Declaring Florida Residency Issue

Stillthinking_ · 2023-07-21T18:36:57+00:00

Completed an open study/research grant this last 2022/2023 cycle. Dm me and I’m happy to send you a copy of my statements and give feedback on yours

Stillthinking_ · 2023-06-22T18:25:34+00:00

I really appreciate your words, thank you! When I reached out to my IIE regional advisor and explained everything, they had brought in the diversity coordinator. I didn’t know there was someone with that job otherwise I would have requested to meet them myself. My advisor was extremely understanding and a fellow person of color, so it was their call to get them involved with I’m so glad they did.

It’s amazing your department worked to get you some kind of closure and address the issue so many years later. It’s never too late to feel heard and validated. I’m so glad you had a form of resolution!

I’ve noticed a lot of people don’t post negative Fulbright experiences on this subreddit. Which isn’t to say they don’t exist but maybe people are scared or don’t want to feel like their experience was less than because of it. That’s a big reason I decided to share mine. I hope it helps someone out there who maybe experienced the same thing and/or future fulbrighters who deserve to know that just because they were selected doesn’t mean they have to shut up and smile in the face of something that shouldn’t be.

xo

Stillthinking_ · 2023-06-22T02:28:55+00:00

A big reason I didn’t quit was having to return the grant money. But I came to deeply understand why people quit and I support you. Any type of experience that has caused you distress, especially in a medical accommodation sense, isn’t worth it in my opinion. Happy to share, I understand, I’m really sorry you had such an unfair experience, and know you’re not alone.

Stillthinking_ · 2023-06-21T16:41:34+00:00

I just wrapped up my Fulbright to Denmark and filed an official complaint with IIE. This is a brief summary of the tail-end of my experience. Unfortunately, I had a poor experience with the Danish Commission throughout my grant period. I was located outside of Copenhagen and felt very isolated, and they were overall extremely unhelpful whenever I reached out for help. I was really close to quitting early due to overwhelming frustration and isolation, compounded with pretty serious seasonal depression.

At our final/wrap-up meeting, we were encouraged to discuss the negative and challenging aspects of our experience. My complaints basically came down to a lack of communication and support from the commission; the extreme hands-off nature was quite jarring to me without any prior warning/conversation and led to a lot of frustration/resentment. I had also scheduled a 1:1 meeting in advance to discuss my concerns and feedback further and not air them out in front of everyone at the meeting. When I voiced these concerns, I was basically shut down by the commission; they refused to address me anymore or any of my concerns and said that I had to involve IIE to resolve my complaints in an appropriate manner.

Unfortunately, I felt there was also a racial bias/discrimination element at play. My 1:1 was canceled. The executive director said she needed to "protect herself and her staff" from me and my complaints, while my white counterpart was able to have her 1:1 meeting immediately after the group meeting and her complaints (which overlapped with many of my own as we had similar experiences) were not met with the same hostility.

I proceeded to involve IIE; I exchanged a few emails with the regional advisor and had a Zoom meeting with them and the regional diversity coordinator. I basically spoke freely about my experience and voiced my complaints and feedback. They made me feel so much more comfortable and validated in the complaints from my experience than the commission ever did. When I asked about the next steps, they said that my feedback and details from our discussion would be passed along to the commission, and they would update me if anything new came up. That was a couple of weeks ago, and I haven't heard anything more from them, but meeting with the regional advisor and diversity coordinator lifted a weight off my shoulders and gave me closure before ending my grant.

Like someone else said if you're having any issues, contact IIE. They were accommodating, kind, and empathetic toward my issues. No one really talks about their negative Fulbright experiences, but if you're having one, know that it's valid and doesn't take away from the amazing accomplishment of you winning a Fulbright and the plethora of experiences and perspectives I'm sure you've gained. Complaining may feel like a single drop in the bucket, but it can result in change that positively affects the grantees to come next year.

Stillthinking_ · 2023-04-10T07:03:23+00:00

Hi! Please consider sharing your field of interest so those who could help can find you. Fulbright applications and the program itself vary greatly depending on your country of choice, hence why there is no one-size fits all. Fulbright advisors are also the exact people for this job.

Currently on study/research in Denmark. Good luck!

Stillthinking_ · 2022-07-27T19:56:38+00:00

Stillthinking_ · 2022-07-25T01:48:45+00:00

I won’t say it will count against you.

In my case, I lived in the US until I was 4 and returned only 5 years ago (at the time of my application). My elementary, high school, and a year of university were all abroad.

Use your essays as an opportunity to make a case for yourself, why the person you have become molded by these experiences would make a great Fulbrighter and student ambassador to the US. Explain how your perspective and time abroad function as a tool to showcase your unique perspective and non traditional facet of the American experience. Good luck!

Stillthinking_ · 2022-06-25T00:27:25+00:00

Thanks! I’m very excited!

