I And AI A Tale With Champions

My post content

AI

Artificial intelligence first showed its face in the early 1950's, was then a not so attractive branch of computer science and information theory. Over the years, several layers and transitions has sprung and this has resulted in diverse use of the term and its applicable branches or should I say fields. In recent years chatbots has been equalised to the term AI. But hey, AI isn't just that: it spans several fields, including but not limited to machine learning, deep learning, voice recognition, text recognition, computer vision, David Baker's notion and 'cowboy biochemistry' among others. From useful application in drug discovery, surveillance systems, self driving cars, other autonomous systems and more recently my introduction of AI's concept of nearest neighbour and nearest neighbour needs for decision support and third party recommendation, rather than the usual first.

Journey with Myself and AI

My use of AI's nearest neighbour concept on people started with myself in 2015 while on a quest to pursue postgraduate studies abroad 'en route' a quant career. Then, I wondered why several alumni of my undergraduate university have applied and been admitted to the University of Calgary based on transcripts, recommendation and GRE score at the core. Why then can't these past students inform my admission by considering their admission ( transcripts, GRE , etc) All else equal most certainly if our transcripts are par, then most essentials will certainly be par. If transcripts were considered with disregard for university name and ranking, then I would be at the wrong side. If it was then my argument must certainly hold right. Being urged to pursue without a GRE score, I applied and reluctantly didn't pursue sending of recommendation. My application was outrightly rejected! But hey, a course mate was accepted with full funding in another department! Something must be wrong with this system. From there several admissions to study abroad and pursue postgraduate studies has shown, but life surprises and humbles. Eventually, in 2020, I was sponsored by an acquaintance to take the GRE and scored 305. As bad as the score was, I wasn't going to take another GRE Test. I felt I had let myself down. A score of 310 was my worst case and minimum lower band. 'Slept' thereafter until 2023 when I relocated temporarily.

Hutcherson , Oxford/Blessing

Hutcherson surname was funny not because of anything peculiar other than me making it sound such. I felt like a magnet, some nonsexual attraction physically like a pull; but that was not what informed this inclusion: the apology thereafter. Blessing followed and as if being redirected, my head was exposed to the door of the classroom's hinges. There like a movie, I saw Oxford inscribed on the hinge. Oxford again? I thought , then, naively felt it was divine but now connecting the dots, the apology was for her.
Oxford was a top choice of mine, first MSc Computational and Mathematical Finance . Then glancing through the admission requirement, opted for an MSc Social Data Science: a nearest neighbour decision support helped! While applying, I knew within myself , you don't deserve this admission. As fair as I was, I acted in that regard. An expected rejection brought the relief. In 2023, reapplied: but this time it was for my dream course, MSc Computational and Mathematical Finance. The reasons, I thought my popularity with regards to the field and a few works of mine that have been adapted by governments will help: it didn't! (my advice, always ask to be credited for your works, if you provided even the foundations). Oxford again, okay this may be divine. I put an email through to Prof. Benny an alumina of University of Toronto, still prided by the fact of my popularity. This time with all hands and tools available to me, sent a strong well drafted and crafted application. Cushioned by their motto translated : " The Lord is my Light". I was at least 80% sure of an admission until Oxford made me realise, the Lord acts such that others may receive the promotion rather. Saddened, but anchored by the fact that I may be wrong.

Cambridge there to Save

To be safe due to some research in education I decided, why not mimic the horticulturist and inosculation : grow tomatoes on my potatoes. To create something that will not only be an awe to bystanders, but will produce two distinct crops. The analogy explained, application for an MPhil in Education, Globalization and International Development (EGID). My app Ensurance was, I foresaw taking flight thereafter. Admitted at the eleventh hour, I was relieved, saying a prayer, I hoped for a scholarship to complete then proceed to the Mast Mathematical Statistics. A course to support me as a quant. Months passed and the scholarships didn't come, with others receiving scholarships from Trinity College, Gates Cambridge, MasterCard Foundation, Cambridge Trust, and what have you. I was saddened. Another year gone without me pursuing postgraduate studies.

Back to Square 1

Back in 2009, I was at this locality where I began the use of mentorship as a means to educate children and young adults. Most of the children I taught then have been fruitful in their endeavours. Some still grounding their footing. One thing is certain: they all seem to be excelling in their chosen paths generally. Currently, within the same space or should I say enclave working with my foundation, I could sense the work I did there had an influence on these children directly and others unknown to me. Most of them have had their lives altered forever.

As I am patiently waiting for the day that brings with it my permanent sigh, Ensurance has been created, BOGC Foundation has gone live and there seem to be 'light at the end of the tunnel'. AI has been instrumental till this point and heretoforth, it presents new methodologies and approaches to healthcare, education and insurance. With BOGC Foundation and myself championing and presenting novel approaches to education and insurance through Ensurance and healthcare through IDD with the influx of AI. Africa has at least a point of reference and something to look up and forward to!