Howdy Ho!!!! Just thought Id start with something up lifting. I always liked that expression :P
So where to start with the whole new dilemma that has developed. First off, after waiting close to three weeks to get a response, I was rejected for my student line of credit. The reason stated "I currently have too much debt accumulated to be granted a line of credit". Pretty much, you owe everyone too much money so we do not feel comfortable giving you a line of credit because we are not sure if you could make the payments. I understand a bit from there perspective, but I have been a customer of the CIBC since I was like 2 years old, I have never really missed any payments, and plus dumping everything into one lump sum would be ideal. Not good enough for them!
Their suggestion: Consolidate your debt first, although you will need a co-signer to have the loan accepted and then once we consolidate your entire debt, then we can think about applying for a line of credit. Which personally doesnt make to much sense, as then I would have a loan and a line of credit to make minimum payments on, instead of just having one minimum payment to make for everything. Quite silly.
So that is what I am off to do today actually. Off to the bank to see what i can do about this whole dilemma.
To add to all of this, I am still wracking my brain about what to do with all of my appliances and all the crap I have in my house. I am still planning on doing a garage sale or putting stuff on Craig's list or Kijiji, but honestly how much could I expect to get out of all of this? If I could raise another 1K, that would be amazing, but I hardly doubt it. So is it worth the headache or just toss everything or give it to the needy??
Plus Ross University is acting a bit sketch in my opinion which doesnt really calm my nerve all to much. I am not one to stress to much but when you get an officially letter that says this is the list of things you need to get done before arriving to St. Kitt and it should be done ASAP. That to me means, do it ASAP, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. This to me, does not mean wait till mid-September before bothering with anything. I found this out unfortunately the hard way. I started to get my animals ready, brought them in for there annual health exam along with all of there vaccines not to mention having to re-microhip them since apparently Ross U only accepts AVID or Home Again microchips. Initially I email the veterinarian authrorities there to discuss if it was really needed as my cats were already microchipped with chips from another company which were the exact same type of chip than the AVID or Home Again ones. After a day I got a response, saying, you absolutely require the ones suggested. After checking with all three companies, all three said they do not comprehend why my cats would have to be re-chipped since the microchips and readers should be able to detect any of those microchips. So I email the authorities again, asking for clarification, if not for me, but then atleast for our clients that we recommend a specific type of microchip because it is supposed to be read and recognized by the international community. After a couple of days, no response, so i send another email, still no response, another email and yet still no response.
So after a week and a half of waiting, I contact my student coordinator, who was a bit blunt and rude I found on the phone. I asked him if there was any way to get in touch with the authorities over there responsible for the travel of domestic animals, as I needed some clarification. His response "why? you should not be doing anything before September 15th". Which was a bit of a surprise to me, as I mentioned previously ASAP, does not mean wait a two months after being accepted. Which I mentioned to my coordinator, I said "I have spoken to the import authorities, I have corresponded with you via email on multiple occasions, asking about travelling to the islands, my animals, things I needed to get ready and not once, not once did you ever mention please wait till mid-September before doing anything." His response, which was the kicker for me was "Well I am your student coordinator and I am telling you now, do not do anything till September 15th." At the moment, I started to have some doubts, I just found it odd from a professional stand point. To add to my minor stress of professionalism, a week before I receive an email saying, "your second $500 deposit is due by September 1st, if, however, you have not paid the full amount by the established due date, your file will be deactivated and your place in the class will be offered to another qualified applicant who is anxious to join us for the January 2011 term." Now none of that sentence bothered me, except for the fact the note about giving the place to a qualified anxious applicant. Meaning what? That I am not anxious to join them because I may not make the $500 payment on time. Why not just say your seat will be giving to another qualified applicant. Why bring emotions into it? When they asked me why i want to become a veterinarian, I did not say because it makes me happy. Anyways, perhaps it was just the build up of stress, but I personally would that whole scenario a bit unprofessional and not a way a recognized university should be acting.
Opinions? Just me? :P
So, now........................I wait!!!! :S Rah! Atleast Ill find out about my finances by the end of next week, everything should work out on that front, but it is a bit stressfull.
I have to say the only positive thing as of late, is the fact that I have finally found a room mate for the next few months. At least it will help free up a bit more money before I leave, not much, but any amount really helps.
So that is it for now, hope you enjoyed the read and thank you to all who are being so positive and supportive at the moment. It is nice to know that so many people care and that so many believe in me and in what I want to do.
Take care =)
About Me
- FutureVet
- I am fun loving, light hearted, positive and determined individual who believes that we can all help each other, whether it be something small or something grand :)
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
The Hassels of International Travel.....
Hmmmph! Is what I have to say to start. Boy is it complicated to go and study in another country. Or atleast it has been complicated further by the fact that I need to be there by certain dates, versus my own personal wants of wanting to be home at certain times of the year.
Luckily for me, I did not have to deal with calling the travel company back and forth, as my mother lovingly offered to do that for me.
Initially I has was hoping to leave Montreal on January 4th to be their on the 5th. This way, I could have spent New Year`s with my family along with my birthday which is on January 3rd. Unfortunately after verifying with the school, my arrival dates were pretty much, December 29th/30th or January 1st/2nd as they want us to be there for the beginning of orientation which begins on the morning of January 3rd. Luckily for me, Ill be enjoying my birthday while getting a tour of my new school and its facilities, although to be honest I would have much preferred to spend it with my brother, friend and family. On the upside atleast I get to spend New Year`s although I always have the possibility of coming back for New Year`s in the future, as school is normally off during that time. Although i was planning on making my first return trip at the end of the summer semester, which would be around August 16th, so if that were the case i do not think i could afford t come back again 3 months later. As each round ticket is costing about $1000.
