I am Sean Yates, a 36-year-old Jamaican currently pursuing a Master of Science Degree in Climate Change, Agriculture, and Food Security at the University of Galway, Ireland. I am a father of two children, a son, and a daughter, who are very important to me. I consider myself to be a kind-hearted person who always goes above and beyond to achieve my goals. I am self-motivated, dedicated, and disciplined. I tend to be shy but try to step out of my comfort zone to become more confident. In my free time, I enjoy playing volleyball and soccer and have recently taken up Muay Thai as a hobby.

While in Jamaica, I worked as an Animal Science Lecturer at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education. I taught first and second-year students about Livestock production, including Dairy, Small Ruminants, and Poultry production. My duties included training, research, and outreach.

Thus far, the fellowship has greatly enhanced my education through the enlightening modules offered in the Climate Change, Agriculture, and Food Security Master’s program at the esteemed University of Galway. Additionally, being elected as the UG Students’ Union Class Representative has given me the chance to develop my leadership abilities and enhance my interpersonal skills. Furthermore, volunteering has presented me with numerous benefits, such as the opportunity to gain new technical and communication skills. Overall, my experience has been outstanding, thanks to ICOS, the welcoming Irish community, and the convenience of Galway city.

As a student in the Climate Change, Agriculture, and Food Security Master's program, I have gained an understanding of the extensive effects of climate change on various industries around the world. I am now motivated to contribute to addressing the challenges related to agriculture, food security, and the impact of climate change on gender issues. Life in Ireland has been great overall. The Irish people are known for their friendly demeanour and the air in Ireland is clean and fresh, coming from the Atlantic Ocean.In contrast to Jamaica's tropical climate, the weather in Ireland varies greatly, which can be a challenge sometimes.

When I return home, my goal is to establish lasting friendships, build a global network for potential future opportunities, travel to different regions within Ireland and various European nations, and potentially collaborate with organisations that are actively working to address issues related to Climate Change, Agriculture, and Food Security.

The ICOS organised events are my preferred aspect of the fellowship as they provide an opportunity for socializing and exchanging experiences among the group.

I would strongly urge Jamaicans to consider joining the Ireland Fellows Programme as it offers a chance for personal and academic growth, as well as increasing one's chances of employment. Upon completion of the program, participants will be better equipped to make meaningful contributions to their country and the global community.

My advice for candidates who wish to apply to the Ireland Fellows Programme is:

1. Make sure you thoroughly research the Ireland Fellows Programme and understand the requirements and expectations for candidates. This will help you to tailor your application and make sure you meet all the necessary criteria.
2. Prepare a strong CV and cover letter that highlights your qualifications, skills, and experience. Emphasize any relevant experience or achievements that make you a strong candidate for the program.
3. Gather letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your qualifications and potential as a candidate. These should be from professionals or academics who have worked with you in the past and can provide insight into your abilities.
4. Practice for the interview by preparing answers to potential questions and reviewing your application materials. This will help you to present yourself confidently and effectively during the interview process.
5. Keep in mind that the competition for the Ireland Fellows Programme is likely to be fierce, so don't be discouraged if your application is not successful the first time around. Instead, use the feedback you receive to improve your application and reapply in the future.
6. Finally, be sure to communicate with the programme officials in a professional and timely manner throughout the application process. This will demonstrate your interest and commitment to the programme and help to ensure that your application is considered in the best possible light.