Lonely Dreamer...reminds me “...u may say I’m dreamer, but I’m not the only one, I hope one day u join us, And world will be in one!â€. And BTW good signature u have there. Now, I don’t know about any Islamic Banks with student loan programs. If they are out there, I’m not aware of their existence. The little I know about this issue is that there are investment, business, and real estate Islamic businesses. I was just listening NPR the other (during commute) and there it was, the reporter was interviewing business CEO somewhere in NY about the impact 911 had on the “ever growing†Islamic-based finance. If I get more info on this, I’ll make sure u have that info. ~Reminder~ The man who always knows how, will always have a job. The man who also knows why will always be his boss. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson Create your own business, regardless how humble it is, and be the one who knows why, the one who employs people. If you are not planning or looking for an opportunity you won’t simply get there.

Phanta, I see where you r going with this and I concur that staying out of debt is the bottom line here. Once one attains the short-term goal (paying the debt), one has laid, in essence, the groundwork for the long term goals (staying out of being in debt). In order to get to that level, the most important thing one can do is to learn how to live within one’s own means. Trying to maintain a lifestyle you can’t afford is a big mistake. You see sis our income pretty much determines what sort of living standard we are going to adopt.

Very helpful and enlightening post. Jazaka Allah Nur bro.

Howdy folks, It’s Monday morning...another day in paradise! Today, the message is to be in a better position financially. Rahima right on sis. Here is a fitting bumber sticker. Stick it on the mirror: If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'.

Life ain't about how fast you run, or how high you climb, but how well you bounce.

Lacageeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey, Lurkeedii habeenadan, hurdo laddiba waayee, Lacageeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey, Ragga kala labeysaay, Haween lahashadoodaay, Liitaha gadhgaadhaay, Laqan hoos u celisaay, Lacageeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey, Lurkeedii habeenadan, hurdo laddiba waayee, Lacageeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey,

^ u are not the only one with degree but u r the only one with debt that's bordering to become unmanageable Still there are so many things that u can do if u r prepared to make the painful choices that are necessary to get out of this hole. For one u must learn to live within ur means. Move out to unexpensive city. Get a second job. Cut all ur plastic cards into pieces. Quit shopping excessively. The choices are many but one must realize first that being in debt is an unacceptable position to be in. Once u got that thru ur head then u will be receptive and actually appreciative that I'm raising this issue.

Phanta, That might be the case in GB but here in America you can actually get out of debt, buy a house and a car, live the life to the fullest and debt free as well. There is a reason why people flock to America. Let me qualify that statement. Suppose you went to U of M for BS degree. In Minnesota, the State pays 53% if you are state resident, add that the federal dollars known as Bell Grant and about 70% of your school expenses are paid. Now, you can get scholarships, and also Work study program. The work study program is like dream come true kinda program. About 70% of your wages are billed to the U and the employer pays only 30% of the expenses provided it’s no-profit or community related organization. You can easily get a job within the university confines between your courses. In other words you take your course schedule to whateva departments that hired you, and u will be given the flexibilty enables you to avoid any conflict of eschedule that may arise. Also there is the subsidized loan where you get loans without interest as long as you are full time student. However, you are required to pay back with interest after graduation and grace period. What more can one ask! Bye Ms. A...it's been a pleasure having convo with u without any xagxagasho

^Yes if that is what u really want, Noh?

^ready to strike down anything that moves thru the screen...talk about combat readiness @FF Ain’t they? especially some pple out here. They pour their heart out for nothing Amethyst, the said saying is coined by a Somali woman...there goes ur sexist crap. The list plz Where are u Green?

Dear President Dubya, Our organization takes a great pride in showcasing our nomadic anarchic instincts in front of glaring cameras of world media. Today we have spelled any doubts onlookers might have about the randomness of our uncontrolled political emotions. As you may know an orderly conduct of political affairs is not always possible especially when stakes are high and partisan parties are determined to have their way. Not long ago, many viewers around the world have had the chance to see that sort of comradely pseudo-violence where angry and losing politicians vent some air by either yelling or occasionally throwing a fist. Japan, Russia, and even Great Britain where speaker has to yell Order! Order!, are few examples. Ours is different in many ways. The difference stems from the fact that our political class is an unwanted guest in foreign land and our entire leadership is under the protection of sovereign state with which we’ve an outstanding political disputes. Even the makeshift parliaments chamber is at the mercy of Kikuyu businessman. Despite all of that, our politicians showed the world what anarchism is all about. Flying chairs, fist throwing, wrestling, and kick and bunch karate aside, they managed to pass a resolution they intend to violate. That’s unique political feat and if I may add the epitome of anarchism. It shows how committed we are to the dictates of anarchism and our unmistakable detest to anything that to do with order. It should be noted that the topic of today’s debate has to do with restoring the law and order and inclusion or exclusion of the “willing†agents that can help us attain that goal. Confusing the subject, the double speak, rejecting our sole supplier of armament, behind the scene power broker, and the very state that propelled most of the attendee to the national warlord status as the great enemy is unique skill mastered by graduates of Somali school of anarchism. This letter wouldn’t be complete without impeaching our chairman Mr. Cag Bakeyle! Per our anarchic procedure SAD-05-3425 Revision 6, section IV states in part, “Disagreeing with the leaders of the organization shall rank second to none when it comes to our code of conduct...†To the record, Mr. Cak Bakeyle’s front teeth are gone for he drafted letters to you without the full knowledge of Anarchists leadership. To put the trivial incident behind the organization, we are gone for chewing the precious green leafs. That will mend the broken fence at once. Ina Kaadi Najaasle, Somali Anarchist Declaration (SAD) Ó 2005 Anarchist magazine @ Somaliaonline