So back to my travel plans, I inform my mother who informs the travel agent, that I need to be there for January 2nd. She gives me the information, so pretty much the options were to leave on the 1st at 5pm and arrive on the island of St. Kitt on January 2nd at 1pm, which includes a 12hr lay over in N.Y. The second option was to leave on the 1st at 7 and arrive in St. Kitt at noon. Since I know I do not feel like leaving super early on the 1st, as I know I will most likely be a little bit tired from New Year`s, I am going with option 2. Even if it includes a 12hr delay, which could be an interesting 12hr stop, as long as I don`t lose everything I have. :P I may just post up inside the airport and kill some time. :) Id rather leave Montreal a bit later, than having to worry about, oh crap I have a plain that leaves at 9 in the morning, which is in like 3 hours :P Plus Id rather have a few hours to set-up in my place before orientation, than an entire day to kill.
Finally we booked the plane ticket, and now I realize we forgot to double check regarding the transport of my two cats, plus the fact that we made the initial return date for 30days post. Unfortunately I noticed a nice big bold sentence on my travel plans that said: "Please ensure that your dated tickets are extended through at least the end of the semester." :S Apparently it has something to do with visa requirements needed to study on the island. So now I am verifying if this will pose a problem for me with the people at St. Kitt, and if it does then I have to look into changing my already booked plane ticket.
Hopefully it should not cause me any problems. Wish me luck
Jonathan =D
PS: Still no news from the bank regarding my application for my student line of credit, will let you know if anything ;)
Luckily for me, I did not have to deal with calling the travel company back and forth, as my mother lovingly offered to do that for me.
Initially I has was hoping to leave Montreal on January 4th to be their on the 5th. This way, I could have spent New Year`s with my family along with my birthday which is on January 3rd. Unfortunately after verifying with the school, my arrival dates were pretty much, December 29th/30th or January 1st/2nd as they want us to be there for the beginning of orientation which begins on the morning of January 3rd. Luckily for me, Ill be enjoying my birthday while getting a tour of my new school and its facilities, although to be honest I would have much preferred to spend it with my brother, friend and family. On the upside atleast I get to spend New Year`s although I always have the possibility of coming back for New Year`s in the future, as school is normally off during that time. Although i was planning on making my first return trip at the end of the summer semester, which would be around August 16th, so if that were the case i do not think i could afford t come back again 3 months later. As each round ticket is costing about $1000.
So back to my travel plans, I inform my mother who informs the travel agent, that I need to be there for January 2nd. She gives me the information, so pretty much the options were to leave on the 1st at 5pm and arrive on the island of St. Kitt on January 2nd at 1pm, which includes a 12hr lay over in N.Y. The second option was to leave on the 1st at 7 and arrive in St. Kitt at noon. Since I know I do not feel like leaving super early on the 1st, as I know I will most likely be a little bit tired from New Year`s, I am going with option 2. Even if it includes a 12hr delay, which could be an interesting 12hr stop, as long as I don`t lose everything I have. :P I may just post up inside the airport and kill some time. :) Id rather leave Montreal a bit later, than having to worry about, oh crap I have a plain that leaves at 9 in the morning, which is in like 3 hours :P Plus Id rather have a few hours to set-up in my place before orientation, than an entire day to kill.
Finally we booked the plane ticket, and now I realize we forgot to double check regarding the transport of my two cats, plus the fact that we made the initial return date for 30days post. Unfortunately I noticed a nice big bold sentence on my travel plans that said: "Please ensure that your dated tickets are extended through at least the end of the semester." :S Apparently it has something to do with visa requirements needed to study on the island. So now I am verifying if this will pose a problem for me with the people at St. Kitt, and if it does then I have to look into changing my already booked plane ticket.
Hopefully it should not cause me any problems. Wish me luck
Jonathan =D
PS: Still no news from the bank regarding my application for my student line of credit, will let you know if anything ;)
Monday, August 2, 2010
My First Round of Vaccines......
Today was the day, the day where I got to be injected with all kind of virus particles to help boost my immune system so I can have hopefully a proper immunization to the associated viruses. I wanted to take some pictures to show all of you all the lovely steps involved, but I luckily I forgot it at home. I say luckily, because in the end, I chose to use my ipod to video record the events that occured. :)
So I presented myself at the Montreal General Hospital, a hospital that I have passed by countless times, but I can honestly say, I have never entered before. I have more than a few friends who work there and seem to have nothing but good things to say. Overall the staff were very friendly and helpful, the hospital itself a bit confusing to walk through and they have an eight story parking garage, which can be frustrating as you drive around in circles looking for parking, only to realize that there are none available :S
Although on this day, I arrived by the good ole B.M.W (bus; metro; walk - in case you didn't know).
So as I wound my way through the hospital, I finally found the travel clinic, which was on the 10th floor located in Livingston Hall. Enjoy the walk with me ;)
In general very nice people, except for the annoying trio of ladies working next door to the clinic. I have never seen such un-professionalism, there are sick people sitting in the hall ways, some located right next to severe respiratory problems unit, and you have these three ladies, speaking, talking and laughing so loud that they block out everything else. Not to mention their reenactment of the Lord of the Dance performance, which shook the floor as I sat there, waiting, making me only think how oblivious some people are to the pain and suffering of others, and even if it were in a regular business setting, how unprofessional.
I finally get called into the nurse's office, and once again of course I have to wait a few minutes. To my joy, I get a nurse in training, so i have this nurse asking a bunch of questions as the head nurse (who was kind of cute) paced between multiple rooms as she was going away on vacation soon.
