Martin Sudartha
It has been roughly five years since the last time I left the United States of America and Pierce College because of a personal matter.
I left my education over here at that time without a degree.
Last January, I came back again to this country for continuing my education about two more semesters left and after two denials of a visa.
Yes, I was denied a visa twice and finally the United States Embassy approved a student visa for me on the third try.
Personally, that visa has a lot of meaning to me. It gives me another opportunity to finish my education at Pierce.
After living here for three months, I almost get used to the life over here again. I am taking classes and working part-time at the cafeteria.
I try to learn many new and interesting things as best as I can. I also have met with my international student counselor and the cafeteria manager, both of whom have been helpful to me.
America is one of the beautiful places and I can discover that by riding my bicycle everyday from my place to the campus, which is two or three blocks away.
I realize that I have to be thankful for the chance of being here again and one way of doing that is by studying and working as best as I can.
I have experienced the denials of a visa and the feelings of rejection, but I did not give up.
Even when I am here, things are not east and might give me that kind of feeling again.
The best answer is one lesson that I have already learned: Don’t give up on something that you really need or want.
We can overcome the impossible things by doing the best and not giving up.
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