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Study in the USA Series

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STEP 1: Do Your Research

This step can be challenging since you may be unfamiliar with the US educational system. I recommend watching videos to understand the US system of education, such as the one below which can help you make an informed decision. 

There is a misconception that international students attending community colleges do not get visas from US consulates. This is not true. I personally obtained a visa to attend a community college and earn my associate degree in engineering before transferring to a four-year college. I attended Central New Mexico Community College before transferring to the University of New Mexico. You can find more information about the programs of study at CNM here: https://www.cnm.edu/depts/global-education/programs-of-study-int. 

Consider your living conditions when choosing a college. Some international students choose to stay with family if they have relatives in the area. This might influence your choice of school. Alternatively, you can consider college accommodation or renting, each with its pros and cons. 

For example, my current university, the University of New Mexico, requires freshman students to stay in college dorms, except for special cases. You can find more information about international student services at the University of New Mexico here: https://international.unm.edu/. 

Cost and financial aid are significant factors in choosing a college. Ideally, as an international student, you should have the funds to cover at least the first year. Plan accordingly and do not assume you will be able to earn money while studying, as international students have strict working regulations. Violating these regulations can lead to visa cancellation. 

One of my personal goals is to finish college debt-free by applying to as many scholarships and grants as possible. I highly recommend applying to both internal (within your chosen school) and external scholarships. There is no maximum number of applications. Apply, apply, apply. 

In summary, consider these key aspects during your research process: type of school, living accommodations, and, most importantly, cost and financial aid. While there are other important factors to consider, such as college culture and student resources, these are my top priorities. 

Remember to keep track of your research findings, create a comparison chart or spreadsheet, and take notes throughout the process. By carefully evaluating these factors and conducting thorough research, you will be well-equipped to make an informed decision. 

 

5 steps to Study in the USA

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One of the most common questions I receive from Cameroonians is how to study in the USA. What steps do I need to take? How do I choose and apply to colleges, and which colleges are the best? In this post, I will share five steps to study in the USA.

Step 1: Do your research

Once you have decided that you want to study in the USA, the first step is to research the type of school you want to attend. I recommend learning about the US style of education. This process can be overwhelming, but don’t give up. Be patient. In this step, there are a few things you should consider. Here is a list of questions to help guide you:

  • What type of school do you want to attend? I attended a community college before transferring to a four-year university. There are various reasons why you may want to take this route or just attend a four-year university.
  •  Do you have family or friends who can provide you with accommodation? If yes, you may want to apply to colleges around your accommodation. If not, expand your search to consider other factors.
  • How much funding do you have at hand? (Excluding scholarships.) Do you have a sponsor? Even if you have a fully-paid tuition scholarship, you will still need to pay for other expenses such as registration fees, course fees, health insurance, etc. You need to have funds to pay for these expenses.

Once you have answers to these questions, make a list of colleges based on your research. You can start your research by visiting the websites of schools you are interested in or by using college search engines like College Board (https://www.collegeboard.org/).

Step 2: Prepare all required documents/exams

Once you have identified the colleges you want to apply to (I suggest choosing at least three colleges to apply to), you should prepare all the required documents and exams. Common documents include transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. You may also need to take exams such as the SAT, ACT, or TOEFL, depending on the program’s requirements.

Step 3: Apply to the colleges on your list

After preparing your documents and exams, you can start applying to the colleges on your list. Submit your application before the deadline and make sure to follow the instructions carefully.

Pro Tip: Apply for scholarships. Some universities offer special scholarships for international students. Apply to as many scholarships as you can.

Step 4: Attend your visa interview

If you are accepted into a college in the USA, you will need to apply for a student visa. This will require you to attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. Make sure to bring all the required documents, such as your I-20 form, acceptance letter, and financial support documents, to the interview.

Step 5: Prepare for your trip

Once you have your visa, you should start preparing for your trip to the USA. This may include booking your flights, arranging for housing, and packing all the necessary items for your stay. You should also familiarize yourself with the culture and customs of the USA and make sure to follow any guidelines or restrictions related to vaccines.

In conclusion, studying in the USA can be an exciting and rewarding experience for international students. I hope these steps help you in your journey to applying and eventually studying in the USA. In my next blog post, I will provide more information and resources about the first step. Let me know in the comment section if you have any questions. Good Luck.