I have to say, the nurse in training, unfortunately I no longer remember her name, did her job quite well. Her injection techniques were excellent (as you will see) and she pleasant enough to talk to. My favourite to watch is the TB (tuberculosis test), if you are a bit needle shy, then perhaps this video is not for you :P
Finally, all the injections are done, I tallied up my lovely bill of $285 and headed out. Overall the experience was good, and long term, my arm was a bit sore, as if someone punched me in my shoulder a couple of times. Other than that, I felt pretty good.
I had to head back to the hospital two days later to get the results of my TB test, although you always know the results before you get there. If you have a reaction to the little stimulant they inject underneath your skin, the lesion will have grown in some shape or form. If you do not react, your skin has returned back to normal, and hence a negative reaction, and therefore you have not been exposed to TB. As for my TB results, they were negative! Yay! :)
Well that's it for now, sorry for the delay of this post, as I was having a few problems with the video recordings. Have yourself a great week!
Jonathan =D
So I presented myself at the Montreal General Hospital, a hospital that I have passed by countless times, but I can honestly say, I have never entered before. I have more than a few friends who work there and seem to have nothing but good things to say. Overall the staff were very friendly and helpful, the hospital itself a bit confusing to walk through and they have an eight story parking garage, which can be frustrating as you drive around in circles looking for parking, only to realize that there are none available :S
Although on this day, I arrived by the good ole B.M.W (bus; metro; walk - in case you didn't know).
So as I wound my way through the hospital, I finally found the travel clinic, which was on the 10th floor located in Livingston Hall. Enjoy the walk with me ;)
In general very nice people, except for the annoying trio of ladies working next door to the clinic. I have never seen such un-professionalism, there are sick people sitting in the hall ways, some located right next to severe respiratory problems unit, and you have these three ladies, speaking, talking and laughing so loud that they block out everything else. Not to mention their reenactment of the Lord of the Dance performance, which shook the floor as I sat there, waiting, making me only think how oblivious some people are to the pain and suffering of others, and even if it were in a regular business setting, how unprofessional.
I finally get called into the nurse's office, and once again of course I have to wait a few minutes. To my joy, I get a nurse in training, so i have this nurse asking a bunch of questions as the head nurse (who was kind of cute) paced between multiple rooms as she was going away on vacation soon.
I have to say, the nurse in training, unfortunately I no longer remember her name, did her job quite well. Her injection techniques were excellent (as you will see) and she pleasant enough to talk to. My favourite to watch is the TB (tuberculosis test), if you are a bit needle shy, then perhaps this video is not for you :P
Finally, all the injections are done, I tallied up my lovely bill of $285 and headed out. Overall the experience was good, and long term, my arm was a bit sore, as if someone punched me in my shoulder a couple of times. Other than that, I felt pretty good.
I had to head back to the hospital two days later to get the results of my TB test, although you always know the results before you get there. If you have a reaction to the little stimulant they inject underneath your skin, the lesion will have grown in some shape or form. If you do not react, your skin has returned back to normal, and hence a negative reaction, and therefore you have not been exposed to TB. As for my TB results, they were negative! Yay! :)
Well that's it for now, sorry for the delay of this post, as I was having a few problems with the video recordings. Have yourself a great week!
Jonathan =D
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Back from vacation! :)
Sorry lady and gents that there have not been any posts as of late as I went away on vacation for the last week. Unfortunately I thought I posted right before leaving, as I went to receive all of my vaccines on the Monday right before I left.
So a little bit about my vacation, I had some nice time off, got to spend a bit of time with my mother, which was nice since I do not get a chance very often to see her these days. Maybe three to five times a year, so any opportunity is always a good one. I also got quite a bit of shopping in, plus started preparing some of my documents for travel, as well as looking into a room mate once again to help cut some of my living costs.
As for my trip, we (my brother, my good friend and I) went camping up north near Ste. Therese de la Gatineau, which is about three hours north of Montreal. We spent pretty much the entire weekend at a music festival called Eclipse. It was their 10th anniversary and our third year going, and I have to say it was an amazing weekend. The event just keeps getting better every year, and I hope it is something we will continue to do as a yearly tradition for many more years to come. Although I guess depending on my schooling, I may have to take a small break for the next few years. I would be sad not to go, as I have met quite a few kind and interesting people there, but Ill take becoming a veterinarian over a good party any day of the week. ;)
After my weekend, took the rest of the week pretty easy. Relaxed most of the week with my brother, saw a couple of movies (Inception was amazing), and rented many more. Now tomorrow back to work :S
So that is it for now, I just wanted to give you a little update, and I will be re-posting by this weekend my last post that was never posted for some reason. Hope you are all having a lovely week!
Jonathan =D
So a little bit about my vacation, I had some nice time off, got to spend a bit of time with my mother, which was nice since I do not get a chance very often to see her these days. Maybe three to five times a year, so any opportunity is always a good one. I also got quite a bit of shopping in, plus started preparing some of my documents for travel, as well as looking into a room mate once again to help cut some of my living costs.
As for my trip, we (my brother, my good friend and I) went camping up north near Ste. Therese de la Gatineau, which is about three hours north of Montreal. We spent pretty much the entire weekend at a music festival called Eclipse. It was their 10th anniversary and our third year going, and I have to say it was an amazing weekend. The event just keeps getting better every year, and I hope it is something we will continue to do as a yearly tradition for many more years to come. Although I guess depending on my schooling, I may have to take a small break for the next few years. I would be sad not to go, as I have met quite a few kind and interesting people there, but Ill take becoming a veterinarian over a good party any day of the week. ;)
After my weekend, took the rest of the week pretty easy. Relaxed most of the week with my brother, saw a couple of movies (Inception was amazing), and rented many more. Now tomorrow back to work :S
So that is it for now, I just wanted to give you a little update, and I will be re-posting by this weekend my last post that was never posted for some reason. Hope you are all having a lovely week!
