Monday, April 28, 2008

Ensign

After a little more than a week since I had finished my Chemistry exam, I set foot into college today. The reason I had gone there was because I needed to return the Chemistry text book which was overdue by three days which I subsequently had to pay a fine of RM 1.50, which was needless, really, and the second reason why I went to college today was because I wanted to find out how to apply for my visa. So that was that.

After paying my fine, I went down to the AUP office to look for Michelle. But unfortunately, she was rather busy with some students so I had to wait for my turn. So, while waiting, I tried to look for something to do. And since there were no longer anymore computers at the AUP office, I had to look for something else and the only thing which the AUP office had lots of were files, catalogues and books about universities and all that are related to universities. I gazed around to look for an interesting piece. Fortunately, I managed to find a file which explained all about the procedures for a visa application. But unfortunately, I found the whole process to be rather costly. I really do not know the economics behind the fee's but all I know is that obtaining a student visa to the USA is not something you would want to do for fun. I could get a zoom lense for that money and still have some spare change for a memory card.

But anyways, after completely reading the document, I realized that Michelle was still busy with the students, wo I tried to look for something else instead. I walked to the other section of the office and I found a book about Embry Riddle. I flipped the book open and proceeded to read all about the student life and activities that are available at ERAU. I flipped somemore and somehow managed to chance upon a very interesting page.

Its not much of a secret that I've always been gunning for a good piece of scholarship to pay for my education. But unfortunately, none of the the available scholarships cater to transfer students. They are all primarily focused on freshmans. But anyways, as I was reading, I came upon the financial aid page. I quickly scrolled down and much to my pleasure, I found a scholarship that applys to all Embry Riddle students regardless of citizenship. That scholarship offered to pay for the full cost of an education plus it also hands out a USD1900.00 per month pocket allowance and the condition is that a recipient has to maintain a c.g.p.a of at least 3.0, which is pretty easy. But the biggest catch came in a form which made me smile from ear to ear but in a way which would not make my parents happy. My mother shook her head in disbelief when I told her. According to the rules, if at all I were to be accepted, as soon as I complete my degree, I have to serve the US Navy as an ensign aboard Aircraft Carriers for a period of time and they would also allocate fighter jet training programs to its recipients. Now, how does that sound? Try imagining me in a white sailor suit or even in a g-suit powering some of the world's fastest fighter planes? Interesting? It does sound fun and very much fits what I've always wanted to do, but, I have to be realistic about it. Me in the navy??? Right.....Not even in my wildest dreams. Which means: No scholarship for me and no 1900 per month pocket allowance.

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