Study in the USA - Student Blog

No, I am not.

I cannot believe—even at this moment of typing—that I really am home. Sigh.

It has almost been a month since my arrival here in the Philippines. I still remember the excited faces of my family when they saw me in the airport (although they had to wait for another two hours because my flight was delayed). Anyhow, I had my celebrity moment. My paparazzi-like siblings were taking pictures of me while I was having a hard time maneuvering the gigantic cart that carries my two overstuffed luggage. We made a scene… seriously.

Hugs and kisses… hugs and kisses… non-stop hugs and kisses. I guess they really missed me a lot. I did too. I love my family.

But enough with the hugs and kisses.

The world you live in moves on even without you. Yes, it is true, however you realized that nothing much has really changed… except for yourself. There are so many things I have learned with my US experience. So many that even words cannot describe how much I have improved as an individual. I do not even know how to continue this entry because I am at a loss for words—speechless. Period.

My six months of sojourn in the US has really ended. Sigh. In denial stage, undeniably.

PS
My original flight was canceled. The airline had to rebook me for the following day.
It was unfortunate, but it was okay. They upgraded it to business class. Lucky!

We were treated like babies… in our strollers.

Lindo Lindo- say it twice!

I know that summer is coming, nevertheless I just want to express how fascinating the season of spring has been.The change of season was really overwhelming. From a gloomy winter, trees blossom vividly; people are unexpectedly out walking the streets; even squirrels and bunnies enjoy the sunny weather; and, not to mention the colorful tulips! It has really become warmer and brighter… all of a sudden! Springtime = funtime.

A picture paints a thousand words. And so, instead of describing the magnificent spring, let these pictures tell you the story: (CLICK below)

SPRING!

FLOWERS, TREES and… a SQUIRREL

The bunny hopped away right after I saw it, y’know?

Got to love spring,

Lindo Lindo– say it twice!

All my fellow students! Here I am again. Back in action!

Being an international student is not just about studying and studying and…. studying. Well, in my case I did community service. And it was fun… Unleash the volunteer in you my fellow students!

FOOD BANK

PART I

We went to Northern Illinois Food Bank for my first community service. Activities that volunteers engaged in were organizing and packing foods, and checking for their expiration dates. That day, we were tasked to dispose unsafe medicines that were sent to the Food Bank. These medicines could not be used because the drug company did not have them licensed under the FDA.

SPECIFIC JOB:  Remove the tablets from its blister packaging. (Too bad I did not bring a camera!)

TIME: It took us four hours to finish one big box.

What about the experience?

Removing the tablets was a monotonous job but it was fun because we get to chat with each other without being less efficient. My fingers were painful after, but it was nothing compared to what will happen if a person dies because of those tablets. I felt a somewhat warm and fuzzy feeling since I know that I helped prevent a bad outcome from happening.  This experience taught me that no matter how small or big your ways are in helping, it makes no difference since the purpose is the same. Service is about sacrifice, and it does not hurt to sacrifice your time and effort to help a good cause.

PART II

The second time that I volunteered at the Food Bank– the activities were completely different. It was way more exciting and challenging. Together with ten other people and two fellow UGRADers, filling bags with nutritious, child-friendly and shelf-stable food that are distributed to students on Fridays has never been so fun. Called as the BackPack Program—it is a national program of the Feeding America Network.

SPECIFIC JOB: Each of us was assigned to different stations.I was assigned to put small packs of rice in each bag. Others were assigned to put canned goods, cereals, trail mixes etc.

TIME:  The group accomplished the job in three hours and forty-five minutes.  Thirteen heads are better than one!

What about the experience?

We were all motivated to accomplish the task at hand because we know that more than a thousand chronically hungry children will received those bags. One of the volunteers even said that one bag is good for three people to have three meals in a day, so it was really worth it.

More photos:

In a NUTSHELL!

The experience gave me a deeper meaning of the spirit of volunteerism. In the Philippines, I am a volunteer of an organization that promotes a more just and peaceful world through intercultural programs. Here in the US, the community service experience showed me a different facet of volunteering.By volunteering—you can do so many things to help others. Upon my return to my home country, I will definitely do more volunteer works that concern other causes.

Volunteers truly,

Lindo Lindo– say it twice!