Jonathan =D
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Trials & Tribulations....
Never mind the financial worries I have, I now have my official "checklist" of things I need to do before entering onto the island of St-Kitt.
"Welcome to our upcoming January semester for 2011. Here is a checklist of next steps to help with your matriculation to St. Kitts.":
So initially, I was going to say, I still have not received their so called "Welcome Packet" but as I got up to make some coffee, what did the Postman bring me? Of course, the Welcome Packet. Obviously I have not had a chance to go through it yet, but I will!
Next step was to submit my seat payment to secure my seat for the 2011 semester, this was the two time $500 fee mentioned in my personal finances. Half of my seat has been secured, just need one more payment but that is not due till September, so it gives me some time.
Unfortunately for FAFSA, as I am a canandian student, I cannot apply for that, so i will have to apply via a local canadian bank that does business in the states. This is one of my minor dilemmas, as after looking into it, there are four main banks that will offer financial aide of some form to veterinarian students. Those four banks are: BMO (Bank of Montreal), NBC (National Bank of Canada), RBC (Royal Bank of Canada) & TD bank.
*BMO is offers the lowest interest rate at Canadiam Prime + 0.5%, with a maximum limit of $80K.
*NBC offers the best regarding the amount I can borrow, which is at about $120K, but it would be at an interest of Canadian Prime + 1.75%, unless I could get a co-signer, which at that point they would lower the interest to 1%.
*RBC is a bank I have done business with before in the past, and I feel comfortable with. They offer canadian prime + 1% with most likely a limit of about $80K, unfortunately repayment of the principal begins 6 months after graduation, where all the other schools is year. Another advantage to RBC is that they have an ATM machine near the school, so I wouldnt have to bother with any extra ATM fees if I needed to withdraw money.
*TD who everyone knows, they offer a limit of $80K at a variable interest rate, and they offer they expert advice free of charge. Although I do not which bank that would not you advice.
The only other bank on island near the school that has an ATM machine, is Scotiabank. All other withdrawals need to be done at one of the few local banks, which means there would be a fee associated with withdrawing from a different bank. So a bit of dilemma on which bank to apply to. Can I apply to all four and take the best offer? Do I go with convenience and access, total amount or lowest interest? Anyone have any advice?
With all these question, I thought having a Financial Aid Counselor would be the thing to have before applying for financial aid. As i found out at the end of last week, apparently one was assigned to me already and she will contact me shortly. So i guess Ill have to wait on that :S
Next is probably one of the more important things on this checklist, housing!!!! Where am I going to live for the next three years :) Unfortunately, as I am bringing my cats with me, I have to live off campus. I contacted the off campus housing arrangements, and they told me, right now we are only dealing with September students, so please call back in September to discuss such matters. Some more waiting, rah! Yet they tell me send them my housing information and flight information ASAP. I guess as soon as possible will be in 2-3 months :P
Some minor things have already been taken cared of, such my official transcripts being sent to NJ offices, as well as my passport being valid and up to date. Considering I just got it in March of this year, I think i will be ok for a bit :)
Lastly then are the things i need to do to be allowed onto the island. Which is send them a criminal police report of myself to make sure I havent been convicted for anything, especially if it involves any sort of drug trafficking. Since I am an angel as my mother always say, I am in the clear ;)
All that remains then, is my health certificate before I leave the country, which means getting a bunch of vaccines (rabies, tetanus, hepatitis A/B). I already booked my appointment for the first set of vaccines along with my TB test. Luckily I already took care of my RPR blood test when I was at the hospital last week visiting my nephrologist (overdue checkup for my kidneys). I figure why not kill to birds with one stone, and asked him to add the sexually transmitted disease panel to the blood profile he wanted to do. With one check mark, it was done :P
I have to say I am a little apprehensive about getting so many vaccines, as I havent really gotten any in awhile. Plus it is going to cost me close to $300 for that first visit; considering my finances are very tight at the moment, that is a lot of money. My appointment date is for this coming Monday :S
These are only the things Ross U needs me to take care of before I can get in. Never mind all the other things I personally have to worry about before leaving Montreal for the next four years. My primary concern are my cats, wondering whether or not to bring all three with me. If i do choose not to, for a multitude of reasons, included finances and stress involved, then how many would I leave behind? I know I need atleast one of my cats with me for my own personal sanity while living away. So if I only take one, then I need to find a temporary home for the other two. One is a big submissive and will do well anywhere, the other is a bit dominant and might be more difficult. So would I want to bring her with me as well?
Next on my list of concerns is my apartment, I have a lease signed till June 30th 2011. Meaning I need to find someone to sublet my apartment to starting as of January. It is my responsibility to find someone, and since my landlord has all post dated checks for the year, i would need to find someone who would be reliabel and I would sure that his payments to me would not bounce.
Then there is all the STUFF in my place, I have a pretty much brand new washer, dryer and fridge, with a perfectly functioning stove that is no where past is prime. I have a tv, computer, couches, massive movie collection, large book collection, bunch of plants and animal supplies. What to do with all my stuff and junk? Some of it I could store, but storage costs money, I was thinking of having a garage sale and trying to sell most of it. Living in Canada, it puts a little more stress because i would have to have my sale before winter hits, or before it gets to cold for people to come outside to rummage. I doubt anyone could buy my appliances for the price i want, so then its a matter of putting into storage or trying to sell it on Craigslist or similar site and see if someone if willing to take it off my hands for a reasonable price.
Im sure there will be more things for me to worry about as the deadline comes closer, but hopefully by then I will be a little more informed and prepared for everything I have to do. At the moment, I just feel a bit over whelmed with everything as I am still dealing with my full time job and the stress it provides on a weekly basis.
