₦airaland Forum

sharwama:
SHARWAMA'S APPROVED VISA TRANSCRIPT.
Date: June 7, 2019
Venue: Lagos Consulate
Time:6:30 a.m
Gender of VO: Male
Window: I Didn't notice, I was blown away by his cuteness and jerry curl
Ok it was the second to last window, before the exit door.
I: (Smiling) Good morning sir
V.O: Good morning, please pass me your passport and your I-20.
I did and he was like "please push your passport a little bit further". I pushed it and asked, "is it okay now sir?"
VO: Yes it is. Why are you going to the US
I: (deep breath + killer smile) To uhm, pursue a masters degree in Biology, Biomedical Science Concentration at East Tennessee State University, Johnson City Tennessee.
V.O: Why this degree?
I: I really want to work as a research scientist at a renowned biomedical research Institute here in Nigeria. Unfortunately, a masters degree in Biology or a closely related field is the minimum requirement for such a position. So this degree would not just help me hone my research skills or build my critical thinking, it would qualify me for the position I really want, when I return.
V.O: So why did you pick this school?
I: (Gesticulating with magical hands) For me, it wasn't just about the generous funding I received, which I am extremely grateful for by the way, it had a lot more to do with the student-faculty relationship I have built with my potential supervisor, professor Burna boy. We Skyped a couple of times and we have chosen a thesis topic I am super excited about.
V.O: What other schools did you apply to?
I: I applied at Texas A&M University, Commerce
VO: uhum(while typing)
I: Cleveland State University Ohio and Kansas State University Manhattan Kansas.
VO: Have you travelled out of the country before?
I: I have not had the need to sir.
VO: Are you married
I: No sir
V.O: You said you have funding, let me see the evidence
I: My school did not give me an official letter but it's on the I-20(I pointed at the document so he looked at it)
V.O: Ok I see $9590 to be payed by someone ,who is this?
I: That's my mum sir
V.O: What does she do?
I: My mum is a business woman, she sells African fabrics and traditional bridal attires
V.O: Yes do you have any proof, I want to see evidence.
I was confused and he mentioned "or bank statement"
I: (Killer smile)Yes, with all pleasure. Just a moment please.
So I got the bank statement
V.O(while looking at the statement) Doesn't your mum have other children to sponsor in school?
I: (I never expected that question, so my English technically failed me, so I looked at him and answered) All of us have finished school, it remainder two of us.
I was so embarrassed about my grammatical blunder but I was glad he understood the point, we were all done with school except two of my siblings.
V.O: Ok, I will be approving your Visa. He hands me the white paper. Talked about pick up in three working days, gave me back my SOA and I-20, asked me to keep it carefully and I would need the latter at the port of entry... Told me to have a wonderful day
I: (Killer smile) Thank you and have a wonderful rest of the day too.
Yup, I bounced out of the building
THE END

sharwama:
SHARWAMA'S APPROVED VISA TRANSCRIPT.
V.O: Ok, I will be approving your Visa. He hands me the white paper. Talked about pick up in three working days, gave me back my SOA and I-20, asked me to keep it carefully and I would need the latter at the port of entry... Told me to have a wonderful day
I: (Killer smile) Thank you and have a wonderful rest of the day too.

