By Erciana Fernandes Belo
EducationUSA students, Family and EducationUSA representative in Timor-Leste. 29/08/2024. Photo By EducationUSA Volunteer
The EducationUSA Virtual Academy Connect program is a virtual pre-college academic enrichment initiative designed for international high school students, including those from Timor-Leste. The EducationUSA Virtual Academy Connect Program in Timor-Leste has successfully guided its final cohort through an enriching journey of college preparatory content, college-level writing workshops, and cultural activities. Hosted by nine U.S. colleges and universities, the program has provided invaluable skills and experiences to students, helping them strengthen their college applications while offering a unique insider’s perspective on higher education in the United States.
On Thursday, August 29th, 2024, at the Agora Food Studio in Comoro, Dili, Timor-Leste, a graduation ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the final cohort of Virtual Academy Connect students. The event also commemorated Popular Consultation Day, with the celebration’s agenda including a time for reflection on Popular Consultation Day to honor the courage of the Timorese people during that time, the contributions of international organizations on August 30th , 1999, and how this event continues to impact today.
The momentous occasion was attended by distinguished guests, including Public Affair Officer (PAO) Diana Braunschweig and EducationUSA Advisor Lidia de Araujo, as well as the EducationUSA team, graduate students who participated in the Academy Connect program, and their parents.
The celebration of the graduation ceremony began with a brief remarks by special distinguished guest Diana Braunschweig .
Public Affair Officer (PAO) Diana Braunschweig on Speech. Photo by EducationUSA Volunteer
Diana Braunschweig Expressed “ I am happy to be here on behalf of the U.S. Embassy in Timor-Leste, certainly I recognize a few faces from Uma Amerika. You are really more than just a host country, contacts and people were trying to help the country grow, your families, your communities, but you also become family, especially in a small place like this. Family is a very strong prize in Timorese tradition, and I am delighted to say that two days ago I celebrated my first year in the country and I have a fantastic team, almost all Timorese who make me feel like I am part of the family.
We have ten college preparatory students or CPP programs’ students who went through this. I have heard and I have experienced; I feel your pain. Somebody’s Internet connectivity issues; I don’t know how you did this campus tour with the different time zone and Zoom or whatever magic you were using. I think it’s a fantastic program. Of course, we would love to send you all to do this tour in-person, but this is a great solution for people who are further away economically. It’s an affordable way to give you a taste of what campus life would be like, what the academics are like, and I understand you did some cultural activities and some exchanges too. So I’m grateful to the partners on the American side and the campus that also had to adjust. But I know for everybody here, it’s a big challenge to get through it. So perseverance ,you can have all the talent in the world; we know that ten of you are talented and smart, that is a competitive process to join but you persevered, you’re resilient, and most of it is about showing up and doing the work and so you have already proven to me that you can do that.”
Diana added.“ I want to say a little bit about Education USA. We all know and are familiar with Lidia de Araujo, who does the advising here and holds open office hours at Uma Amerika. This is not the end of your connection with her; please use her in the best sense of the word. She is a resource, and I also want you to know that she is a representative of a much larger global network. There are Education Advisers in 180 countries around the world, and they talk to each other; they are a hub, a place for you to use resources and get information. You got a lot of tips in the CPP about researching, about thinking about what the best fit is for your institutions, and it is not just because of the famous names Harvard and Yale but It is what you get out of it and what you put into it, but the CPP specifically helps you with those first steps. They are not baby steps. Navigating, especially online in a country with bandwidth issues, navigating the online admissions process and putting your best foot forward which is an English idiom meaning showing the best of yourself but you have to do it online and in an essay written in a language that is not your own and it’s hard to make the admissions counsellor want to interview you.
Then we have what we call nuts and bolts. It is expensive to go to college. I worked three jobs at one point when I was in college, so I also get that it was really hard. They are not all equally expensive, so if you broaden your horizon, I think you talked about looking at different institutions one of the points of having the campus tours is that you get a sense of the variety. It’s not just demographic; it’s not just your line of study. It’s about what a good fit is, what is the most reasonable, and where you might get financial aid because they really have a push for international students or schools that are really interested in specific dream countries. I mean, there are all kinds of things that need to go into your thinking, so all of that is the bigger picture of college preparation. It’s the same for people domestically. We’re a big country in the U.S. so it is really education about what you make of it. Anywhere you go, if you’re determined and have that intrinsic motivation, you will get out of it what you need.”
“Thanks to you who applied, got selected and put yourself through it. I am hopping a lot of it was fun. I think some of this may be challenging, it’s a short term program that may have very long term Impact and remember the door is open. The adviser door is open and also you have to looking and apply independently, you should always keep an eye out of the Facebook page of embassy program, connect with the Education USA adviser, there is all kinds of scholarships and entrepreneurships programs. It’s very hard when you are the age you are to know what path you are going to take, If you are academically inclined there are short term and long term, there are also scholarships to other countries, well we are aware that and we are far away but I am here to tell youthat I am the product of the U.S. education system, and as you should be on the day before popular consultation day of being Timorese, it’s an amazing country, a young democracy with a lot of flavour. I am very thrilled to be an American living and working here, and I am very proud to represent my country, which has its difficulties, but we made it almost 250 years old, so you can do it. You are the future of this country, so that is a big responsibility. It sounds very heavy, but it’s also a privilege, and they are very lucky to have you.”Said Diana
Ten Graduate Students of Virtual Academy Connect. Photo by EducationUSA Volunteer
Graduate Students of Virtual Academy Connect Students also shared their experiences, obstacles and feelings during the program and the ceremony was held.