So that's it, the trials and tribulations of my little adventure that has begun. Hope you enjoyed reading :)
Jonathan =D
"Welcome to our upcoming January semester for 2011. Here is a checklist of next steps to help with your matriculation to St. Kitts.":
*Welcome packet received
*Submit seat deposit payment to secure your seat
*FAFSA online complete? (Our school code is: G 22779)
*Assign Financial Aid Counselor (via alphabet)
*Contact housing department:
On campus: xxxxx@Rossvet.Edu. kn
Off campus: xxxxxx@Rossvet.Edu.kn
(Children and pets off campus living only)
To visit campus we need 3 week notice in advance. Contact MAC off campus at xxxx@rossvet.edu.kn
*Obtain good code of conduct letter or police report: (local, county or state)
*Please book flight and forward information to NSC and Housing Directors ASAP
*Book doctor’s appointment for Health Certificate:
Hepatitis A and B (more than ten years a titer should be done)
Tetanus (or booster dose for serious injury)
Rabies (after two years a titer should be done)
TB
RPR
Contact Nursing once completed
*Make sure passport is valid and won’t expire while on St. Kitts
*Make sure all official transcripts are received in NJ
So initially, I was going to say, I still have not received their so called "Welcome Packet" but as I got up to make some coffee, what did the Postman bring me? Of course, the Welcome Packet. Obviously I have not had a chance to go through it yet, but I will!
Next step was to submit my seat payment to secure my seat for the 2011 semester, this was the two time $500 fee mentioned in my personal finances. Half of my seat has been secured, just need one more payment but that is not due till September, so it gives me some time.
Unfortunately for FAFSA, as I am a canandian student, I cannot apply for that, so i will have to apply via a local canadian bank that does business in the states. This is one of my minor dilemmas, as after looking into it, there are four main banks that will offer financial aide of some form to veterinarian students. Those four banks are: BMO (Bank of Montreal), NBC (National Bank of Canada), RBC (Royal Bank of Canada) & TD bank.
*BMO is offers the lowest interest rate at Canadiam Prime + 0.5%, with a maximum limit of $80K.
*NBC offers the best regarding the amount I can borrow, which is at about $120K, but it would be at an interest of Canadian Prime + 1.75%, unless I could get a co-signer, which at that point they would lower the interest to 1%.
*RBC is a bank I have done business with before in the past, and I feel comfortable with. They offer canadian prime + 1% with most likely a limit of about $80K, unfortunately repayment of the principal begins 6 months after graduation, where all the other schools is year. Another advantage to RBC is that they have an ATM machine near the school, so I wouldnt have to bother with any extra ATM fees if I needed to withdraw money.
*TD who everyone knows, they offer a limit of $80K at a variable interest rate, and they offer they expert advice free of charge. Although I do not which bank that would not you advice.
The only other bank on island near the school that has an ATM machine, is Scotiabank. All other withdrawals need to be done at one of the few local banks, which means there would be a fee associated with withdrawing from a different bank. So a bit of dilemma on which bank to apply to. Can I apply to all four and take the best offer? Do I go with convenience and access, total amount or lowest interest? Anyone have any advice?
With all these question, I thought having a Financial Aid Counselor would be the thing to have before applying for financial aid. As i found out at the end of last week, apparently one was assigned to me already and she will contact me shortly. So i guess Ill have to wait on that :S
Next is probably one of the more important things on this checklist, housing!!!! Where am I going to live for the next three years :) Unfortunately, as I am bringing my cats with me, I have to live off campus. I contacted the off campus housing arrangements, and they told me, right now we are only dealing with September students, so please call back in September to discuss such matters. Some more waiting, rah! Yet they tell me send them my housing information and flight information ASAP. I guess as soon as possible will be in 2-3 months :P
Some minor things have already been taken cared of, such my official transcripts being sent to NJ offices, as well as my passport being valid and up to date. Considering I just got it in March of this year, I think i will be ok for a bit :)
Lastly then are the things i need to do to be allowed onto the island. Which is send them a criminal police report of myself to make sure I havent been convicted for anything, especially if it involves any sort of drug trafficking. Since I am an angel as my mother always say, I am in the clear ;)
All that remains then, is my health certificate before I leave the country, which means getting a bunch of vaccines (rabies, tetanus, hepatitis A/B). I already booked my appointment for the first set of vaccines along with my TB test. Luckily I already took care of my RPR blood test when I was at the hospital last week visiting my nephrologist (overdue checkup for my kidneys). I figure why not kill to birds with one stone, and asked him to add the sexually transmitted disease panel to the blood profile he wanted to do. With one check mark, it was done :P
I have to say I am a little apprehensive about getting so many vaccines, as I havent really gotten any in awhile. Plus it is going to cost me close to $300 for that first visit; considering my finances are very tight at the moment, that is a lot of money. My appointment date is for this coming Monday :S
These are only the things Ross U needs me to take care of before I can get in. Never mind all the other things I personally have to worry about before leaving Montreal for the next four years. My primary concern are my cats, wondering whether or not to bring all three with me. If i do choose not to, for a multitude of reasons, included finances and stress involved, then how many would I leave behind? I know I need atleast one of my cats with me for my own personal sanity while living away. So if I only take one, then I need to find a temporary home for the other two. One is a big submissive and will do well anywhere, the other is a bit dominant and might be more difficult. So would I want to bring her with me as well?
Next on my list of concerns is my apartment, I have a lease signed till June 30th 2011. Meaning I need to find someone to sublet my apartment to starting as of January. It is my responsibility to find someone, and since my landlord has all post dated checks for the year, i would need to find someone who would be reliabel and I would sure that his payments to me would not bounce.
