machine learning, and keep focusing on my targets.
Another opportunity that we got is the Network, or connections, we built there. I think getting to know a person like Dr. Rukshan is one of the greatest things happened to me from this program. Also the other group members. They were amazing and had different passions. I think we made a good bond between us. I recognize it as the best advantage I got because this network will be helpful in higher studies, research projects and even in my internship because it is always better to have guidance to your career.

It was not the only advantage I got throughout these six months. ScholarX organized several online events weekly about researching on cutting-edge technology, higher studies, career development opportunities and so on. There were higher professionals invited to these events and I was able to get a good idea about the academic world beyond my bachelours. I invite all other young enthusiasts to follow the ScholarX programs so that you guys also can build your career perfectly. I would like to join other programs in ScholarX as well in the future.

Finally, I think the ScholarX mentoring program is a good opportunity for university students to take advice to clear their doubts and take optimum decisions about their careers. I highly recommend this program for the youngsters especially keen to move towards higher studies and researching.

Thank you Dr. Rukshan Batuwita
Thank you ScholarX.