Told They Can't

The Story of Migrant Child Farm Workers Who Became High-Profile Professionals

How Bertha Tobias went from Namibia public school to Rhodes Scholar.

by

Bertha Tobias

Bertha Tobias was an intern for Told They Can’t. She is a graduate of Claremont McKenna College, my alma mater. After I read her story in the alumni magazine, I contacted her immediately—I knew the documentary would resonate with her. Told They Can’t is much more than a film; it’s a movement. As such, we are always seeking individuals like her to join us to share the message that anyone can achieve their dreams if given opportunity.

Here Bertha shares how she went from Namibia public schools to become a Rhodes Scholar. The Rhodes Scholarship provides fully funded studies at Oxford and is the oldest and most competitive postgraduate scholarship in the world, with an acceptance rate of just 0.7%! Past recipients are as varied as Bill Clinton, Rachel Maddow and singer Kris Kristofferson.

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While the tips she shares are powerful if you would like to apply to become a Rhodes Scholar, they are also helpful for anyone who may be applying for college, a scholarship, a job, a promotion or looking for their next big opportunity:

  1. The Personal Statement—she wrote a 750-word statement about who she is; I call that an elevator speech. Hollywood calls it a pitch. No matter what you call it, you need one! It’s not an autobiography. In her case, she related the parts of her story that were pertinent to the scholarship. For other opportunities, it’s marrying the parts of your story that fit with your goal. Ask yourself, “What do you I want someone to know, for sure, about me?“
  2. The Essay—she wrote about what she would study if she got into Oxford; her essay was supported by her personal statement that explained how she would be creative, passionate and persistent in doing that.
  3. The Interview—she focused on being herself and trusted that all of her life experiences prepared her for the interview; she also mentions the importance of having basic interview etiquette: dress appropriately, look them in the eye and sit up straight!

If you’d like to be an intern, assistant or evangelist for Told They Can’t, contact me: [email protected]

Yes, you can.