From Royal Institute to Indian Hills

Friday, 21 February 2014 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Anuja Ravin Gamage Head Prefect ‘12-’13 of Royal Institute Nugegoda recently became Scholarships for USA Ltd’s first student at Indian Hills Community College in Iowa USA. Anuja is a brilliant achiever who obtained the highest marks in the island for Physics at the Cambridge O-Ls in ‘11 besides obtaining 9 A grades. At the AS Levels in ‘12 Anuja obtained the joint third highest score in the island over three Cambridge International AS Levels at the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards.

Starting at Indian Hills at half the cost (of a four year school) Anuja plans to transfer to Iowa State University – among the ten largest engineering schools in the nation – after two years to complete a bachelors degree in engineering. When Anuja first reached out to SUSA in December ‘12 SUSA got all its engineering partners to make offers for Anuja and invariably each one offered its highest international scholarship. As Anuja’s finances still fell a little short he took a step back but never gave up the dream to enter the renowned engineering school of Iowa State University. Having been much impressed by the young academic’s resolve SUSA worked double hard exploring many options. Guided by Iowa State itself they soon discovered Indian Hills with an unbelievably affordable cost, scholarships ranging from $ 600 to a full ride, 100% credit transfers, part-time and summer internships, one full year of work experience after completing the second year and many more benefits. Anuja wasted no time in sealing the deal. Awaiting departure Anuja was introduced to Deshini Abeyewardena a chartered and management accountant by profession who is Director Clinical Operations at Quintiles Lanka Ltd. Quintiles is a Critical Research Organisation (CRO) headquartered in USA and listed on the NYSE. It operates in 100 countries. Happy and balanced life Deshini in a brief interaction with Anuja discussed the importance of developing skills which would enable him to live a happy and balanced life as he is obviously a motivated youth with solid academic achievements. Deshini also stressed the importance of understanding and always standing by his core values no matter what circumstances or people he would be surrounded by; developing humility as he got more successful quoting examples of top business leaders both local and international. She concluded by advising him to be a global citizen and enjoy diversity and not be intimidated by nor look down on anyone during his life path. Anuja commenting on the rare opportunity said it was an eye opener, inspirational and full of wisdom and added that she was a perfect role model. Indian Hills, latest to team up with SUSA, is a nationally recognised and listed among the top 10% of Community Colleges in the US. Located in the state of Iowa it has two campuses – in Ottumwa and Centerville. It offers a wide variety of academic programs with 100% credit transfers to all leading universities in Iowa at an unbelievably low cost. Priyanthi Dissanayake – founder SUSA – who visited Indian Hills recently commented; “I cannot think of a better school for majority of Lankan stars seeking most affordable US education.” Asked about the guidance received from scholarships for USA Anuja said; “Most trustworthy, professional, genuinely caring; continued their search for a school uniquely fitting for me undaunted when I too had virtually given up. They prepared me meticulously for every test pushing me every time I was falling behind. They were totally committed and never rested until the whole job was completed. The fee they charged was more than justified and they had no other interest but me from the moment they signed me up.”