Ok dammit, I can't keep it a secret anymore.
People, I am seriously thinking about moving back to Jamaica to attend college. The one I plan on atttending is The University of Technology, also known as "Utech".
The thing is, America is getting on my nerves A LOT. I was born and raised in Jamaica, live in the US for 4 years, and I`m not sure if you guys see how much I relate to everything back home, I just love my country. I can't be without it. For four years I have been without it and it's just pure misery. Everyday I am homesick, and though it may not look like it to some people, I only hide just to not make my mother think I am ungrateful.
Honestly, I don't see a future here in the United States. Yeah there are job opportunities and all that stuff, but I can always come back sometimes and work, but man ... LIVING. That's too much. My last trip to Jamaica, which was 3 weeks ago (Dec. 14-28) I realized how much I belonged there. I don't know why people in Jamaica are racing to come over here. Fi wha, and then just sit over here not doing anything. Then they feel the burn. Some are just excited at the idea. I admit, I was excited to go live with my mother, and having the opportunity to live in the Big Apple, but after a while, like after a week or so, I was DYING with homesickness. And you know how eventually it goes down and you get used to America ... well, it didn't work for me. I feel the same way I felt when I left.
So this last trip gave me the turn around, I miss alll my family that is there, I cannot stand being without them. It's so hard !
My grandmother and grandfather basically raised me, and my uncles were like my body guards. And I want to be around them until the day I die. I want to have my husband there, I want to have my children there. I just want to have my life there. Complete version of my life. I see nothing but a few visits to Jamaica and that's it.
I told my mother about it, and to my unsuspecting surprise, she actually could relate to me, she supports me in everyway. I told her about the college, we looked at the website and everything, and she loved the idea. The only downside she said was if I wanted a job in the US maybe their equivalent to our bachelors degree is void. But I told her ... "I`m not going back to the US to work. YOU CRAZY !!!!"
But yeah, I`m looking at Utech, if there is anyone that can give me some more information about the school, hat would be Oh So GREAT !!!

I`m looking to know more about their programmes of study....just everything.
I`m doing my own search, and u kknow how Jamaica is, you can't go on websites to look at anything, cuz their site was probably updated like 2 years ago. You have to go to their place of business and all that shibberty stuff.


But yeah ... I`m moving back.


What ya`ll think?

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Hey, SF . . . loved reading your post. It's evident that your heart is in JA -- and follow your heart is surely a good motto to live by! Living someplace that provides "opportunity" is okay if you are happy; otherwise, it's a "moot" point. I totally support your choice. You know both places so your decision is an informed one!!! I'm happy that you found your heart.

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Thank you, I just hated the feeling of leaving the place I grew up. When I went on that American Airlines flight to go back to the US, while we were waiting for them to board, I went to the bathroom to have a GOOD cry. It was just too much.

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It's okay, SF. JA isn't even my home, and I ALWAYS have a good cry when I have to leave!!!!!

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LoL, hear you ... ooooo ur familiar with Negril, I`ll be there most of the time.

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Good luck with all that. I hope it turns out to be exactly what you envision it to be.

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If you've never stared off in the distance, then your life is a shame...

Thank you very much, know my ETJ-ers got my back.

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Well Sexy, I've already told you this but I'm proud of your decision. Its great that you have your roots firmly planted and you'll do well anywhere!

And BTW, from our other conversations we've had outside ETJ....might I add you are one of the most intelligent young girls I've met (minus your trashy mouth LOLOL ). Seriously, you'll do your family proud no matter where you go to college.

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Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.

AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
OMIGOD, lol, I feel extra special Jammie. I know I`m kinda smart, but intelligent ... hehe, I feel like Einstein now, lol.


The great thing is, I get to see everybody when they go out on vacation. I don't have to worry about a linkup or anything like that.

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And you don't have to worry bout me neither cuz I'll be your foster mama.

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Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.

****, u can be my real momma, you're just like that to me. But then again, you're more like a close confidant.


And I think you're son is ver cute.

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LOL I'd be honored.

