It would be an injustice and I would feel uneasy if I wrote this article in third person. I must write it in first so readers may understand the depth of what I am to write about. I will forever be the teller of stories, but today I must be selfish and tell you my own.

As first-gens, especially commuters living in Atlantic City, we are often confined to this “bubble.” We often stay in this bubble because everything is convenient, safe, and familiar. We went to Stockton—sure possibly because of financial situations—but also because it is our bubble. Stockton University opening up it’s campus in Atlantic City automatically made it within our bubble. Stockton adding a shuttle service every forty-five minutes for both campuses, automatically made it within our bubble.

Atlantic County Community College (ACCC) was once what Stockton used to be for us and our older generation. However, we possibly know of our friends or relatives, who have escaped this bubble and explored, perhaps applying to places like Rutgers and Drexel. They’re living life, aren’t they? Well of course, what you label as “living life” might play a factor here, but they’re still out there, no? We see their Instagram posts and their Snapchat stories, they went ahead, but why shouldn’t we?

I studied abroad with my brother Aliyan Khan, to Rabat, Morocco. Boy, was it hard to convince our parents. It took a good three months, before I even told my parents of my plans. My number one rule for all my Desi Atlantic City commuters: apply first, get accepted, then tell your parents. I was not going to tell my parents of my plans before I applied because they would have talked me out of it right then and there, and I would have missed an opportunity before they gave me the slightest “thumbs up.”

Thankfully, I also had my brother apply as well, which increased my chances of finally expanding my bubble. My brother also has much to say on this topic: I asked him what his take was, and he also had the same mindset as I, however only after studying abroad. Ali did not really understand the point of studying abroad, he was a Biology major and did not see the need to go through the hassle of seeking this opportunity, but once he did, he knew exactly how beneficial it was for him.

“I never thought of studying aboard. I thought it was impossible, too expensive and I didn’t know where to start. I had stable classes at Stockton; I kept telling myself what’s the point? Why do I even need to study abroad? How would I even convince my parents, why do I need to go somewhere else when my parents left everything to give me the best education here? I also am a Biology major, I won’t have any classes there to substitute for my credits at Stockton, but I was wrong. I would never have been able to defeat my way of thinking or the stereotypes I believed if I didn’t take the step and actually study aboard.”

Needless to say, I completely understand my parent’s point of view, and simultaneously I understand yours too. They came to this city when it was blooming, lived here for a plethora of years, raised us here, why would they think there’s better out there? Possibly deep down, they might know there’s better out there, but they’re confused and scared to expand to something “unknown.”

“Unknown” means danger to our Desi immigrant parents, and they hate it. More than that, I completely understand the idea that our parents left everything behind, to give us a life and the best education here. Who are we to try and explore and expand to other countries for our education? That being said, the news flash is this country may not be the best of the best in terms of education.

This is where you must step in. You must take action for yourself, and your family. You must expand your bubble along with all your opportunities. After studying abroad to Morocco, I saw just how vast this world truly is. It really isn’t just our Atlantic City, there’s so much out there that you must seek. Yes, this will be a little propaganda, but I’m telling you: apply and study abroad.

Stockton University’s Office of Global Engagement is one of the friendliest offices I’ve been to in all of Stockton University. They are the bridge you need, or in this case, the air you need to expand your bubble. They will get you in contact with the appropriate organizations and programs for you to study abroad. Yes, there are provider programs that do require you to pay out of pocket, however there are many scholarships to apply to that can help you will that bill. The exchange programs are much easier, because they are directly affiliated with Stockton University. You pay what you regularly pay Stockton University, and FAFSA is applied in this bill.

Regarding the provider programs, I applied to the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship. This is a federal scholarship, so if you are receiving Tag or Pell, you can automatically be considered for this scholarship. Gilman covered half of my bill, and my other scholarships took care of the other half.

With this scholarship, once you study abroad and complete a service project, you will earn a Non-Competitive Certificate (NCE). This can help you apply to any federal government position or institutions without competing with the general public, often bypassing much for a faster, less competitive path to a federal role. I am currently in the process of using my certificate to apply to the FAA here in Egg Harbor Township.

I do not know if I have convinced you, but I cannot stress enough to apply and expand your bubble. Do not let your parents, or even yourself limit your ability to seek opportunities. Apply and see where it will take you. We must leash out and explore. If you have any questions about my experience, and would like me to guide you, I would be more than happy to be your Appi figure, please do not hesitate to contact me through my email: Sriaz031203@gmail.com.