Wow… I am a senior… when did this happen? I can clearly remember starting to research Universities in the US when I has in high school and now… one more semester and I will be graduating… taking me 3.5 years to finish my college degree with a major in Psychology and a minor in Family Studies. Now… graduate school? thousands of choices and thousands of different places where I can spend the next two years or even longer while pursuing my graduate degree. I am starting to think hat Florida would be a good fit for me because I am more of a warmer weather person but I have become very attached to the people around this area and Missouri has been very welcoming to me.

Last week, I had the opportunity to present my research at two different conferences. One of them Wednesday April 14th, 2010 here at Southeast Missouri State University, winning first place in empirical paper, and Friday, April 16th, 2010 at Missouri State University for the Annual Meeting of Missouri Academy of Science earning third place in the Social/Behavioral Sciences Section. How excited was I when I received both awards?!  These were defiinitely two amazing experiences on the top of my list while in college. It will definitely help me to build my resume.

I just want to advice you that as International Students we don’t think that opportunities are available for us, but with more reason, represent your family, your country and give back to this country which has been very welcoming to us. Opportunities are out there and it is up to us to try to catch them.

Keep steadily before you the fact that all true success depends at last upon yourself.
Theodore T. Hunger

Studying in another country means immersing yourself in a different environment.  An international student should adjust in order to survive.  And so, learning a language of the country you want to study in is one of the important factors to consider to make the adjustment easier and to maximize the study abroad experience.

Language—a means of our communication—may be a stumbling block to an international student’s effective learning. The necessary skills of reading, speaking, writing and listening should be given attention to completely understand not only academics, but more importantly the people and the culture of the country per se.  Sometimes, it requires painstaking efforts do this task, but in the end you will reap the rewards. It does not hurt to be fluent in two languages, right?

In my case, using the English language is not a big problem at all. This is so because English is widely used as a second language in the Philippines. You can even hear Filipino say random English words during normal conversations! Furthermore, it is the medium of instruction in schools more often than not. Even people from other Asian countries would study in our country just to learn English. In general, we practice and understand the English language and it has been an integral part of our daily living.

Even though I have developed the skills in understanding English, I still encounter some difficulties. Speaking English demanded careful practice because Americans speak in different accents or modes of pronunciation. Try to acquire their twang or speak in an esoteric manner particular to your place. Avoiding the perception of speaking gibberish—you have to twist and twirl your tongue in order to master the skill. Well, that was a bit exaggerated…

Ready your Dumbo ears because some Americans speak way too fast. Now and then, you would notice mouths motionless as they speak. Just put a puppet beside them and you will get a ventriloquist! Pay attention to every single sound and corresponding word. But if understanding the person is insanely difficult and calls for a divine intervention, better tell him or her to stop! Pardon yourself and ask the person to repeat everything in a slow and understandable manner, perhaps the most neutral accent.

Based on my experience, as I go along and mingle with people, I get accustomed to their way of speaking and eventually speak the way they do. Exposure is the key. One thing that could help is by listening to US radio or watching US television programs. I would watch DVDs with subtitles at times because it would improve my listening comprehension(not to mention my reading comprehension). I also mimic the dialogues, so I can exercise my mouth and get an idea of how a statement or sentence should sound or be said properly.

If you are studying in a university or college that is trimester-based, you have got to unleash the Superman in you. You have to be faster than a speeding bullet! A 10-week term seems so short, but the list of school work may compare to a long file of die-hard fans for a sold out U2 concert in Chicago. So many things to accomplished! Students better keep it up with the humongous amount of workload constricted to fit a in a 3 1/2 months(similar to a canister of sardines). That being so, avoiding procrastination and planning your activities should bring your student life on the fast track.

Remember those sheets of paper distributed by the professors on the first day of classes? The syllabus, defined as a summary outline of a discourse, treatise, or course of study or of examination requirements (Merriam-Webster.com), serves as a contract between students and the professor. The US, being an individualist leaning society tends to become explicit on this. Every class meeting is detailed. It is as if the course was a premeditated crime—the professors are the perpetrators and students become the victim. The chapters of the required texts for discussion, the dates of group presentations, the dates of events to attend, the dates of exams, the deadline of submission of papers and more are altogether indicated in the covenantal syllabus. The schedule has to be abode by, or else it may be a cause of the class’ failure. This is one characteristic though that I admire most among Americans that if other people would follow— should bring them to a more organized life.

