Ruchama recently came to the U.S. from Haiti to earn her 4-year degree in Accounting. She completed her first semester in December 2012. Ruchama is a Le Flambeau Foundation scholar. This is her story…so far.
By Ruchama Charles, February 2013
Time is like a handful of sand – the tighter you grasp it, the faster it runs through your fingers.
It is unbelievable that I have already completed my first semester and the most, being in the U.S. for eight months. Time goes by so fast!
Every day is a new day dawning, there is always something new to learn and to experience – in one condition if one’s is willing to learn and being able to discern things.
I find myself in a place where I have to learn, experience, challenge, and enjoy all of the things that I am blessed with. A place that teaches the reality of life! I took 17 credit-hours and I completed my first semester with a GPA of 3.00. This past semester has been a challenging one – Manage your time in this college is not an easy matter; it is compared to a train which operated at a speed of 500 kilometers per hour. It is “Hard Work U” here! The word “silliness” is not applicable for me because if someone tells me “silly”, I will be really mad. However, this past semester I felt that I was silly, after staying up all night to study or slept for two hours, woke up at 2:00 am, got ready for the day, after a long day I tried to take a deep breath and said, “I am not breathing” put my hand in front of my nose to make sure if I am breathing or not and after doing so, I figured out and said “Ruchama, don’t be silly! How come you don’t breath and you are still alive.” If it does not challenge you, it will not change you!
This past semester was not only challenging but also a blessed one – as my cup overflows with blessings. All is unfolding before me! I have had a knee problem for more than one year, last November I had a knee surgery and a tumor has been removed from my knee. I was also blessed to play the violin in the college orchestra and in the ensemble in a variety of events, such as the former First Lady Laura Busch convocation, Christmas Card etc… I have learned and experienced so much! I am so thankful for the privilege that I have been granted! I will always be grateful for the “ Le Flambeau Foundation ” that allowed me to be in this college!
My second semester is already started, my classes are Cost Accounting, Marketing, English composition, Christian Worldview, Music Theory, Piano. If help is needed, maybe the orchestra by arrangement – since my schedule is a tight one. I am so excited and already in this train which operates at a speed of 700 kilometers per hour this time.
For my four years college vision, as an accounting major who would like to apply for the uniform Certified Public Accountant ( CPA). To do so, I must have at least one hundred and fifty (150) semester hours of college education, including an internship. I am also a music minor, I want to add some music classes that I am interested in like composition and conducting to my minor; to do so, I will have to take some other required classes in music major.
To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan and not quite enough time. Life is not easy, however you can make it easy if you have the courage to pursue your dreams! You don’t have an eternity to realize them, only the time you are here, make it count! Attitude, discipline, objectivity and creativity are the words that always come to my mind for the eight months that I am here. I truly believe that they are powerful words that will help me and can help you to achieve your goals.
Don’t forget, at the top of the pyramid there is no place for lazy and undecided people, only those who, by their hard work will happen to build the base and by their courage will erect it. Once, you reach the top, you will sit, fold your legs and laugh, remembering the hard work to erect the pyramid.