sharwama:
SHARWAMA’S DIARY OF GRATITUDE.
So I just got back from DHL and I have my passport
Mama I made it, it's no longer a dream or a story I wrote out of anxiety. It's real. All I feel right now is gratitude, pure gratitude. There's got to be a God up there who really cares about Sharwama a lot and His angels are all over NL, yes I have encountered some of them, I know them by name. I will post my transcript shortly but first, I'd like to write about the amazing angels I met on this platform, who became a great part of my success story.
TEXREM
After writing my GRE and TOEFL last year September 28 and October 27 respectfully, my best friend Ayo told me to go to NL and look for someone named Texrem. She said, "he is so busy but if he accepts to help you, you'd be in safe hands". So I created a username just so I could contact Texrem. I remember sending him a message asking for his help as I commenced the journey of choosing schools and applying. I remember his reply “I would be glad to help you”
He didn’t have to keep to his words, but he did anyways.
First, he went through my SOP’s for some schools, despite his busy schedule and said they were ok. However, at the bottom of that mail, he wrote “also apply to ETSU!’
ETSU was already on my mind and with Texrem’s "order", I shaa shaa applied.
March 13, I received my admission letter from ETSU with international merit scholarship that covered 50% of tuition. I was super excited and I informed Texrem. Few days later, I got a GA offer from the department of Biology, estimated at $35,906, my deficit was $9,590 (insurance inclusive) and I fainted. I didn’t even apply or ask anyone for asssitanship. I believe it had to do with applying early( before the priority deadline) and my overall application. The offer was just too generous and I also informed Texrem.
He has really been a part of the whole process, you know.
From guiding me on how to complete my dynamic form, getting the right financial statetment for my I-20, to paying my SEVIS fee and I-20 shipping fee. Yeah he handled all that
Then professors started writing to me, trying to convince me to pursue thesis in their labs, giving assurance of how much impact working with them would have on my career. It was overwhelming. I felt like a celebrity, I swear down! Again Texrem was there to caution and guide me. He directed me on how to schedule skype interviews with professors and I was eventually able to choose a lab I love. He taught me how to politely say "No" to a professor. I never sent a mail without Texrem going through it. I mean I always thought it was a bad thing to turn down offers from people you hold in high esteem but not anymore. I’m allowed to respectfully say NO.
Texrem also guided me on how to schedule my interview and complete DS -160. Although my interview was booked for June 7, I sent my transcript in the first week of April, he took time to read and approved. I also kept mentioning that I needed a mock interview, he didn't even answer me for that one
Instead he did something I would never forget in my life!
It was on a hot afternoon on the second/third week of April. By after 3, I was having my siesta when my phone rang.
It was Texrem, I kukuma picked.
Me: Good afternoon,
T: Good afternoon. Then he said Good morning
Me: oh, yes the time difference, sorry.
Next thing I heard was
What’s your study plan?
I froze instantly, I mean which one is study plan again this hot afternoon?
Then it hit me! That was an interview question!
I screamed out loud “Texrem No, Texrem nooooo, I am not ready at all at all. I mean I didn't see this coming"
He didn’t even answer me, he was quiet, he was waiting patiently.
I took deep breaths and answered.
Brethren from that moment, it was a back to back something! Uncle kept bombarding me with questions, sounding so formal and official, I nearly piss for body, I swear down.
You know my favourite part? Where he said “ I will be approving your visa” and ended the call. I cried ooo, I was like Lord I want to hear same words from a VO.
That surprise mock interview gave me a whole new level of confidence. He showed me what pressure felt like and I knew I could handle the real interview. I was anxious but hell yeah I was ready…
As my interview drew imminent, I tried getting him to do a second mock but he was extremely busy. A day to my interview, he called me.
June 6th, I was sounding so low that evening; fear, anxiety and uncertainties. I thought he called to do mock for me, instead he left several tips and words of encouragement before ending the call like ; I believe you have gotten the visa, you already have great responses, just go and deliver, make sure you smile, have pauses before and between your sentences, so it won't seem like you crammed, be polite to the VO, it's okay to say sir/ma, it won't kill you, make sure you stare into the VO's eyes while answering, like see I no dey commot here without white paper
There are so many more phenomenal things I wish I could share but I’d rather press pause here because words have started failing me or maybe it's coz I have started crying. Like look how far Sharwama has come. From reading for over 9 hours everyday for GRE and 6 hours daily for TOEFL, writing essays/letters of intent/ diversity statement. I even quit my job. Gosh, it's all over now, it freaking paid off.
So this is me saying I owe so much to you; thank you Texrem, for everything that you do, for pushing me when I needed to be pushed, for scolding me when I failed to follow simple instructions, for believing in me when I couldn't believe in myself, for all the crazy jokes that made me laugh, for making out time for me despite how tight your schedule is, and most of all, for "coming down to my level". Thank you so much. I really hope you can be proud of me and how much I have evolved on this journey. Yes, I am coming to TN to buy you chicken and chips God bless you immensely, you are the best!
NAIRA0
I got to know him personally last month(May 1). I didn't even know he was a tech guy, I just loved his maturity. Naira0 has been super supportive, from checking up Sharwama , to offering his blunt opinions and even conducting an intensive mock interview for me. This guy drilled me that day, hey fada! questions I never expected and so on. At the end he was like "I wanted to make sure you can think under pressure and you can. That's a good thing"
So yeah, I had two mock interviews from two cute tech guys, all hail Queen Sharwama, the baddest of them all
June 1st, When I was so worried about the new social media check, Naira0 kept reassuring me "Sharwama as long as you are not a terrorist and into shady stuff, you will be fine" He really gave me so much mental, spiritual and emotional support, something only a kind heart can do for another.
Naira0, if you are reading this, I tried to write your name correctly for once in my life . I just want to thank you for everything you have done for me, I wish I could write more. You are nairamazing and I can't thank you enough. You are a friend and a blessing indeed.
ORIMAHSPENCE
No, he is not a tech guy but he is so adorable I got to know him last month. If the visa fever comes in the middle of the day or at night, I could easily chat him up and he would have something super encouraging to say or share. Plus he is an amazing writer, that might explain the initial connection
Spence, thank you for all that you have done for me, for your calls and messages, for your kind words and relentless support. You never stopped wishing me well on this journey and you saved my ass from a stupid mistake I would have made. How about I buy you a cold bottle of dom perignon at some place really nice in Tennessee, I look forward to it, I mean what do you think? I'm just so grateful
Ultimately, to my Nairaland family, what would I have done without you guys? Thank you for accepting this drama queen, for embracing my creative madness and for letting me drink from springs of wisdom and years of inestimable experience. Thank you so much, can we have a group hug please
I will post my transcript ASAP and I will try not to paint anything, straight to the point, bracelum's style
Wait let me drink water first biko