Then there is all the STUFF in my place, I have a pretty much brand new washer, dryer and fridge, with a perfectly functioning stove that is no where past is prime. I have a tv, computer, couches, massive movie collection, large book collection, bunch of plants and animal supplies. What to do with all my stuff and junk? Some of it I could store, but storage costs money, I was thinking of having a garage sale and trying to sell most of it. Living in Canada, it puts a little more stress because i would have to have my sale before winter hits, or before it gets to cold for people to come outside to rummage. I doubt anyone could buy my appliances for the price i want, so then its a matter of putting into storage or trying to sell it on Craigslist or similar site and see if someone if willing to take it off my hands for a reasonable price.
Im sure there will be more things for me to worry about as the deadline comes closer, but hopefully by then I will be a little more informed and prepared for everything I have to do. At the moment, I just feel a bit over whelmed with everything as I am still dealing with my full time job and the stress it provides on a weekly basis.
So that's it, the trials and tribulations of my little adventure that has begun. Hope you enjoyed reading :)
Jonathan =D
Thursday, July 8, 2010
The Financial Burden......
As mention in my first post, I will gladly and freely share with you the information provided to me regarding the financial responsibilities that have been placed on me after being accepted.
Approximate Costs involved before leaving for St-Kitt: $5762.00
My initial application cost: $75.00
Trip to Toronto for interview for vet school: $250.00
Initial fees to reserve seat for vet school upon acceptance: 2 payments of $500.00 = $1000.00
Approximate cost of airplane ticket to St-Kitt: $900.00
Approximate cost of medical fees before leaving (vaccines, health exam): $855.00
*Examination fee (health certificate before leaving): $30.00
*Vaccines (1st set): $275.00
*Vaccines (2nd set): $270.00
*Vaccines (3rd set): $270.00
*TB test: $10.00
Approximate cost of medical fees for my 3 cats before leaving: $2682.00
*Vaccines (FVRCP+Leukemia+Rabies): $79.00 X3 = $237.00
*Deworming treatment: $25.00 X 3 = $75.00
*External parasite prevention: $100.00 X 3 = $300.00
*Rabies titre (1st test): $273.00 X 3 = $819.00
*Rabies titre (2nd test): $273.00 X 3 = $819.00
*FeLV/FIV test: $90.00 X 3 = $270.00
*Health Examination (72hrs prior export): $54.00 x 3 = $162.00
Initial start up costs are "approximated" at: $9633.00
Plus transportation costs for the purchase of an automobile on the island:
Approximate fees with going to vet school according to Ross U : $26,082 per Semester
*Tuition, fees, health insurance : $14,795.00 (tuition jumps to $18,500.00 for last 3 semesters)
*Room & board (includes rent + electricity): $3752.00
*Transportation (includes gas money): $1455.00
*Personal Expenses (includes: food, phone, internet): $3867.00
*Loan fees: $708.00
*Books & Supplies: $1505.00
*****Just living expenses along = $ 11,287.00 per Semester
There fore the grand total for the entire RossU Veterinary Experience is: $ 276,215.00
*Initial cost/fees: $15,395.00
*Tuitions fees: $14,795.00 / semester X 10 semesters = $147,950.00
*Living expenses: $11,287.00 / semester X 10 semester = $112,870.00
Obviously I do not expect to ask nor raise for all this money from friends, family and hopefully random kindhearted strangers. I know I will have to get most of the money from financial loans and hopefully a scholarship or bursary.
What I was hoping to raise, were funds to cover my initials costs to travel to St-Kitt, and hopefully the majority of my living expenses while on the island.
Therefore if ideally my goal is to raise/collect: $15,395.00
*Plus make a dent as much as possible in the: $112,870.00 of living expenses for the entire program
Thank you in advance to anyone who chooses to donate, any little amount is extremely helpful and is most appreciated.
Yours truly,
Jonathan =D
Approximate Costs involved before leaving for St-Kitt: $5762.00
My initial application cost: $75.00
Trip to Toronto for interview for vet school: $250.00
Initial fees to reserve seat for vet school upon acceptance: 2 payments of $500.00 = $1000.00
Approximate cost of airplane ticket to St-Kitt: $900.00
Approximate cost of medical fees before leaving (vaccines, health exam): $855.00
*Examination fee (health certificate before leaving): $30.00
*Vaccines (1st set): $275.00
*Vaccines (2nd set): $270.00
*Vaccines (3rd set): $270.00
*TB test: $10.00
Approximate cost of medical fees for my 3 cats before leaving: $2682.00
*Vaccines (FVRCP+Leukemia+Rabies): $79.00 X3 = $237.00
*Deworming treatment: $25.00 X 3 = $75.00
*External parasite prevention: $100.00 X 3 = $300.00
*Rabies titre (1st test): $273.00 X 3 = $819.00
*Rabies titre (2nd test): $273.00 X 3 = $819.00
*FeLV/FIV test: $90.00 X 3 = $270.00
*Health Examination (72hrs prior export): $54.00 x 3 = $162.00
Initial start up costs are "approximated" at: $9633.00
| Housing security deposit & first month's rent | $1,700 | |||
| Electricity security deposit | $ 370 | |||
| Telephone installation deposit | $ 370 | |||
| Internet & modem installation deposit | $ 125 | |||
| Groceries | $ 600 | |||
| Total | $3,165 |
Plus transportation costs for the purchase of an automobile on the island:
| Car purchase | $6,000 |
| Driver's license & car ownership transfer | $ 100 |
| Annual auto insurance (students 25 & older) | $ 368 |
| Total | $6,468 |
Approximate fees with going to vet school according to Ross U : $26,082 per Semester
*Tuition, fees, health insurance : $14,795.00 (tuition jumps to $18,500.00 for last 3 semesters)
*Room & board (includes rent + electricity): $3752.00
*Transportation (includes gas money): $1455.00
*Personal Expenses (includes: food, phone, internet): $3867.00
*Loan fees: $708.00
*Books & Supplies: $1505.00
*****Just living expenses along = $ 11,287.00 per Semester
There fore the grand total for the entire RossU Veterinary Experience is: $ 276,215.00
*Initial cost/fees: $15,395.00
*Tuitions fees: $14,795.00 / semester X 10 semesters = $147,950.00
*Living expenses: $11,287.00 / semester X 10 semester = $112,870.00
Obviously I do not expect to ask nor raise for all this money from friends, family and hopefully random kindhearted strangers. I know I will have to get most of the money from financial loans and hopefully a scholarship or bursary.
