Receiving an F1 student visa to study in America is the 'holy grail' for thousands of high school students in Sài Gòn. Only a small percentage of them get it. This is the story of one student who did receive it. Her name is Emily and her home town is Dak Lak. Her story is proof that instead of being an obstacle to success, failure is part of success!
On her first attempt the consular officer failed her. They never give reasons why the student failed. The student and his family must decide whether to try again. This is a tough decision because the interview is not free. It costs about two hundred dollars. If the student is under seventeen years old, a parent is allowed to accompany him or her.
Emily and her family did not give up. She went back to her home town and kept studying English. She also worked diligently with a coach who helped her prepare good answers to a wide range of potential questions the officer might ask.
Emily's challenge was especially difficult because she was asking to be allowed to repeat her final year of high school. The consulate has a general policy that when a student goes to study in the US, he must move forward in his academic development. Therefore it frowns on students who have graduated from high school repeating grade twelve. This meant Emily had 'two strikes against her' from 'the get-go'. Although consulate officers can override the policy and make an exception for an especially deserving student, it is rare. This meant Emily had 'two strikes against her' from 'the get-go'.
Nonetheless, she persevered. She 'went back to the drawing board'. She worked more with her coach on her presentation and scheduled another interview at the US Consulate. She also prayed for help from God.
When interview day came, Emily was quite nervous, but kept her composure. This time the officer approved her visa to America. After the morning interview, her family, her pastor and her coach enjoyed a celebration lunch at a Dim Sum restaurant. They had all prayed for her. Emily is ecstatic about starting her new life in America and grateful to God.