sharwama:
SHARWAMA'S APPROVED VISA TRANSCRIPT.
Date: June 7, 2019
Venue: Lagos Consulate
Time:6:30 a.m
Gender of VO: Male
Window: I Didn't notice, I was blown away by his cuteness and jerry curl
Ok it was the second to last window, before the exit door.
I: (Smiling) Good morning sir
V.O: Good morning, please pass me your passport and your I-20.
I did and he was like "please push your passport a little bit further". I pushed it and asked, "is it okay now sir?"
VO: Yes it is. Why are you going to the US
I: (deep breath + killer smile) To uhm, pursue a masters degree in Biology, Biomedical Science Concentration at East Tennessee State University, Johnson City Tennessee.
V.O: Why this degree?
I: I really want to work as a research scientist at a renowned biomedical research Institute here in Nigeria. Unfortunately, a masters degree in Biology or a closely related field is the minimum requirement for such a position. So this degree would not just help me hone my research skills or build my critical thinking, it would qualify me for the position I really want, when I return.
V.O: So why did you pick this school?
I: (Gesticulating with magical hands) For me, it wasn't just about the generous funding I received, which I am extremely grateful for by the way, it had a lot more to do with the student-faculty relationship I have built with my potential supervisor, professor Burna boy. We Skyped a couple of times and we have chosen a thesis topic I am super excited about.
V.O: What other schools did you apply to?
I: I applied at Texas A&M University, Commerce
VO: uhum(while typing)
I: Cleveland State University Ohio and Kansas State University Manhattan Kansas.
VO: Have you travelled out of the country before?
I: I have not had the need to sir.
VO: Are you married
I: No sir
V.O: You said you have funding, let me see the evidence
I: My school did not give me an official letter but it's on the I-20(I pointed at the document so he looked at it)
V.O: Ok I see $9590 to be payed by someone ,who is this?
I: That's my mum sir
V.O: What does she do?
I: My mum is a business woman, she sells African fabrics and traditional bridal attires
V.O: Yes do you have any proof, I want to see evidence.
I was confused and he mentioned "or bank statement"
I: (Killer smile)Yes, with all pleasure. Just a moment please.
So I got the bank statement
V.O(while looking at the statement) Doesn't your mum have other children to sponsor in school?
I: (I never expected that question, so my English technically failed me, so I looked at him and answered) All of us have finished school, it remainder two of us.
I was so embarrassed about my grammatical blunder but I was glad he understood the point, we were all done with school except two of my siblings.
V.O: Ok, I will be approving your Visa. He hands me the white paper. Talked about pick up in three working days, gave me back my SOA and I-20, asked me to keep it carefully and I would need the latter at the port of entry... Told me to have a wonderful day
I: (Killer smile) Thank you and have a wonderful rest of the day too.
I bounced out of the building
THE END

sharwama:
SHARWAMA'S APPROVED VISA TRANSCRIPT.
Date: June 7, 2019
Venue: Lagos Consulate
Time:6:30 a.m

Talksub:
Hey girl !

