Armi May M. Torrechilla
Master course student
Remote Sensing and GIS Field of Study
School of Engineering and Technology
I am Armi May M. Torrechilla, from the Philippines and I am currently doing my Masters in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems at the Asian Institute of Technology through the generous support from the Japanese Government. I am now in my second semester and hoping to complete the degree by May 2007.
Before coming to AIT, I was working as a Fisheries Biologist in a Non-Governmental Organization focused in conserving marine life. While working there, I observed that new skills and knowledge are needed in every organization necessary for proper planning and management. This drove me to apply for further studies here in AIT and luckily I was accepted. At first, I did not know who my sponsor was and all I knew was that I got financial help from AIT. My academic advisor Dr. Junichi Susaki, himself a Japanese national, told me that it is the Japanese Government who is sponsoring for my education here.
Choosing Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems as my field of study has been the right choice for me. Even though I do not have any background regarding the course, I pushed through and took the course because I know the applications of this would be very useful once I get back to my country. People, especially those involved in decision making are turning their attention towards the application of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems and I may be of help once I have completed this course. I want to help and be of service to the development of my country especially with regards to the progress of the fisheries sector.
In line with this, I would like also to thank the Japanese Government since this coming February 26-March 11, 2006; I will be attending the 1st SELIS Training course on gWater and Carbon Cycles in Terrestrial Ecosystemsh to be held in Nagoya, Chiba and Yokohama as organized by SELIS Committee (Dynamics of Sun-Earth-Life Interactive System) from Nagoya University. Truly, the Japanese Government is very kind and supportive enough for giving me such opportunities.
I am very grateful for the support that the Japanese Government is giving me. The financial support could help me fulfill my goal of earning a degree from one of the leading regional postgraduate institution in the Asia-Pacific region.
I hope that more students and aspirants would be given the same opportunities I have received from the Japanese Government. I do hope also that the Japanese Government will continue its legacy especially in supporting students financially. The support is highly appreciated as more individuals could gain more knowledge, experience and learn new skills, meet and interact with other nationalities integral in the development and improvement of onefs self.
Mabuhay and more power!!!
Sincerely yours,
Armi May M. Torrechilla