How I Got My US Visa: Trina’s Graduation from the University of Alaska

     Getting a US visa is not easy. Friends and friends of my friends, virtually strangers, have long and sad tales of how they failed to get approved by consular officers of the US embassy. Some have tried, not only once, twice, even thrice, just to be issued that longed-for-visa and fulfill their American dream. I was lucky the first time I tried. How?

     I was issued an invitation by the University of Alaska Fairbanks to attend the graduation of my daughter, Trina, for her Master of Science degree in Food Science. But this was not the primary reason that I was approved. Maybe some of these were: I was working with a state university, the University of the Philippines Los Baños as Assistant Professor; I have been to other countries previous to this trip; my husband is a Canadian citizen; and I answered the consul with confidence.  No matter why or how, I was elated when my tourist visa was approved. This meant I could go and embark on a one month tour of the US c/o my daughter, Trina.

Trina and Me before her graduation rites outside
Carlson Center, Kodiak, Alaska.

               Trina’s graduation. Trina’s graduation was held at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks, Alaska. The John A. Carlson Community Activity Center is a 6,443-seat multi-purpose arena in Fairbanks, Alaska. It is home to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks ice hockey team of the WCHA, the Fairbanks Grizzlies of the Indoor Football League, and has been the site used for the university's commencement exercises as well as graduation ceremonies for Lathrop, West Valley, and North Pole High Schools (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlson_Center). We were among the first to arrive inside the auditorium. 

Trina and Me inside the Carlson Center before the ceremony starts.

    

 The electronic bill boards congratulate the graduates.

     I became emotional when it dawned on me that we were the only Filipinos in the crowd. I double checked the program just to be sure. Indeed, Trina was the only graduate from the Philippines. Any mother would be proud of her daughter’s graduation. But I was doubly proud because Trina, through a graduate assistantship was able to survive even if this was a long way from mainland USA, and very far away from home (the Philippines). 

Trina (middle) is the only graduate from the Philippines at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

     I almost teared-up when Trina was at the stage  proudly showing-off her diploma.

Trina (middle) at the stage after receiving her diploma.

     After graduation, there was much jubilation outside the Carlson Center. 

L: Trina with other graduates after the ceremonies, outside Carlson Center; 

R: Other graduates are creative in celebrating their graduation.

     A post-graduation program was prepared for the graduates, their parents and the faculty inside the Carlson Center. I wanted to savor the moment, so I suggested that we go inside. I still hadn’t gotten over the feeling that Trina’s hardships finally paid off. This was the start of a better chapter in her life, work in the industry or another graduate degree, a doctor of philosophy degree. Inside the center, there were snacks prepared for everybody and an opportunity for more picture-taking. 

Congratulations Trina. 

     After Trina’s graduation we were treated to dinner by a mentor-friend at an original American diner. I was very thankful for this US tour because it enabled us to bond together after more than two years of Trina’s graduate work. We proceeded to other US states and, finally, Georgia, USA, where work awaited her at the University of Georgia. After this stint, Trina was also able to work for Bunge, Illinois, a private food company. 

     Presently, she is at the University of Oregon pursuing her doctor of philosophy degree major in Food Science. Hopefully, I will be able to attend her graduation because I was given a 10-year visa by the consular office of the USA. Next time you apply for a US visa, make sure that you have valid reasons and that you are truthful about your declarations to the consular officer. They are trained to see through your honesty and intention.