I am like 3weeks old here . Please can you guide me just the way Texrem helped you ?

Firstly what was your GRE score ?

What materials did you use ?

I wrote a graduate coordinator in a university I intend to apply to and he said if I need to get 163 in quant . For an MSc in mechanical engineering

I don’t have money for tuition so I am in need for full funding .

Brown2Green:
T'will make things easier for you.

flairlady:
So the last time I was at the embassy in December,2017,I went with Lincoln university's I-20 for MBA.Now I am going for a doctorate degree.How do I explain this change?I applied for that MBA because I was fed up with my job and wanted to do something new,and I lacked the drive and motivation to do PhD at that time. The admission process to Lincoln university was also very easy and the school was cheap.
What convincing response can I give the VO when asked why I changed the course,school and class of degree?
Please help me.My interview is next week.

sharwama:
SHARWAMA'S APPROVED VISA TRANSCRIPT.
Date: June 7, 2019
Venue: Lagos Consulate
Time:6:30 a.m

V.O: Ok, I will be approving your Visa. He hands me the white paper. Talked about pick up in three working days, gave me back my SOA and I-20, asked me to keep it carefully and I would need the latter at the port of entry... Told me to have a wonderful day
I: (Killer smile) Thank you and have a wonderful rest of the day too.
Yup, I bounced out of the building
THE END

sharwama:
I carry pen and paper siddon dey write una names ooo because if I say make I reply one by one, the thread go enter part 16
Body dey sweet me as una take dey congratulate me, Sharwama don blow
Thank you so much olumuyiwalasode, mummy LagosismyHome, dwilliam707, Davidkking, Yeechi, heeedreez, Wretch32, Neeta02, Floral895, Hybeenoni, Dhebie19, twittycutey, dreambound, Brown2Green, Nehemiah77, Tohajan, Gloryemo, Nobody, TheZed, Masterforcell, nelem, Kay100, Johnolukolade.
This is Batch A stream 1

flairlady:
So the last time I was at the embassy in December,2017,I went with Lincoln university's I-20 for MBA.Now I am going for a doctorate degree.How do I explain this change?I applied for that MBA because I was fed up with my job and wanted to do something new,and I lacked the drive and motivation to do PhD at that time. The admission process to Lincoln university was also very easy and the school was cheap.
What convincing response can I give the VO when asked why I changed the course,school and class of degree?




Please help me.My interview is next week.

zolargeo:
I was denied last year, but I have booked another appointment for 1st of July. please I need someone that can train me against my appointment date and I will be very grateful. Thanks

Davidkking:
Is this the application ID?

Davidkking:

LagosismyHome:
How much better is this new school

zolargeo:
I was denied last year, but I have booked another appointment for 1st of July. please I need someone that can train me against my appointment date and I will be very grateful. Thanks