 

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Revisiting the lessons i learned from my sister’s death

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Two years ago, i wrote a blog post for a platform called Thinkinary, about the lessons I learned from my sisters dead. I didn’t think I will go back to reading that post again but the tragic death of my friend made me revisit the post. To give a little backstory, my friend was tragically killed by a car accident on her way back from church a couple of weeks ago. It happened so suddenly that when her sister called me to tell me, I thought it was a prank. I told myself, this can’t be true. To be honest, I felt(still do) more pain than when my sister passed on. For my sister, we knew she was sick and in so much pain. For my friend, it was all too sudden, so random.

Rereading the post, i discovered, the lessons i learned from my sister’s passing were still the once i learned again from my friend’s death. I had quickly forgotten some of these lessons. i had ignored some, and discarded some. Most of these lessons are things we all know we have to do but we don’t always do. Like me, i hope you are reminded of what truly matters in the end. Here are the lessons i learned;

Tomorrow is not guaranteed.

It does not matter where you are in the world, there is no guarantee that you will see tomorrow. Live your life to the fullest today and live it daily.

You do not have time.

Time we something we all think we have enough of. Spoiler alert: Time is not your friend. Every single breath you take is a breath closer to your last. STOP. Read that again. We all have a death appointment, it’s not what we all want to think about. heck, i don’t like thinking about it. but that is a fact about life, you are going to die. I am going to die. It’s the truth. It is coming, but i want to die empty, having lived to my fullest potential, and having loved fully.

The perfect time is now.

The perfect time to start living is now, to start following your dreams is now, the perfect time to forgive that friend that hurt you years ago is, now. The perfect time to tell your parents and friends that you love them is now and most importantly the perfect time to turn to God is now. Right now, not tomorrow, not when you feel like it. Take control of your life.

Be an intentional Christian.

Take your spiritual life seriously, strive to know God, and learned from his word. Read the Bible, it is the most inspirational book that has ever existed. Do an examination of conscience once a while.  Always be prepared. Pray

Take care of yourself and others.

Take a break and smell the flowers as you go through life, go for a walk, or go on a retreat. Take care of your body, and have a medical checkup once a while. Love yourself and be present for others.

Life is unfair and messy.

To think that life is fair is a mistake you should never make. Life is messy and unfair. Everyone you will ever meet is fighting a hard battle. what hard battle are you fighting? But, life is also good, focusing on the mess is unhealthy. There is good in this world and we are called to be part of that good. To be the reason why someone else has hope in this what seems like a hopeless world.

I hope that at least one of these lessons resonated with your spirit in one way or another.! What are some of the lessons you learned from losing a loved one? Please share in the comment section.

Tips for Writing a Winning Scholarship Application

Throughout my journey toward earning a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, I was fortunate to receive over $20,000 in scholarships as an international student. Securing scholarships as an international student is often challenging, especially since many require U.S. residency. Some of my scholarships came from organizations like the New Mexico Tech Council, and others were awarded by my school. I applied for over 250 scholarships, Even though, I don’t always get selected, I still was awarded some scholarships that drastically helped me complete my degree debt-free. Here are my tips for writing a strong scholarship application.

1. Check Eligibility 

Carefully review the eligibility criteria for each scholarship (GPA, residency, specific requirements, etc.).
 
2. Create a Checklist
List everything you need, from documents to deadlines.

3. Request Letters of Recommendation Early

Reach out to teachers or professors at least two weeks before the deadline. Meet with them to discuss the scholarship criteria and provide them with details or a link to the scholarship.

4. Organize Your Documents

Keep all required documents in a designated folder on your computer.
 

5.  Start early and put your best effort

Remember, you are telling your story. Make sure your application reflects who you are and what you stand for. 

6.  Submit on time

Most scholarships do not accept late applications. Follow the rules carefully and proofread your application for grammar and spelling errors. I use Grammarly, a free tool, to help with this. 

7.  Just apply 

Even if you feel underqualified, it’s important to tell your story. It’s your story, and it matters. Even if you don’t get selected, keep applying and try to get feedback on your applications.
 
 

 

 

Simplify Your Finances with This Free Excel Monthly Budgeting Template 

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Managing your finances effectively is essential for achieving financial stability and reaching your goals. To help you take control of your budgeting process, I am excited to share a free Excel monthly budgeting template. This easy-to-use template will simplify your financial tracking, empower you to make informed decisions, and set you on a path toward financial success. In this blog post, we will explore the features of the template and guide you on how to make the most of it. 