What I was hoping to raise, were funds to cover my initials costs to travel to St-Kitt, and hopefully the majority of my living expenses while on the island.
Therefore if ideally my goal is to raise/collect: $15,395.00
*Plus make a dent as much as possible in the: $112,870.00 of living expenses for the entire program
Thank you in advance to anyone who chooses to donate, any little amount is extremely helpful and is most appreciated.
Yours truly,
Jonathan =D
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
The long quest.......
To start, I guess I should begin by telling you about when and how I decided I wanted to become a veterinarian. We always had animal growing up, although I do not remember many of them but my first clear thought was near the end of grade 5, so back in 1991. I saw this sickly old cat walking by the train tracks near my elementary school. At first I felt a bit bad, but though nothing of it, just a stray cat. As the week progressed, the cat didn't leave the perimeter of the school, I began to give it pieces of my lunch, which included some pudding (I was a kid) and some of the free milk we used to get. Then the weekend came, as I returned to school the next week, I found the poor thing dead near the fence, not sure what the cause was at the time but now I can make a pretty good assumption that it was due to poor nutrition and perhaps age. I remember thinking, to bad there wasn't someway I could have helped that cat more, to actually make it feel better and help make it healthy again, to save its life.
I didn't give much more though into becoming a veterinarian until about 3 years later, as I neared the end of grade 7 (secondary 1). Students were asked to look into and suggest a job they would like to do a one day internship at the location of our choice. After looking over the list of potential jobs, I came across a veterinary clinic, which all of a sudden re-peaked my interest in my desire to help animals.
So the day came for my internship and I have to say, I loved it!!!! It is that day, that captivated my continued interest and drive that I have today. I was only 13 years old, so I can see why the experience is still so vivid in my mind. I got to see a surgery for a luxated patella (loose knee cap), where the doctor had to grind down the head of the femur bone, so as the patella would properly sit into the joint, then she sutured it in place against the surrrounding tissue. The second surgery was a poor dog, that got his paw run over and crushed. The doctor spent over an hour, putting individual pins into each digit on the paw, replacing the bones in proper alignment and fixating the pins so the paw could heal properly. It was an amazing experience, not to mention the other interesting things I saw that day, such a blood samples, general exams and so on.
The next day, I told the school counselor that I wanted to become a veterinarian. Of course you get the usual answer you get from any school counselor, you know it is very hard, and you would have to study hard, and perhaps you should think of another career just in case. I said thank you, but I wanted to become a veterinarian, and I understood the work involved, and I am capable of doing it!
Fast forward to the end of high school, to CEGEP, where I got in Dawson College into the Health Science program. The plan was to apply to veterinarian medicine upon the completion of my degree. Unfortunately this was not to be the case, half-way through my degree, in 1999 on the eve of the New Years, I got stricken with kidney stones. I failed three of my core sciences courses with marks ranging from 35-45%. This is of course destroyed my R-score (or GPA if you want), not to mention the next few semester I would have sporadic flare ups. Unfortunately because of this, my R-score was no where close to the level they wanted to get into vet school. I had a 28.45 they wanted a 33.0.
Therefore my next step, was to go directly into University and try to complete a bachelor before applying, or completing another degree at the collegial level to try and raise my GPA to the acceptable level they wanted. I decided to go back to CEGEP, but this time it was at Vanier College into the Animal Health Program. I figured I could raise my GPA and at the same time I could work as a technician upon the completion of this degree as a fall back position.
Fast forward another three years, it is now 2004, I am a certified animal health technician and I have been working as a technician for the last two years. I apply to Université de Montreal (UdeM), the only school offering the program here in Quebec. Unfortunately even with stellar marks my GPA was still below what they wanted, so I continued my career as a technician. I did not give up on my dream, but I needed a break from my schooling. So I spent the next couple of years continuing to work in various vet clinics. Finally the day came for me to head back to school and to continue my quest to vet school.
I applied into the Biology program at Concordia University even though many suggested I enter into a lesser program to make sure I got perfect marks. I just couldnt bring myself to "dumb myself down" as I would like to say to my friends. Biology and the courses with in it were hard, but much more intriguing and interesting to learn. Plus they apply to the field that i wanted to spend my life doing.
Upon completion of my first three semesters, I decide to re-apply to UdeM, along with Guelph University in Ontario. Unfortunately, once again my application gets denied. Guelph at the time would only accept two students from Quebec every year, so I knew the chances of me getting in were slim, but it was the only other option I had at the time.
Students from Eastern Canada, cannot apply to vet school in the west (Alberta) or the prairies (Saskatchewan), they just dont accept applications from other provinces. As for the only other school available which was the one in PEI, they would consider me an international student, meaning I would have to pay international schooling fees. I found it ridiculous that in my own country, I am pretty much an outsider. I found it so irritating that i wrote a letter to the premier of my province to complain about our schooling system. Of course you get the usual diplomatic reply, blah blah blah, we will look into it.