sharwama:
SHARWAMA'S APPROVED VISA TRANSCRIPT.
Date: June 7, 2019
Venue: Lagos Consulate
Time:6:30 a.m
Gender of VO: Male
Window: I Didn't notice, I was blown away by his cuteness and jerry curl
Ok it was the second to last window, before the exit door.
I: (Smiling) Good morning sir
V.O: Good morning, please pass me your passport and your I-20.
I did and he was like "please push your passport a little bit further". I pushed it and asked, "is it okay now sir?"
VO: Yes it is. Why are you going to the US
I: (deep breath + killer smile) To uhm, pursue a masters degree in Biology, Biomedical Science Concentration at East Tennessee State University, Johnson City Tennessee.
V.O: Why this degree?
I: I really want to work as a research scientist at a renowned biomedical research Institute here in Nigeria. Unfortunately, a masters degree in Biology or a closely related field is the minimum requirement for such a position. So this degree would not just help me hone my research skills or build my critical thinking, it would qualify me for the position I really want, when I return.
V.O: So why did you pick this school?
I: (Gesticulating with magical hands) For me, it wasn't just about the generous funding I received, which I am extremely grateful for by the way, it had a lot more to do with the student-faculty relationship I have built with my potential supervisor, professor Burna boy. We Skyped a couple of times and we have chosen a thesis topic I am super excited about.
V.O: What other schools did you apply to?
I: I applied at Texas A&M University, Commerce
VO: uhum(while typing)
I: Cleveland State University Ohio and Kansas State University Manhattan Kansas.
VO: Have you travelled out of the country before?
I: I have not had the need to sir.
VO: Are you married
I: No sir
V.O: You said you have funding, let me see the evidence
I: My school did not give me an official letter but it's on the I-20(I pointed at the document so he looked at it)
V.O: Ok I see $9590 to be payed by someone ,who is this?
I: That's my mum sir
V.O: What does she do?
I: My mum is a business woman, she sells African fabrics and traditional bridal attires
V.O: Yes do you have any proof, I want to see evidence.
I was confused and he mentioned "or bank statement"
I: (Killer smile)Yes, with all pleasure. Just a moment please.
So I got the bank statement
V.O(while looking at the statement) Doesn't your mum have other children to sponsor in school?
I: (I never expected that question, so my English technically failed me, so I looked at him and answered) All of us have finished school, it remainder two of us.
I was so embarrassed about my grammatical blunder but I was glad he understood the point, we were all done with school except two of my siblings.
V.O: Ok, I will be approving your Visa. He hands me the white paper. Talked about pick up in three working days, gave me back my SOA and I-20, asked me to keep it carefully and I would need the latter at the port of entry... Told me to have a wonderful day
I: (Killer smile) Thank you and have a wonderful rest of the day too.
Yup, I bounced out of the building
THE END

Talksub:
Hey girl !

I am like 3weeks old here . Please can you guide me just the way Texrem helped you ?

Firstly what was your GRE score ?

What materials did you use ?

I wrote a graduate coordinator in a university I intend to apply to and he said if I need to get 163 in quant . For an MSc in mechanical engineering

I don’t have money for tuition so I am in need for full funding .

sharwama:
I carry pen and paper siddon dey write una names ooo because if I say make I reply one by one, the thread go enter part 16
Body dey sweet me as una take dey congratulate me, Sharwama don blow
Thank you so much olumuyiwalasode, mummy LagosismyHome, dwilliam707, Davidkking, Yeechi, heeedreez, Wretch32, Neeta02, Floral895, Hybeenoni, Dhebie19, twittycutey, dreambound, Brown2Green, Nehemiah77, Tohajan, Gloryemo, Nobody, TheZed, Masterforcell, nelem, Kay100, Johnolukolade.
This is Batch A stream 1

Brown2Green:
Lincoln University .... Cheap.

Obviously the Red Flag school.

Who can help you answer what gave you motivation?

It must be connected to your career and only you knows about you.

flairlady:
Texas Tech University, with full funding.

Neeta02:
Congratulations Sharwama!
Please can I PM you?

Johnolukolade:
Get good scores on your GRE and apply to University of Tennessee Knoxville.
Apply very early. My 2 cents.

Best!

hybeenoni:
@ Flairlady you heading to Texas tech University also?

flairlady:
I don't think the reasons that motivated me to apply were good enough.So I am confused.Can I really state those reasons I gave up there to the VO?

Brown2Green:
Reason for changing school should be that you are more enlightened and made informed decisions + somthing about your intended course.
Lincoln is obviously red flagged.

I cannot tell on how to say why you changed course as I don't know much about your professional portfolio.

Talksub:
Thank you ! I am currently preparing hard for GRE so as soon as I have that I can now start applying writing July 23 . I applying for spring next year .

I am hopeful that I will get full funding , with a Good score and statement of purpose .

I want to apply to only four schools ,but first time is to smash my GRE score .

What other uni do you suggest I also apply to ?