To wrap this entry up, let me reiterate the importance of planning ahead, avoiding procrastination, and complying with the syllabus (Have a firm grasp of this paper; put keen attention into it). Religiously practice these and you will be a man of steel and sure to survive the kryptonic effects of the hectic student life. So don your tight-fitting blue suit with those red undies and cape, and fly up, up and away!

It’s a Bird … It’s a Plane … It’s Superman? … No… It is you meeting your deadlines!

Hey, don’t resort to literally flying your way through your professor’s office just to hand over those papers.

Lindo Lindo

Yes, I am here. I have been walking on American soil over the past two weeks.  But as transitory my stay is going to be, a bond with the environment continues to grow, and every second seems more precious…

I am inhaling Naperville’s winter air;

I hear it whistle at night.

I see the divine bits of white flakes falling on my hands;

As it melts, I feel the beauty and grace of Above.

I step on cloudlike layers of ice crystals—shoeprints in the snow!

And I should not forget every angel I meet to school;

Smiling and greeting a sweet, “Hello?”, “How are you doing, buddy?”

And of course, “What’s up?”

What an outgrowth of happenstance, how sweet the encounter!

As I exhale, I communed with Nature…

North Central College is a heavenly haven for international students!

Well, let us talk about a few important things:

Bundle up, Bundle up!

The cold temperature was really the toughest thing to deal with at first.  For a student who came from a tropical country like the Philippines, it was like locking yourself inside a freezer! But hey, it doesn’t hurt to put one’s self in an Eskimo’s shoes?  Welcome to the cold, baby!

What the weather can do to your body is unimaginable. It comes to a point of not feeling your face, hands and other body parts. You do not even notice yourself having a runny nose! My fellow international students— make sure to prepare the necessary clothes for bundling-up when you plan to study in a Winter Wonderland country such as the US!(Well, some states aren’t)  But still, check the current weather of the place and have the necessary preparations. You can buy coats, gloves and hats at discount stores. I was just lucky to come at a time when post-holiday sales are on a rise. Whether we like it or not, we just have to weather the cold weather!(talk about playing with words )

Food Food Food Food Food Food Food Flood (Did you just say “Flewed?”)

Every meal equates to large servings. There is really a BIG difference in the amount of food that is served compared to what I used to eat in my country. One meal could take an hour or two for me to finish. “Food flooding!”

However, I just could not complain. Even though I could not finish the food and felt like throwing up some times, I would still push myself to consume everything to the last piece.  I would feel guilty because majority of the population in my country do not get to eat three times a day. If only I could preserve it, bring it back home and share it with my fellow countrymen…

Lindo Lindo

(I wanted to write more, but blog is about brevity.)

If I could create a movie that describes how I feel at this moment, it would be a remake of the 2004 comedy film entitled, “Meet the Fockers,” but this time it goes, “Meet the Jitters.”  Last time I checked, I was altogether excited and eager in anticipation for my trip, but now I wish that I am not three days away from my departure! Again, less than three days—and counting! How time flies!

Nonetheless, there is no turning back… All aboard!

The past few days have really been jam-packed.  Just a week ago, I and my co-grantee underwent a pre-departure orientation at the Fulbright Commission in the Philippines— the office that administers the Global UGRAD here in the Philippines. We received the important documents such as ticket, passport (attached in it is the DS-2019 form), university transcripts, etc. We were also given instructions on what we should do as we enter the US and begin our study. Of course, more important are the pieces of advice on how we can successfully complete our program and make the most of it. I have to bear in mind the primary reason of going on this scholarship—to become a global scholar. Gee, I really have to live up to the expectations!

A number of emails filled up my inbox recently, mostly coming from my host school, and World Learning—the organization that administers the Global UGRAD in the US. They are working closely with me in order for my travel to go smoothly. With the inches of snow in Chicago and the recent terrorist attempt, I really hope to have a safe and sound arrival with no delays.

At this point, making an inventory list of the things I have to put in my suitcase is what keeping me busy. I want to bring with me a lot; however, it is advised to focus on the things such as clothes and personal items that will make me feel at home in the US. Moreover, I have to make sure that my bags do not go beyond the weight limitations.

“Tic toc tic toc tic toc …,” says the clock as well as the beat of my heart. I think I am ready, but oh, the jitters…

Lindo Lindo

P.S.

