Study in the USA - Student Blog

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)