August 2008 Filers

[Cuchita 1]

Thanks everyone for your words! you make me cry youre all so sweet Enjoy your week!!!

I'm really glad I have you people!

We are all going thru tough decisions, but the one made with the heart can't never go wrong.

[shefellfromheaven 18]

Thanks everyone for your words! you make me cry youre all so sweet Enjoy your week!!!

I'm really glad I have you people!

We are all going thru tough decisions, but the one made with the heart can't never go wrong.

We are getting closer each day.

Patient people bring out the best in them

Patience binds, heals, and supports relationships.

Hold on there , we are together and are a family

[I and S 0]

Let the count down begin!!!

5 days till i see my better half.

I will be in Pakistan for next 2 months with Irum, therefore the wait time for my NOA2 will go by much faster!!!

260 on the ignor list (it's the first time i ever looked at that thing, i don't trust it)

I am a little under the weather today. i really hope i don't get too sick before Friday. I have alot of stuff to put together and pack up for the journey.

ok.. back to work.

Shan.

[HappyDancer 7]

Cuchita, hang in there! We are all here to suck this up.

Gemmie - I know where you're coming from. I originally planned to start with my masters degree in Environmental Studies next year and I was so excited about it as I am getting the degree for free! I had so much planned ahead of me and now that I am engaged with my SO, I need to let go of all the wonderful things. I am a manager at a young age, I have a wonderful daughter who keeps me going. My family is very supportive of me and I have so many offers here and there. Now, I have to leave all these behind and be a housewife... My SO is not against me getting an employment but we are both on the same page about bringing up the kids with having their momma with them all the time.

Imagine having to transition from being a busy bee career woman who juggles work and motherhood all the time and turning into the momma of the house.

But then again I think... This is just one step to achieving the finer things in life - Happiness, love, contentment and a wonderful wonderful married life.

It's not so bad after all...

[maliciant 7]

Becoming a psychologist in america is not that difficult I don't think, something along the lines of 2 years of college, basically as I understand it, psychologists aren't a licensed profession, and having any kind of schooling/training is uh... optional. Becoming a psychiatrist on the other hand, is a full on medical doctor, requires 6 - 8 years of school, and I know one girl who was in the middle of her residency, there are times where she'll be working 100 hour shifts for months at a time (only a slight bump up from the 60 hour shifts she normally worked). All that and most american's don't know the difference (or that there is one) between a psychologist and a psychiatrist! Either way though living in the country without a license will be rough, you'll definitely want to work on that as soon as possible especially if he's very far out.

And another july filer approval showed up on igor's last night on CSC... I think it's official now, july is getting worked on!

[Donna-marie 0]

Gemmie, You have some tough decisions to make, i can imagine you are excited bout the move to the US, but also you have worked hard to get your degree and of course you would like to graduate with everyone else, it is a tough decision and i am sure you will make the decision thats right for you and your partner.

Have you got any relatives you could stay with for the short period between giving up your house and leaving for the US if you went with the graduation option.

If you think leaving before graduating with your class would leave you regretting this for a substantial period of time then i would advise you to stay and graduate, would it fester within you that u didnt do it and then become a part of your life together and u secretly resent him for it.

On the other hand missing your graduation could b a small sacrifice you are willing to pay for being together and being happy, only you and you SO (thank u know what it means now lol) can make that decision.

Enjoy whichever path you choose.

Driving in the US is not as difficult as u imagine, firstly most of US cars are automatic so u dont have to learn the gears, once u get used to driving on the opposite side of the road it will be easy. Only problem i seem to have is when i go home i have to think which side of road i have to drive on lol

[Gemmie 142]

Becoming a psychologist in america is not that difficult I don't think, something along the lines of 2 years of college, basically as I understand it, psychologists aren't a licensed profession, and having any kind of schooling/training is uh... optional. Becoming a psychiatrist on the other hand, is a full on medical doctor, requires 6 - 8 years of school, and I know one girl who was in the middle of her residency, there are times where she'll be working 100 hour shifts for months at a time (only a slight bump up from the 60 hour shifts she normally worked). All that and most american's don't know the difference (or that there is one) between a psychologist and a psychiatrist! Either way though living in the country without a license will be rough, you'll definitely want to work on that as soon as possible especially if he's very far out.

And another july filer approval showed up on igor's last night on CSC... I think it's official now, july is getting worked on!

Yeah, I've often gotten the "you want to be a shrink" line over there, and have to explain that psychiatrist and psychologist, and even psychotherapist, are all different things.

It's incredibly difficult to get registered in America. A lot of people think they can get a degree in psych and not much else, but you'll find you won't be able to practise until you're in your late 20's at least. In the UK you can get a Masters (there are specialised subjects) plus experience, and eventually get accredited as part of the British Psychological Society. Then you're allowed to research independently or continue studying for a further degree. In the U.S, you have to have a PhD or similar doctorate degree to become licensed as a practising psychologist (with the American Psychological Association). I've never seen any option over there for how to become a Research Psychologist.

I think a lot of it has to do with the content.. US degrees aren't as difficult as ones in the UK (at least I've heard that from exchange students, international teachers, and by looking at the course content) but are prolonged over more years.

I've looked at schools in Massachusetts and they're all very expensive. the ones that aren't don't seem too challenging or to lead anywhere as a professional researcher.

Thanks for the advice Donna, I think you're right, only we can make the decision. Well, only me really. I need to decide if my few hours of graduation is worth an extra 3-6 weeks of waiting. My dad has rented my room out to a lodger for the money, and I refuse to go back and sleep on the sofa for all that time. My friends are all moving back home too, and unless I find a place to stay with them, it might be easier to throw a celebration party and leave for the US.