At this time, a friend of mine just completed her degree in veterinarian medicine at a school in the Caribbean. The school was St. George University located on the island of Grenada. Half-way through the application, a friend of mine comes across a poster for another school in the Caribbean. This school was Ross University, which was located on the island of St-Kitt. So upon the completion of my 5th semester, I finished my applications to both schools.
A couple of months later, I head back from Ross U. They want to see me for an interview!!! The next stage of the vet application, the stage I was always hoping to get to, because I knew I would nail it. So fast forward to the interview, and my interviewer tells my brother "he slam dunked that interview", and that "he would be recommending me for immediate entry into the program". So skip ahead one week, and I hear back from the school "you are officially accepted into the veterinary medicine program here at Ross University, Congratulations". I cannot depict how elated and ecstatic I was to hear those words, finally I made it!!!!
There you have it, my long ass quest from the beginning till where I am now. Hope you enjoyed the long read :) Next up, will be info about my application to the school, and all the particular surrounding it.
Take Care for Now =D
I didn't give much more though into becoming a veterinarian until about 3 years later, as I neared the end of grade 7 (secondary 1). Students were asked to look into and suggest a job they would like to do a one day internship at the location of our choice. After looking over the list of potential jobs, I came across a veterinary clinic, which all of a sudden re-peaked my interest in my desire to help animals.
So the day came for my internship and I have to say, I loved it!!!! It is that day, that captivated my continued interest and drive that I have today. I was only 13 years old, so I can see why the experience is still so vivid in my mind. I got to see a surgery for a luxated patella (loose knee cap), where the doctor had to grind down the head of the femur bone, so as the patella would properly sit into the joint, then she sutured it in place against the surrrounding tissue. The second surgery was a poor dog, that got his paw run over and crushed. The doctor spent over an hour, putting individual pins into each digit on the paw, replacing the bones in proper alignment and fixating the pins so the paw could heal properly. It was an amazing experience, not to mention the other interesting things I saw that day, such a blood samples, general exams and so on.
The next day, I told the school counselor that I wanted to become a veterinarian. Of course you get the usual answer you get from any school counselor, you know it is very hard, and you would have to study hard, and perhaps you should think of another career just in case. I said thank you, but I wanted to become a veterinarian, and I understood the work involved, and I am capable of doing it!
Fast forward to the end of high school, to CEGEP, where I got in Dawson College into the Health Science program. The plan was to apply to veterinarian medicine upon the completion of my degree. Unfortunately this was not to be the case, half-way through my degree, in 1999 on the eve of the New Years, I got stricken with kidney stones. I failed three of my core sciences courses with marks ranging from 35-45%. This is of course destroyed my R-score (or GPA if you want), not to mention the next few semester I would have sporadic flare ups. Unfortunately because of this, my R-score was no where close to the level they wanted to get into vet school. I had a 28.45 they wanted a 33.0.
Therefore my next step, was to go directly into University and try to complete a bachelor before applying, or completing another degree at the collegial level to try and raise my GPA to the acceptable level they wanted. I decided to go back to CEGEP, but this time it was at Vanier College into the Animal Health Program. I figured I could raise my GPA and at the same time I could work as a technician upon the completion of this degree as a fall back position.
Fast forward another three years, it is now 2004, I am a certified animal health technician and I have been working as a technician for the last two years. I apply to Université de Montreal (UdeM), the only school offering the program here in Quebec. Unfortunately even with stellar marks my GPA was still below what they wanted, so I continued my career as a technician. I did not give up on my dream, but I needed a break from my schooling. So I spent the next couple of years continuing to work in various vet clinics. Finally the day came for me to head back to school and to continue my quest to vet school.
I applied into the Biology program at Concordia University even though many suggested I enter into a lesser program to make sure I got perfect marks. I just couldnt bring myself to "dumb myself down" as I would like to say to my friends. Biology and the courses with in it were hard, but much more intriguing and interesting to learn. Plus they apply to the field that i wanted to spend my life doing.
Upon completion of my first three semesters, I decide to re-apply to UdeM, along with Guelph University in Ontario. Unfortunately, once again my application gets denied. Guelph at the time would only accept two students from Quebec every year, so I knew the chances of me getting in were slim, but it was the only other option I had at the time.
Students from Eastern Canada, cannot apply to vet school in the west (Alberta) or the prairies (Saskatchewan), they just dont accept applications from other provinces. As for the only other school available which was the one in PEI, they would consider me an international student, meaning I would have to pay international schooling fees. I found it ridiculous that in my own country, I am pretty much an outsider. I found it so irritating that i wrote a letter to the premier of my province to complain about our schooling system. Of course you get the usual diplomatic reply, blah blah blah, we will look into it.
At this time, a friend of mine just completed her degree in veterinarian medicine at a school in the Caribbean. The school was St. George University located on the island of Grenada. Half-way through the application, a friend of mine comes across a poster for another school in the Caribbean. This school was Ross University, which was located on the island of St-Kitt. So upon the completion of my 5th semester, I finished my applications to both schools.
A couple of months later, I head back from Ross U. They want to see me for an interview!!! The next stage of the vet application, the stage I was always hoping to get to, because I knew I would nail it. So fast forward to the interview, and my interviewer tells my brother "he slam dunked that interview", and that "he would be recommending me for immediate entry into the program". So skip ahead one week, and I hear back from the school "you are officially accepted into the veterinary medicine program here at Ross University, Congratulations". I cannot depict how elated and ecstatic I was to hear those words, finally I made it!!!!
There you have it, my long ass quest from the beginning till where I am now. Hope you enjoyed the long read :) Next up, will be info about my application to the school, and all the particular surrounding it.
Take Care for Now =D
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