1. The Power of an Excel Monthly Budgeting Template: 

Excel is a versatile tool that offers numerous benefits when it comes to budgeting. By using an Excel template, you can easily organize your income and expenses, calculate totals, analyze spending patterns, and visualize your financial progress. The template we’re sharing today is designed to streamline your budgeting process and provide a comprehensive overview of your finances. 

2. Key Features of the Excel Monthly Budgeting Template: 

  • a. Income Tracking: Enter your sources of income, such as salary, freelance work, or side hustle, into the designated section. The template will automatically calculate your total income. 
  • b. Regular Expense Categories: The template includes pre-defined expense categories, such as rent, gas, insurance, food, and more for the first month. These are typically recurring expenses. However, you can customize these categories to suit your specific needs. The “Extra Expenses” section is for one-off expenses, like eating out or plane tickets. 
  • c. Investing/Savings: It’s recommended to allocate a portion of your income for investing and saving. The default percentage on this template is 5%, but you can change it to whatever percentage best suits you. 
  • d. Carried Over: The “Carried Over” amount represents the money left unspent. This amount is automatically transferred to the next month, allowing you to track your remaining funds. 

3. How to Use the Excel Monthly Budgeting Template: 

a. Download the Template: Access the free Excel monthly budgeting template from the provided link below. 

Download Excel Monthly Budget

b. Customize Categories: Tailor the expense categories to align with your financial needs. You can add, delete, or modify categories as required. Please do not alter/change the highlighted boxes, as they are part of the code. You may change how you label the titles and add new cells. 

c. Input Income and Budget: Enter your monthly income in the designated section. Set budget amounts for each expense category based on your financial goals. 

d. Track Expenses: As you make purchases or incur expenses, record them in the template under the appropriate categories. Ensure accuracy and update the template regularly. I recommended doing this at the end of each month.

e. Reflect and Adjust: At the end of each month, evaluate your budget and spending patterns. Reflect on your progress and make necessary adjustments to optimize your future budgeting efforts. 

Conclusion: 

Taking charge of your finances begins with effective budgeting, and this free Excel monthly budgeting template is designed to simplify the process. By using this user-friendly template, you can gain better control over your income, expenses, and savings goals. Start leveraging the power of Excel today and unlock your financial potential. Download the template, customize it to fit your needs, and take the first step toward financial freedom. 

The Story behind this Blog

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Five months ago, when I had the idea to start my blog, I was excited. I thought to myself, “This is a great idea. I have so much to share with the world.” But soon that feeling of excitement quickly turned to a feeling of mediocracy. I found myself continuously doubting myself and my capabilities. Ten days ago, as I was scrolling down Instagram, I came across a post from Dan Koe, that said something about you being your own niche. Then I had an epiphany. This is exactly what I needed. If you know me, you know that I have so many interests and desires ranging from technology to art to business, fashion, etc. I want to learn, do, and try so many things, that in a world that rewards and promotes specialization (particularly good by the way), being a jack of all trades did not seem to be discussed or encouraged. 

Another reason for my feelings of mediocrity was that I was consumed by self–doubt. Could I do this? Do I write well? What if no one reads it? Etc. But then one way to find out these answers was to get out of my comfort zone and try. What not? What if you inspire just one person? What if you help just one person learn something that may happen to change their life? I thought to this to myself. So here are four reasons why I am starting this blog. 

 

To write a blog I wish I read when I was younger

When I finished high school in Cameroon, I remember being confused and lost about steps to take next. What should I study at university? Should I go to a professional school? My parents tried to direct me in all the best ways they thought right for me, but I wish I knew someone who had gone through that process or was in that process. Someone to give me guidance, resources, and tips. Etc. Unfortunately, I did not find anyone, and I had to navigate that aspect of my life alone.

 

To share my experiences, lessons and resources with you

Throughout my four years in the USA, I have learned a lot and have become more aware of free resources that help me and can help others in various aspects of their life. From free skills, you can learn online to lessons I wished I learned sooner.

 

To share my projects (portfolio)  

I am currently in my junior year in college, and so far in my degree I have done some amazing (if I say so myself) projects that I think could inspire others in one way or another. My project page is divided into two sections, my school projects (mostly computer projects) and one section for my Bucket list.  

 

For Me – to tell my story  

I will not lie; this blog is for me as much as it is for you. It is a way to control my narrative and tell my story with my voice and with my words.  

 

It is my hope that you leave this blog anytime that I post content feeling inspired and ready to take on the world.  

 

What are some things you want me to write about? Feel free to tell me in the comment section or send a message to me through my contact page. 

 

 

With Lots of Love, 

Dorothy.