Hope everyone is doing well, glad to see that July filers are being processed.

[Fred N Emilia 0]

What I do on the weekend?

The fiancee and I had a big fight, hehehehehe...

All good now but yes that was the highlight of the weekend.

Hey look, we are now reaching the 90 day mark, in 10 days we reach the triple digits to 100 days. I also heard there are 2 CSC July people who got their NOA2's already, that's wicked YO! we are next!

Everyone keep ya HEADS UP!

God Speed to all of us!

[Gemmie 142]

Aww, we've been fighting too lately.

All the stresses coming out.

[Hell0W0rld 10]

Aww, we've been fighting too lately.

All the stresses coming out.

same here

[Fred N Emilia 0]

Yes but after you talk and reconcile it's the greatest feeling in the world. Arguments and fights are are a part of a healthy relationship. It allows you to communicate better, understand your significant other much better. Fear not everyone, the rewards of our sacrfice will soon be rewarded by our patience.

Hang in there everyone!

FRED IS HERE! - And no I havent checked USCIS yet, lets see if I crack before December 7th! December 7th is when I plan on checking USCIS regularly.

Fred will not crack, he is strong!

MALICIANT - You stay away! you made me crack lastime!

[TeeKol 0]

Becoming a psychologist in america is not that difficult I don't think, something along the lines of 2 years of college, basically as I understand it, psychologists aren't a licensed profession, and having any kind of schooling/training is uh... optional. Becoming a psychiatrist on the other hand, is a full on medical doctor, requires 6 - 8 years of school, and I know one girl who was in the middle of her residency, there are times where she'll be working 100 hour shifts for months at a time (only a slight bump up from the 60 hour shifts she normally worked). All that and most american's don't know the difference (or that there is one) between a psychologist and a psychiatrist! Either way though living in the country without a license will be rough, you'll definitely want to work on that as soon as possible especially if he's very far out.

And another july filer approval showed up on igor's last night on CSC... I think it's official now, july is getting worked on!

Yeah, I've often gotten the "you want to be a shrink" line over there, and have to explain that psychiatrist and psychologist, and even psychotherapist, are all different things.

It's incredibly difficult to get registered in America. A lot of people think they can get a degree in psych and not much else, but you'll find you won't be able to practise until you're in your late 20's at least. In the UK you can get a Masters (there are specialised subjects) plus experience, and eventually get accredited as part of the British Psychological Society. Then you're allowed to research independently or continue studying for a further degree. In the U.S, you have to have a PhD or similar doctorate degree to become licensed as a practising psychologist (with the American Psychological Association). I've never seen any option over there for how to become a Research Psychologist.

I think a lot of it has to do with the content.. US degrees aren't as difficult as ones in the UK (at least I've heard that from exchange students, international teachers, and by looking at the course content) but are prolonged over more years.

I've looked at schools in Massachusetts and they're all very expensive. the ones that aren't don't seem too challenging or to lead anywhere as a professional researcher.

Thanks for the advice Donna, I think you're right, only we can make the decision. Well, only me really. I need to decide if my few hours of graduation is worth an extra 3-6 weeks of waiting. My dad has rented my room out to a lodger for the money, and I refuse to go back and sleep on the sofa for all that time. My friends are all moving back home too, and unless I find a place to stay with them, it might be easier to throw a celebration party and leave for the US.

Hope everyone is doing well, glad to see that July filers are being processed.

Gemmie, I agree with what Donna-Marie says, it is only you that can make the final decision, and you should talk it through with your SO, but I will lay Devils Advocate here, having been in a slightly similar positon when I was married before and having to walk away. You are prepared to leave so much behind, which is admirable, and each of us that is moving to the USA is doing something similar in our own way, but dont you think that missing your acknowledgement for all of your achievements and the long road you have travelled through academia, is maybe one that you dont really have to give up?

If your visa will still be valid until just after the ceremony, couldnt you arrange to fly out the day after or maybe a few days later? I know you will have to rough it on a couch or 'make do' somewhere ( I know what its like because I am staying with relatives myself) but, may this be worth it to finish off that long journey before embarking on your journey of a lifetime? Being with your SO

As mentioned earlier, I am just looking at it from a different angle, you know what you have sacrificed to get where you are, what may lay ahead. Whatever you decide I wish you happiness in your future with your SO.

[HappyDancer 7]

Heheheh... ok Fred will wait til that fateful day when you check the website!

My daughter and I watched Madagascar 2... it was a good one! I needed the laughter... I miss my SO. No fighting but he was not in a very good mood.

Looking forward to the triple digit days to be around anytime soon too! I can hardly wait for my NOA2.

[Gemmie 142]

Thank you for the wise words. It really does help hearing others' perspectives.

That's what it comes down to, whether I feel it's worth swallowing some pride and sleeping on a sofa at my dad's house for a few weeks, to have that awesome memory of graduating all together. I think he'll offer to sleep on the sofa and let me have his bed instead, but it doesn't feel right. Not only do I need some privacy, but he's a 61 year old man and deserves his own bed. At the moment, I'm going to keep all of this in mind and around February, see if I can find somewhere to stay for that time. If not, I'll prepare for a substitute such as a celebration party. In the meantime, I'll try to relax about it. I need to focus on schoolwork, and not taking out my stresses on my SO.

Thanks again. And good luck with your petition, this is your month.

[Hell0W0rld 10]

damn, these dates are going to slow everything down

Tuesday, November 11 - Veterans Day

Thursday, November 27 - Thanksgiving Day

Thursday, December 25 - Christmas Day