WHEN RECTION UPSET PLANS | KAIROS GLOBAL | SEPTEMBER 2022

Author: Ronald Franklin

Intro: Ronald Franklin writes about what happened when his application to study abroad got rejected. 

Last year was a life-changing one in my life. Like every other youth, I had a dream of settling abroad, having an amazing career instead of being stuck in a place where I knew that things wouldn't work out for me. With the help of a study abroad agency named Jubeerich, I applied to a college in Canada. Since my younger brother was there, I knew the country had vast opportunities and it was my best chance to get there as soon as possible. 

I got my offer letter for the business management course from Lambton College in March 2021. On May 15th, my study visa application was submitted successfully via an agency. This was the most crucial part; I was in a 50/50 mood regarding what the result would be. This was an important step in my career decision because if my visa got rejected, I could either go to Qatar or somewhere else in the Middle East for a job. 

That was my plan-B but I was clueless and desperate. I needed God's intervention in my life. In our daily family prayer, I remember my mom praying for every member in the family including myself saying, ‘Dear God, bless that visa officer who goes through Ronnie's application. You know the plans you have for my child, please guide him and be with him.’ Her prayers gave me relief. She has always been my pillar of strength. 

On July 21st early morning, I got an email from the IRCC. My agency was only able to access it. So I called them to check the status of the application. I was nervous at that very moment, one of the agency managers called back and said, ‘Sorry Ronald, your visa application got declined.’ According to the rejection reason, they felt that I would not leave the country at the end of my stay based on the purpose of my visit. I was sad and didn't know how to break the news to my parents. The manager said that if I re-applied, there was a higher chance of rejection again because of my weak profile – the field of study I had opted for was different from what I had studied here in India; I also had a low percentage with a lot of arrears in my graduate course.  He recommended that I choose the UK as the best study abroad country for my solution. I was not interested in going there but didn't have a choice so he suggested that I discuss this with my parents first. 

I told my mom about my visa rejection and she was a bit shocked, worried for me and they didn't want me to go to the UK as the expenses were too high. Also, this agency was only recommending the UK because they would get a higher commission if I opted to study there. It is not that it was best for me. 

My older brother who was at home at that time discouraged me from going abroad on learning about my visa rejection. It was like some of my family members lost hope, just as I did. I was about to ask for a refund of my application and the fees that I paid when my cousins from the US advised me not to do that. They encouraged me to re-apply and see what would happen. Usually after the first rejection, no one would re-apply because the visa process takes time. Added to that the higher chance of getting rejected again. But my mother too encouraged me to give it another try. 

And so I did.  I polished my Study Purpose statement, added more Financials and applied for the study visa again on August 2nd, 2021. This time I prayed hard daily during those crucial days. I would always recite the Rosary and the Divine Mercy chaplet at 3 pm every day. I would go into my room and burst into tears, depressed thoughts running in my head. Prayer gave me a moment of peace during those times. I felt like Jesus was present in my midst like a teacher guiding my weak soul. During every family prayer I used to pick a Bible verse, and every time I felt God was talking to me. The last verse I remember getting was from Jeremiah 29:11-14 For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

My mom had great confidence in me after receiving this verse. I am a man with a ‘never give up’ mentality because I know faith in God never fails even when others don't believe in me or when the circumstances aren't right. I know that he will show me a way and that's exactly what happened. Within 10 days’ time, I got a message from IRCC but was nervous and didn't know how to inform or remind the agency about it, thinking it would be bad news again. 

Exactly on my mother's birthday, which was 15th, I grew confident and decided to inform the agency about the mail from IRCC. This time, the same manager called me after a few minutes and told me with a surprise that shocked me. ‘Mone ni goal adichalo (Son, you scored a goal this time). Your study visa got accepted. Congrats.’ I couldn't believe it and was speechless for some time. Then I quickly went and told my parents the news. My mother was so surprised and burst out in joyful tears just like everyone else. 

This was the marvellous work of God. When my agency that was supposed to encourage me didn't trust my ability to get the visa after the rejection, and when others told me that I couldn’t achieve my Canadian dream, God told me, ‘I am possible.’ He tested my faith because I didn't pray enough. I used to go to church only on Sundays. I didn't focus more on God but now this was the turning point of my life. 

He has shown me miracles in the past and now I firmly believe that he will uplift me through all the struggles that I will face in future. He showed that no path to success is an easy one but has to be earned through the loving relationship with Christ. 

Now I am in Canada, writing this testimony. I can't believe I'm well settled here after what happened last year. God is indeed the way maker. This is a miracle that I felt should be told so it can encourage many others who hope to go abroad and fulfil their dream. May this be an example to those who are turning away from Christ. Without God, we are like a wrecked ship down to face disaster. Let God be at the driver's seat leading us to our wonderful destination. Never stop believing and always have faith. 

Ronald Franklin is pursuing his MBA in International Business from Lambton College, Sarnia, Canada. He loves making worship music.