GOING TO COLLEGE: The Midwestern State University Experience

Below is a message from one of my friends who recently graduated from Midwestern State University in Wichita Texas. His college experience was different from mine being that he applied from Dominica while I was a Florida resident. I encourage you to read what he has to say and as always, if you have any questions, email me at [email protected]

When deciding upon which university to attend overseas there are a few important factors that should be considered such as location, the type of university (liberal arts, Ivy League, research), cost, and field of study. Though thousands of miles away from home there are many opportunities for a Caribbean student to establish a home away from home surrounded by Caribbean nationals in the United States of America. To be more specific these Caribbean nationals are students of an on campus Caribbean Student Organization or Association. There are numerous universities within the United States that have a vibrant and active Caribbean club on campus such as Illinois Institute of Technology, Florida International University, University of South Florida, Midwestern State University, and Cameron University.

I chose to attend Midwestern State University primarily because of the relatively low tuition rate and the support that I knew I would have received from the Caribbean Students Organization and its members. There were not only undergraduate and graduate students there to assist me, but there were also alumni members nearby who were always willing to assist the membership in whichever way possible. There were instances when I was unable to make a trip to the grocery store or did not have time to prepare lunch or dinner, but with other Caribbean students in close proximity I always had someone I could rely on. With the help of my fellow West Indians, scheduling classes for the following semester became much easier and there was always someone who was willing to assist me whenever I encountered difficulties in completing an assignment.

International students are blessed with the opportunity to pay in-state tuition at universities within the state of Texas once he or she can secure an on campus scholarship of at least $1000. As a Caribbean student at Midwestern State University (MSU) you are much more fortunate because there is an opportunity to receive a scholarship from MSU for the first year of your academic studies. Once funds are available it is almost guaranteed to receive the scholarship after you have filled out and form and submitted it. In order to be eligible for in-state tuition the following year you would have to seek an on-campus scholarship from your college, department or some other source on campus such as the Honors Program. Rent is relatively lower in Texas compared to other states and much lower for Caribbean Students who reside in Wichita Falls, TX. The reason for this is because of a special agreement which was established two decades ago between an owner of three apartment complexes and the Caribbean Students Organization (CSO).

I never really took into consideration that Midwestern State University is categorized as a liberal arts university, because I was mainly concerned about the cost of attended [the university] and my field of study. Initially it seemed completely irrelevant to take certain courses which were not directly related to my degree, but over time I grew to appreciate the knowledge I received.  More than likely I probably would not have been concerned about acquiring information in regards to American Government and American History, but acquiring knowledge of any sort will always be beneficial in the long run.