When I was in Malaysia applying to study in the U.S., I’d looked up financial aid and scholarships on my university’s website. I quickly became disheartened when I found that nearly all of the funding options they had available would require me to be a citizen of the United States. And I knew that I was not eligible for the federal financial aid and loan programs (like Pell Grants, Stafford loans, and work-study programs) that U.S. students often pursue.

Things that don't exist: financial aid in a bag (Photo: CC by Flickr user p373)

In my naivety, I almost gave up coming here. I got accepted into California State University, Chico for Fall 2008, but I decided to decline the offer at first. In my mind, all I could see was how much of a burden it would be to my family. I continued for a semester at INTI College, a college I attended in Malaysia. In the end, my family convinced me that not taking this opportunity would be a big mistake. Even though my diet now mostly consists of Top Ramen (the staple food of broke college kids) and eggs, I have no regrets whatsoever.

What I didn’t realize then was how many other opportunities there were to get funding for my education.

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Look left, then right. Check the left again. The white walking man lights up, which signifies safe passage. I cross the road safely and let out a sigh of relief.

(Photo: Flickr user TheTruthAbout...)

Having arrived in Chico, California more than a year ago, I still have trouble crossing the street sometimes. In my country, oncoming traffic arrives from the right – so you’d have to look right first. The driver’s seat is on the right too. Simply put, Malaysians drive on the other (wrong?) side of the road.

It’s true what they say — coming to another country changes you. Not in some physically manifested way, but in simpler ways. Like when you cross the road. Or when you ask for only a fork, instead of a spoon and a fork.

Sometimes you pick up small mannerisms, like a local phrase or saying. I’d never used the words “for sure” so much until I came to Chico.

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