And you have to make sure you entertain him for a few days in July. He probably won't like hangin with mama too much, he'd be happy to get out and see a young person's Jamaica.

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Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.

Hell yeah,, I bet he would love to hang out with my 15 year old sister.
She loves cute boys and nothing but cute boys.

I can't WAIT !!!!

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Hi SF,
By now I guess everyone know that I am NOT a proponent of "unprepared" repatriation to Jamaica, ANY TIME SOON. Nevertheless, I would be doing you an injustice by not giving you my spin on your latest revelation.

I too, was in Jamaica most recently (Dec 16-28) and spent most of my time in and around the "corporate area".

Firstly, UTech, as you queried was know (originally) as CAST - College of Arts Science and Technology (and prior -Ja Inst of Technology) is located in Papine St, Andrew, just above Hope Gardens on Hope Road.

It was our local answer to UWI, which had campuses spread throughout the Carribbean. CAST (or UTech as they like to call it now) has always offered an array of good courses. I, myself had the opportunity of attending a "Pre-Engineeering" course there in mid-80's prior to my UK studies. I know people who have graduated from there as well as a few that are (right now) attending.

You have not indicated what course of study you would like to persue so I could comment on that in particular. By and large, its the best they have (Jamaica) going at the moment; not including UWI.

As far as your reasons for wanting to go back however, I am still stumped on this. I can understand the sentimental feelings of going to Jamaica and then having to leave. God knows I feel the same way each time.
But nevertheless, you have to very quickly pull your head out of the clouds and face the reality of the situation.

As a big (Jamaican) brother, I would say this to you: I dont agree with going back for the reasons you specified.
Yes, you miss your friends,family and other loved ones, but that is no reason to throw away the opportunities that has been cast upon you: To live, study and (if you choose) to be gainfully employed in the united States.

I wont attempt to question your age but judgingly, I will assume that you are fairly young. Maybe in your late teens.

On that assumption I ask these questions...
How many different places in the US have you lived, and for how long?
What do you know of the educational as well as the occupational opportunities that are available here in the US?

I have known of people in the 80's who were granted scholarships to UK, France, Russia and even India; many of whom never saw family members for 4 to 7 years. Do you think that they pondered on whether to accept these opportunities simply because they fared missing their homes?????

To the fast onlooker, Jamaica is rapidly coming of age. With new highways, technology and other infrstructure...It appears that we (as a country) have arrived. Look a litle deeper and for a while longer and you will realize that we have yet a far way to go. You talk to any UTech student nd I am sure that they would GLADLY trade places with you, at the drop of a dime!

Presently, I know of 2 individuals in CT (one, a communications engineer of 12 years the other a Theology major) who have been having a warm time getting their degrees "recognized" by UCONN, CT State and even University of New Haven.
This one guy, was told that his (CAST) baccelurate did not provide him with sufficent studies in Western History, Philosophy and other Liberal Arts studies.
When he applied to Pratt and Whitney as well as General Electrics for aeronautical jobs, (twice) he was placed on Internship -which would normally be applied to young inexperienced engineers.

I beseech you, do not turn your back on what is available fo ryou here in the US.
Embrace the educational opportunities here. Go on to do your Masters, even.
At the end of that, get into the workforce and gain some (US) experience. Then (and only then), if youstill feel the same way, then pull up your tent pegs and head-on home.
Its a sad reality but, you have a MUCH GREATER opportunity in jamaica with a US degree; than the reverse.

I know you may not agree with me right now and eventually things may change and I am proven wrong. But from where i am standing, that is my opinion.

I had only spent 2 weeks (approximately)and you would be surprise to know the recognition and the many job offers that came my way during the short stint in Ja last month, SIMPLY because I "cum fram" (studied and work) in the US.

Once again, think it over before making a mistake that you may regret...
Contrary to popular belief, DONT follow your heart...Follow your head.

Just my Opinion.[/color]

Alex that's great advice but for some people there's more to life than just status and the almighty dollar. I think you and her are two totally different people....because I think I know you both enough to know that. For some people home is "home", regardless. She's a smart gyal too so I have no doubts that she'd make it anywhere.

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Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.