Nowadays education is a "must" scenario, and how and where we get it matters a great deal. In today's world, we ought to go to places where we can get quality and avant-garde education. Choosing the right place is a daunting challenge as we commit ourselves for a challenging journey in our lives. Having said that, in Sri Lanka the university standards are really good. But when it comes to pursuing higher studies, we are in need of more resources. Resources which are not affordable to our country. Thus, inevitably, we are pushed to travel to foreign countries.
Profile
I am Duwarahan Rajendra and I am a Phd student in the Civil Engineering department of University of Pittsburgh. Apart from that I do research on design thinking and design creativity by myself.
I did my Bachelor's at University of Peradeniya in Production Engineering. And I came here in the year 2008. My passion after coming here has been around "cognitive engineering". Whatever research I do is based on this field. I hope very soon Sri Lankan universities will embrace this field in its curriculum. |
Does it really matter where we go? England and USA are the prominent names that come to mind. But there is something about USA that makes it more of a giant in education in these days and stats do provide the same kind of impression. From big names like Harvard and Stanford to Hawaii, there are numerous universities that have got education filled with variety and quality.
Plus the students get to know about the world's No.1 economy. America is becoming a symbol of multi-national culture and studying there earns you the right to become a cosmopolitan irrespective of what degree you opt for, an essential certification for any human being as the world is becoming a global village.
When you talk about foreign education, you get to see many advocates and I have never seen someone like Mr and Mrs Dissanayake, a dynamic couple, who are so passionate about what they want to do. There are many agencies in Sri Lanka to promote education, but it is rarely that you could find someone who can really help you, who understands what you really need.
To me Mr. Dissanayake has been a special person. He made me feel as though I am the centre of the earth, which is important for every youngster and I am sure he understands the need of a particular individual. There are times that you need somebody to believe in you. I was a below average student while I was studying in the University of Peradeniya. Off the record, my potential is completely different. But it took some time and Mr.Dissanayake is one of those who really believed in me.
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Rajendra Duwarahan with Prof.H.Abeygunawardena Vice Chancellor University of Peradeniya, Priyanthi and Padmasena Dissanayake |
In Sri Lanka, it is a miss or hit situation for undergraduate study and the real talent might not be noticed sometimes. Asking for a second chance is not a crime or sin and unfortunately the "keep trying" slogan won't work the way we want it to. Luckily we have people like Mr & Mrs Dissanayake, who understand the situation and realize the need of the student.
And sometimes blunt as they could be, they will let you know what kind of prospects you have as far as financial need and other things are concerned. Believe me or not that is important which many agents take little care about. Mr.Dissanayake wouldn't sleep until he delivers what he promised. All these things say what the real motivations are behind this lovely couple. And I love them, just like that!
Both the undergraduate study and graduate study have plenty of opportunities in USA and Mr and MrsDissanayake, the dynamic duo have the experience and calibre to provide the service with utmost care. I hope more of you get the joy that I shared with them. I can keep on going talking about them forever but reality checks in. And I stop here.
-Rajendra Duwarahan
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