Caribbean Student Scholarship Fund at Ohio University

Hey there! It's been a while since I've posted on this blog. By popular demand, I've decided to start blogging once more and I hope to be doing so for a very long time. If you are a Caribbean Studying looking to advance your studies in your United States then this is the perfect place for you. I am here to help and share my experiences. I received some scholarship information in my inbox today. Ohio University in Athens, Ohio offers great scholarships to Caribbean Students and they have their own 'Caribbean Student Scholarship Fund.' This scholarship is specified for an undergraduate or graduate student from a Caribbean country who holds a 3.0 accumulative GPA and demonstrates financial need. The International Student and Faculty Services Office and the International Admissions staff will help to promote and identify potential candidates for this scholarship. Here's more information about the scholarship. https://www-sfa.chubb.ohiou.edu/cf/ScholBrochureSearch/details.cfm?item=3737 Visit Ohio University online at http://www.ohio.edu/

Student Spotlight: Vincia Woods; Senior at Howard University [ Washington D.C. ]

Yesterday, I conducted an interview with Vincia Woods who is a Senior (4th year) student at Howard University in Washington D.C. Attending school in the nation's capital offers so many perks, particularly for students pursuing careers in fields such as law, politics, public administration and medicine. There are countless internships available in the various fields and to my knowledge, many of the professors at universities in the DC/MD/VA area are well-connected. Vincia is from the island of St. Kitts and is an aspiring medical doctor. She began her studies at Howard University in the Fall of 2006 and now she is preparing for her graduation in May 2010. Below is the brief conversation I held with Vincia:

Ozelle M: Why did you choose to attend Howard University?
Vincia W: Well firstly, I love the DMV area which includes District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia and also Howard has a great accelerated Biology/M.D. program. It was also the school that my mother dreamed I attended since I spoke my first words (haha)

Ozelle M: So this program allows you to complete your undergraduate degree and medical degree in a shortened time as oppose to if you did them independantly of each other?
Vincia W: Yes! That's correct!

Ozelle M: Is the student population at Howard accepting of Caribbean students?
Vincia W: Yes they are. They seem to enjoy different cultures and they support the Caribbean-related activities that are held on campus.

Ozelle M: Are you apart of the Caribbean Students Association?
Vincia W: Yes and I joined it to feel connected with my West Indian roots while I'm studying in Washington D.C.

Ozelle M: What plans do you have after you complete your degree at Howard?
Vincia W: I'm hoping to go on to graduate school.

Ozelle M: Would you encourage Caribbean Students to come to Howard University?
Vincia W: Definitely! Academically, it is a good school and it is very diverse. Also, there is a large West Indian population.

Ozelle M: Thank you for your time Vincia. I do hope that even more Caribbean people will be encouraged to attend Howard University in the future.
Vincia W: No problem. Thank you for having me on your blog and I invite more West Indians as well.

I really hope that you guys were able to benefit from this interview and will be encouraged to apply to Howard University to further your studies. Believe me, Washington D.C. is a great place to study. This summer, I made my inaugural visit to the nation's capital and it was nothing short of awesome. Even though, I was not able to visit the campus at Howard University, I did stop by Georgetown University for a bit. The area surrounding Georgetown is nice, chic and trendy. It seems as if it caters mainly to the Georgetown University community as most of the people were about in their 20s. Another thing I noted, Downtown Washington D.C. is VERY clean and many of the building look very stately. Hey! They should, since the President of the United States is now a D.C. resident.

Caribbean Students: Travelling

One expense that we constantly incur while in college involves travelling back and forth from our home country. During my first year, I went back to St. Kitts during winter break and for summer break. For my remaining years, I only travelled home for the Christmas holidays. My summers would be occupied either working or taking summer courses or both. This helped me to graduate a whole semester earliar than my expected graduation date and also put a few dollars into my pockets, so that I can have myself a mini-vacay during the summer as well.

I am an AmericanAirlines junkie! I am never disappointed with their service! AmericanAirlines has the best deals to the Caribbean. Somehow I almost always manage to get GREAT deals to go to my home country from New York or Miami, FL for Christmas break. Timing is very important! The best time to reserve your winter flights home is during the summer. Yes, a whole 6 months early! Check your academic calenders on your school's website and note the last day of finals as that should help you with your bookings.

Another way to get great travel deals include my fav, good ol' coupon codes. In the summer of 2008, I went from New York to Florida to visit my bestie for $129 ROUND TRIP with taxes included. I flew on DeltaAirlines. Though, I am an AmericanAirlines die-hard, I couldn't give up this trip. Those of you who travel throughout the United States would know that a flight from Florida to New York would cost around $250- $300 but with a good ol' coupon code, I flew for a startling $129.

Here are my recommendations: To travel within the United States, you'll probably get the best deals on DeltaAirlines or Southwest Airlines. I know many of you are wondering about JetBlue., but while I love flying JetBlue because of their personal televisions and leather seating, their rates have soared and the taxes are relatively high.

To travel from the United States to The Caribbean, I recommend AmericanAirlines and a far second would be US Airways. American Airlines has lots of direct flights and that's just a plus but I hate connecting flights. I always seem to miss my connector and I just can't be bothered with the hassle.

Take my travel tips into consideration for the next time you're flying and don't forget to always research promotional codes, you'll save tons. I love saving! You should love it too!