A CityU Student’s Unstoppable Journey to the U.S. Department of State’s Global UGRAD Scholarship

In a moment that defines perseverance and ambition, Grace Micshelle Lynn Majilin, a dedicated student from the Faculty of Information Technology at City University Malaysia, has been selected for the U.S. Department of State’s prestigious Global UGRAD scholarship. This remarkable achievement not only reflects Grace's unwavering determination but also underscores CityU's commitment to nurturing global talent. As her journey begins, we’re proud to share the inspiring story of how a dream took flight, bridging Malaysia and the world. My Malaysian Dream Journey to the U.S. Department of State’s Global UGRAD Scholarship.

When I first found out I was selected for the U.S. Department of State’s Global UGRAD scholarship, I was flooded with a mix of emotions. I felt utterly speechless, and for a moment, I couldn’t believe it. I kept refreshing my email, just to make sure it was real. The excitement, joy, and nervousness all hit me at once. It was early in the morning, and while everyone else was still asleep, I found myself silently screaming in joy, pacing back and forth to the bathroom to calm down. It felt surreal, a dream I had worked so hard for was now coming true.

The Application Process: Challenges and Perseverance;

The application process for the Global UGRAD scholarship involved three main stages. First, I had to complete an online form to check if I met the program’s requirements and submit two essays based on the given prompts. Then, I was called for an interview over Zoom, which was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. The next step was taking the TOEFL exam, as I hadn’t taken any English proficiency tests before, such as MUET, Duolingo, or IELTS. Once I was selected, I had to go through a series of additional steps, including a medical checkup and submitting my transcript, passport details, and visa interview information.

While the process itself was fairly straightforward, it wasn’t without its challenges. Time management was key, as there were many deadlines to meet, and obtaining certain documents proved to be time-consuming. Being far from home, I had to handle everything on my own, which not only tested my determination but also took a financial toll. However, I pushed through, knowing that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

How the Scholarship Will Shape My Academic and Personal Growth;

I am confident that this scholarship will be a transformative experience for me. It will push me beyond my comfort zone and challenge me to be braver and more open to new experiences. Academically, I look forward to learning not only about my own field but also subjects outside my major. I’m eager to see how the U.S. education system compares to Malaysia's and how the teaching methods differ. This exposure will help me discover new and effective ways of learning, which I can apply in my future studies and career.

On a personal level, the scholarship will allow me to interact with people from all over the world, broadening my understanding of different cultures and perspectives. I believe that stepping outside my familiar environment will help me grow in ways I never imagined.

What I'm Most Excited About;

I’m most excited to experience life in the U.S., particularly the changing seasons, something we don’t have back in Malaysia. I’m looking forward to witnessing autumn leaves, snowy winters, and the fresh blooms of spring. Beyond the weather, I’m eager to immerse myself in American culture, celebrating holidays like Halloween and witnessing the excitement of American football, which seems to be a big part of U.S. life.

Academically, I can’t wait to experience the different teaching styles and the greater flexibility in learning that I’ve heard so much about. I hope to take advantage of this freedom to explore new interests and broaden my horizons.

Advice for Future Scholarship Applicants;

To other students considering applying for international scholarships like Global UGRAD, my advice is simple: don’t overthink it, just do it. If you’re interested, go for it. Don’t doubt yourself before you’ve even tried. Even if you feel that you’re not good enough, remember that programs like these aren’t just looking for academic excellence, they’re looking for individuals who are eager to grow, learn, and contribute. They want to build leaders, not just find them.?

Taking that first step toward applying might seem daunting, but it opens up opportunities you never knew existed. It’s far better to try and see where it leads than to wonder what could have been. Also, try to connect with like-minded people or reach out to alumni who have been through similar experiences. Their advice and encouragement can be invaluable.

A Message of Gratitude;

Lastly, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the lecturers at City University Malaysia who have supported me throughout this journey. Without their guidance and trust, I would have struggled to navigate this process. I am also deeply grateful to my friends who stood by me, offering emotional support when I needed it most. Words cannot fully express my gratitude, but their belief in me gave me the strength to keep going.

This scholarship marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life, and I am excited to see where this journey will take me. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of it!

To Grace, your journey has only just begun, and we can’t wait to see the amazing heights you'll reach! From everyone at City University Malaysia, we’re cheering you on and wishing you a life-changing adventure filled with bold experiences, new friendships, and endless success. Make the most of every moment—you've earned it!