Barefootsnail123
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As a first-year medical resident on Optional Practical Training (OPT) attempting to transition to a J1 Visa, I'm here to share my experience and journey in the United States for the past 15 years.
I arrived here as a sophomore in high school by myself, not knowing any English. Gradually, I became aware that in this country, success in life is largely dependent on language proficiency. I vigorously studied English and by the end of senior year, I decided to pursue human biology with the intention of attending medical school after college. Time flew by as I worked hard. I completed college, returned to my home country to fulfill military duty, and applied to medical school in the United States, all the while knowing that I had an incredibly low chance of even being accepted. I am grateful that I was accepted to medical school in the US. Over the next 4 years, I worked diligently and was matched to my preferred specialty.
Throughout my time in the United States, I was on a student visa. My mom has spent a tremendous amount of money paying for all my schooling with cash. Currently, I am a PGY1. As I apply for a J1 Visa, I have encountered roadblock after roadblock. I am tired and haven't slept well for the past week, knowing that in 2 months, I won't be able to advance to PGY2 because my government cannot provide a statement of need. I am broken down and I just need a place to share.
As I try to finish my residency in the US, part of me has made peace with either decision, whether I stay or go. I feel sorry for my mom, who has worked incredibly hard for the past 15 plus years to support me through high school, college, and medical school. I feel sorry that she had to spend half a million dollars on me for me to not be able to finish my residency. To be honest, I'm not even angry. Life is not fair, and I know that I need to treasure what I do have instead of envying the things I don't. Good luck, guys, and thanks for reading.
In short: after spending over 1 decade in the US and half a million dollar, I might not be able to work as PGY2 due to visa issue.
I arrived here as a sophomore in high school by myself, not knowing any English. Gradually, I became aware that in this country, success in life is largely dependent on language proficiency. I vigorously studied English and by the end of senior year, I decided to pursue human biology with the intention of attending medical school after college. Time flew by as I worked hard. I completed college, returned to my home country to fulfill military duty, and applied to medical school in the United States, all the while knowing that I had an incredibly low chance of even being accepted. I am grateful that I was accepted to medical school in the US. Over the next 4 years, I worked diligently and was matched to my preferred specialty.
Throughout my time in the United States, I was on a student visa. My mom has spent a tremendous amount of money paying for all my schooling with cash. Currently, I am a PGY1. As I apply for a J1 Visa, I have encountered roadblock after roadblock. I am tired and haven't slept well for the past week, knowing that in 2 months, I won't be able to advance to PGY2 because my government cannot provide a statement of need. I am broken down and I just need a place to share.
As I try to finish my residency in the US, part of me has made peace with either decision, whether I stay or go. I feel sorry for my mom, who has worked incredibly hard for the past 15 plus years to support me through high school, college, and medical school. I feel sorry that she had to spend half a million dollars on me for me to not be able to finish my residency. To be honest, I'm not even angry. Life is not fair, and I know that I need to treasure what I do have instead of envying the things I don't. Good luck, guys, and thanks for reading.
In short: after spending over 1 decade in the US and half a million dollar, I might not be able to work as PGY2 due to visa issue.