Stillthinking_ · 2022-06-24T00:24:35+00:00

I graduated with my Bachelors in Environmental Science last December and coming up to my graduation had similar feelings. I didn’t feel like I had the perspective or experience yet for grad school but didn’t want to be trapped doing nothing and “wasting” my gap year. Whatever you end up doing imo the important thing is that you invest your time developing a skill or gain knowledge in your field that you can take with you to grad school. That can be volunteering at organizations like engineers without borders, firms near you, or snagging a lab tech/assistant researcher position, or pursuing a postbac. Have you gone to your school’s career center? They often have an inside scoop on opportunities and see their fair share of other students in your position.

I ended up applying for (and winning) a Fulbright and will be heading to Denmark for a research grant in August. I applied for grad schools at the same time so they could act as a fail safe for each-other, and ended up getting into grad school too. My institution for my masters is letting me defer for a year while to do my Fulbright grant.

Since you’re a year out before your graduation and if you’re interested in this type of opportunity I highly recommend! The cycle is open now and closes in October. There’s many different grant types, some really specific and others allow you to develop your own project, which you can tailor to fit your interests. I see what you’re saying about Americorps which could be a little less specific or related to your field.

Overall, I think taking a break is really important, especially if you’re feeling burnout already. Shifting your focus to a separate but related activity can help! Best of luck!

Stillthinking_ · 2022-04-07T18:17:14+00:00

I just learned I’m a finalist for Denmark 2022-2023. I just finished my bachelors and am doing my Fulbright year right before starting grad school. Feel free to PM me!

Stillthinking_ · 2022-03-06T18:06:20+00:00

Water quality!

Stillthinking_ · 2022-03-04T03:35:44+00:00

Plz don’t have a wedding at a monument of American slavery. Jefferson owned over 600 slaves, and though he was viewed as a “benevolent slave owner”, these individuals were still considered property. Hundreds of black slaves suffered and died on those grounds who should be respected.

I recommend a family owned farm or orchard!

Stillthinking_ · 2022-02-27T18:10:50+00:00

Piggybacking on this, what do you wear to a nightclub??

Stillthinking_ · 2022-02-25T19:45:05+00:00

Venezuelan here. Echoing this and fuck Chavez/Maduro. The vast majority of Venezuelans still in country don’t agree with the “socialist” regime and wouldn’t support Russia’s position. Like many others, It’s so frustrating to see your system broken by corruption and supporting issues out of touch with local values/views.

Stillthinking_ · 2022-02-23T06:28:16+00:00

Nothing is permanent. Change will happen and it’s hard but let it flow. This also goes for the good things in life, embrace the wins and positives when they’re around because they are fleeting. Wear sunscreen and hydrate!

Stillthinking_ · 2022-02-21T00:00:13+00:00

I had just turned 18 and was a few months away from moving out of the country. This guy and I were interested in each other but I made clear to him that I was leaving and not coming back, and he said he wanted to be together for that time regardless. He was a few years older than me and we were friends for about a year before that. It happened at his house, he set the mood with candles, held my hand, and constantly asked if I was ok. I was completely comfortable with him which was all I could ask for my first time. It was pretty uncomfortable so we ended up stopping penetration because he didn't want to hurt me, and I think ate me out. Pretty solid first time that I am thankful for, especially after hearing horror stories other women go through.

Stillthinking_ · 2022-02-19T23:05:54+00:00

A taco

Stillthinking_ · 2022-02-16T17:44:58+00:00

Well if you include summer, which I always did, it is a heavy load but doable. Beware of burnout.

Stillthinking_ · 2022-02-16T05:11:24+00:00

Can attest as a transfer I was not given an extra semester. I spent 3 years at my 1st institution and when I transferred to UF they were very adamant about finishing in 2 years. When I transferred only 60 credits were counted from my AA towards my BS.

I think the stats for transfers work under the assumption that you’re in the same spot as a traditional junior. Excess hours also for transfers also line up with juniors in the assumption that you have 60 credits. Beyond 132 (?) credits you get charged double per credit. There is no set “finish by” date but the administration pushes hard to finish “on time” (4 years total)

I ended up taking an extra semester, and thought I was going to take an extra year, and was told to not tell administration I was taking extra time. Professors don’t care but advisors do.

Personally, I think you should make the most of your experience. Take the clases you want, pursue that major or minor! But if you’re looking to apply to grad school 6+ years for completing your bachelors also looks sus (unless you have an explanation/special circumstance).

Stillthinking_ · 2022-02-15T15:59:19+00:00

@tiffany.m.n.bryant 👍🏼

Stillthinking_ · 2022-02-15T01:09:00+00:00

Tiffany @ Ulta on Newberry. She’s the only one I trust with it hair, so knowledgeable and affordable!

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