This weekend is going to be fun. I am very lucky to welcome 2010 with my loved ones.

Have a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Sometimes we feelnervous, and some other times we feel overqualified. As international students we come from an educational system that usually prepare us for anything and everything in life. As I was studying for the GRE, I realized that there were many things that I did not know due to the fact that I was never exposed to these materials. Knowing this, I bought 3 books only to prepare for the GRE Psychology, one of two required tests when applying to graduate school in Psychology. I studied and studied for at least 12 weeks and when I finally took the test I felt very nervous and anxious about the results. And now I finally got my score, I obtained a 620 which is good for a Junior Psychology major. I feel very excited about my future applications to graduate school but I especially feel happy because even as an international student, we still overcome our difficulties in a foreign country.

Advance, and never halt, for advancing is perfection. Advance and do not fear the thorns in the path, for they draw only corrupt blood.     Kahlil Gibran

My name is Lindo Lindo. I am a 20-year-old Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Communication student from the Philippines premier institution of higher learning, the University of the Philippines. I have been selected to participate in the 2009-2010 Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD). It is a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the US Department of State that provides scholarship awards for undergraduate, non-degree study in the United States. I have been awarded a one-semester at North Central College in Illinois, USA. My Global UGRAD shall begin this coming January, 2010.

Whew! That was a a stiff introduction. And since this space is an active resource for flies on the wall and international students wanting to interact and learn from each other’s experiences, I’d rather not bore anyone with an intellectually penetrating essay or bombard people with profundity. Like Tina Turner’s take on John Fogerty’s Proud Mary, I kind of like to do things nice and easy. However, as my adventure gets filled with excitement and challenges, I’d like to do it I’d like to do it nice and ROUGH! This is the way I do BLOGGING. (I just have to inject similarity with the song.) That is in order to keep us burning and rolling in this online activity. Now, that is corny!

If you had the chance to check the 2009 Travel Video Contest, you would remember my video entitled, The Study Abroad Show. It won third place.*applause* If not, you might want to watch all the videos. Just browse on the site’s contest page. I am sure it is worth spending your time.

I would like to congratulate all the video contest participants. With the experience, we are already winners. My deepest gratitude goes to internationalstudent.com and its panel of judges for choosing my video. It sure was a tough job, and they did great! *applause*

Mr. Keith, opening your email message indicating my win was a momentous clicking of the mouse! Thank you for inviting me to share this blogspace with Laura. I promise to do best as your Study in the USA Blog blogger.

This is my chance to get personal and send my warmest thanks to my friends who helped me in producing my precious video:

To Ian, thank you for letting me borrow your video camera. To Nigel, thank you for the microphone and tripod. Now, I know to whom I can borrow the equipment if I need to procure one.

I would also like to thank DPS for allowing me to use their facilities as location for my shoot. The support is greatly appreciated.

To my dearest friends, Aprille and Beryl, I am grateful that you had to sacrifice your time to assist in the shooting phase of the video.

Of course, to my Tia Ella, I would not have been able to submit such excellent piece without your editing prowess. Your mastery of the craft will inevitably bring you to greater heights. With your guidance, I was able to level up my editing skills. I owe you big time!  My video found shelter under your UmbrElla.

And to friends and people who believed in me and voted my video. I will never fail you. I’ll keep on dancing to the music and continue doing those Chaplin routines.

Last but definitely not the least, to my mom who was unaware the whole time that I was going to include her in this competition and is still in utter surprise after finding out, your love is the reason why I am winning through life’s challenges. Your cameo appearance was a hit!

Ooops! Sorry for turning this blog into a melodramatic account of my video contest experience. I just have to express my debt of gratitude. These people inspire me to do my best in the journey that I am about to embark on.

Before I ring down the curtain on this entry, I want to invite everyone again to take the journey with me as I travel to the US and experience the American life. With this blog, I really hope it becomes a memorable and life-changing one. Though these words are way too fantastic, I do mean it.

As much as possible, I would like to keep my entries short. But for starters, I can’t help but talk the hind leg off a donkey! Don’t worry. I’ll keep it short next time. Salamat! (That’s Filipino for Thank you.)

More to come!

Lindo Lindo a name so nice you’ll say it twice!

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave! The Star Spangled Banner

(I have been practicing the anthem frequently)