Gloria Vicilica Fili Mesquita recently shared her experiences in the Academy Connect Program, highlighting both the challenges and the valuable lessons she learned. Throughout her time in the program, she faced obstacles such as unreliable internet connectivity, which sometimes disrupted her participation in Zoom calls, particularly during late-night sessions. Despite these difficulties, Gloria found the program to be an excellent preparation for college, helping her gain essential knowledge and a better understanding of university life. As she celebrated her graduation, she felt excited and proud to receive her certificate, acknowledge the honour of being part of the virtual program.
“During the Academy Connect Program, I experienced bad internet connection, which sometimes caused me to be in and out of the Zoom calls. It blocked out the calls, and usually, the calls were at night, so sometimes I was sleepy and missed the call. The Virtual Connect Program helped me gain more knowledge, allowing me to better prepare for college and be aware of university life. Today’s graduation made me feel excited and happy because I received my certificate and had the honour of being part of this virtual program, though I was also nervous. I will find upcoming application links and join other programs, and I will share my experience with other people about the virtual program. I am proud to have supporters like the U.S. Embassy, the team, and my parents. Without them, I couldn’t have finished my program “Gloria expressed.
Pricilia Amaral reflected on her experience in the Academy Connect Program, where she encountered some challenges but also gained invaluable insights. During the month-long program, she faced the obstacle of unreliable internet connectivity, which occasionally made it difficult for her to access her classes. However, she managed to stay calm and persistent, which allowed her to make the most of her experience. Overall, Pricilia found the program to be beneficial, enhancing her understanding of U.S. colleges and universities.
“During the one month that, I participated in this program, I faced one obstacle, bad internet connection, which sometimes didn’t support me during our class and made it difficult to access our lessons.” Pricilia shared.
She added. “However, everything went well as I tried to stay calm and make it better. While participating in this program and attending the University of Colorado Boulder, I learned a lot about colleges and universities in the USA, which made me more familiar with them. We also learned how to find scholarships, and I received a lot of information regarding them, including how to write a good personal statement for college applications. The most interesting part of this program was making connections with international students from around the world. I am quite grateful for this opportunity, as it is part of my educational journey that will help me achieve my goals in the future.
Today’s event is quite meaningful for me, as this is the first time I am celebrating a graduation ceremony through this program. Everything is going well, and I am excited, as this is one of my achievements. This is just the beginning of my educational journey, and I will do my best to continue being involved in various initiatives to gain more opportunities and experiences. I am also proud to have supporters like the U.S. Embassy, the EducationUSA team, and my parents who have sacrificed and supported us throughout this program.”
Chelsea Vong recently shared her experiences in the Academy Connect Program, highlighting the challenges she faced and the significant personal growth she achieved. One of the most considerable obstacles for Chelsea was stepping out of her comfort zone, which required her to encourage herself to participate actively in class discussions with her teacher and classmates. As a naturally shy and introverted person, this challenge was crucial for improving her communication skills and boosting her self-confidence. Ultimately, Chelsea expressed gratitude for completing the program, noting that she gained valuable knowledge, improved her English conversation skills, and experienced personal development that has empowered her for the future.
“I feel truly blessed, happy, and excited about today’s graduation ceremony. I’m proud of myself for completing this program because, along with the fun, there were challenges I had to overcome, and I did it, I made it and achieved it,” Chelsea stated “I am especially honored to be named the Best Student of the EdUSA AC Cohort 2024. I was shocked but thrilled and proud of my accomplishment. During the month I participated in this program, I gained tremendous knowledge, including in-depth college research and virtual visits to institutions like Umass, Boston and the JFK Presidential Library and Museum. These experiences provided invaluable insights into student requirements, international scholarships, and governance in the U.S. Moving forward, I plan to apply, join, and volunteer for as many programs and activities as possible, applying all the lessons I’ve learned. I’m grateful for the incredible support I received from the U.S. Embassy, the EdUSA Advisor, their team, and my parents; without them, I’m not sure I could have completed this program.”
Nilvania Cabral shared her experiences in the EdUSA Program, where she faced several challenges but also gained invaluable skills and insights. One of the primary obstacles she encountered was managing an unstable internet connection, compounded by the different time zones between her home country and the USA. Despite these hurdles, Nilvania was able to navigate through them, finding ways to manage her time effectively.
“Throughout the four weeks of the program, I gained a wealth of experience in networking, communication skills, and time management. I also enhanced my English language skills and received essential information about scholarships that will greatly benefit me as I aspire to study abroad after finishing high school” Nilvania explained.
Today’s graduation ceremony holds special significance for Nilvania, as she views it as a crucial milestone on her journey towards a bright future.
She added. “This is a day I will never forget; it symbolizes the beginning of my future path and could very well lead me to a promising future. As Mana Lidia mentioned, this is just the beginning of a new chapter for us in education, and I wholeheartedly agree. I will continue striving for a bright future. I have a dream of studying in the United States after high school, so I will actively seek out other programs that can help guide me along that path.”
Finally, she emphasized the invaluable support she received during the program, stating. “The support I received was immeasurable and has been crucial to my development as a student. Their encouragement motivates me and has helped shape me into a more mature and independent individual.” She Said
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