^Looks like a plan to me! I got it, the point is no pain no gain. I knew all along that UD is School of Hard Knocks alumni. Green, outch! and I thought I was doing a superb job here . Good for u Amethyst! For the record, that wasn’t my list though Now your list?...nah it’s predictable one I reckon And u know how the Somali saying goes: Who she whines and complains about her potential suitors's...

^ Checkmate u need to get on the program sxb. U r an ideal candidate. Calooshiisa u shaqeyste waaxid Green, Eliminating “Malboro lights, Jaad,Tim Hortons and Riwayad Expenses...of course Xalimo†expenses is a good start, ain’t? Saving these expenses, as little as it may seem, means a lot. It takes discipline and determination to do that. That’s an added value noh? One step at a time, Green. May I remind u the popular phrase that goes like this: Rome wasn’t built in a day. Same here sxb. As to the feasibility of the "Elimination" stunt, well it can be done. Self-esteem is in and dog-like womanizing inclination are out

Ninkii wuxuu yidhi: kiilo cune markuu yimaado waxaad ku tidhaahdaa waxaa kuu yimid LABA KIILO CUNE, wuxuuna ku yidhi aniga iyo SADDEX KIILO CUNE noogu imow gurigii AFAR KIILO CUNE. War ninku fariidsanaayaa! Inna Rag xeeli kama dhamaato :cool:

Remember that’s the old Faarax/Xaliimo’s budget. The new Faarax/Xaliimo is going to change all of that. That’s exactly what I mean a new paradigm shift. Faarax, if he accepts to enroll the program, he will be a changed man. Now, common dude just quit trying proving me wrong and get on the program . Are we on the same page now Green? Now socializing and womanizing a.k.a. Xaliimo expenses is not part of this program. I would be hard pressed to let my old tricks known to the whole world. Having said that, Faarax has to use the process of elimination. Shopping jackals that don’t make enough money to satisfy their unsustainable habits are out of the radar. Next, gold diggers and penny lovers are not on the list. Beauty chicks with no other qualifying attributes are avoided. Degree waving, arrogant Xaliimos and this particular Faarax have irreconcilable differences and hence these types are not pursued. Helpless and confused Xaliimos who demand attributes and qualities they don’t even have from this Faarax are shown to the door. This way Xaliimo expenses are reduced and Faarax’s self esteem is enhanced by showing him how to exercise his choices. He now knows he too have to select the best and the brightest Green this is a good program

Green, By any chance, is there anyone who’s willing to pay u $50/Hr for ur skills? If not, learn how to keep this monumental achievement! Save every penny u can and go school at night. Don’t apply college (upgrading, non transferable credits, or unusable credits toward major) unless you have high school diploma and if u don’t have that get ur GED first without paying $$. Swallow all unrestrained foolish pride if there any and get to work. Ya doin big nigga..it’s all good

North, saxiibkaa innaba caadi ma aha

^Is that what motivates Ms. Diamond Femme, I don’t throw swing @ ladies u kno that. According to the # of posts, if that can be used an indicator of laziness, we both get A+. We should be proud of that feat Good for you Ms Agony. There are a lot of nomads out here, as u can see in this thread, who do appreciate genuine remainder of the issues that really matter. In any event, speak for yourself lady. What you don’t know can hurt you as the phrase goes. Che sxb she’s talked about the value of education and how education is the great equalizer that opens doors and all of that. She also encouraged the audience to brush up their skills and gain more education to attain upward mobility but she added big BUT. She reminded the audience the pitfalls of accumulating debt in the name of education. Responsible and smart folks get their first degree with little debt because they pay their tuition through work, scholarships, grants, and “subsidized loans†when necessary as opposed to getting the easily obtained unsubsidized loans. If one doesn’t know what to do with one’s first degree or wants to get another one without paying the debt one has accumulated during one’s undergrad years, it’s highly unlikely for such person to attain financial autonomy by adding another debt to one’s increasing debt. In any event, if your employer is paying the tuition (most companies of significant size do have such programs anyways) then go for it. If you are an unemployed and you want to go back to school because all other options are not there I would say think twice brother for education is not the end in itself but a means to something whether it is financial gain or the love of knowledge, it shouldn’t come with huge price that could hinder your chances to lead tranquil and promising life. It goes without saying that taking loans with interest is forbidden in Islam.

Good one Rahima. I don't have much to add except that Istixlaal in Somali means Baneysi.

The first description is young, fabulous, and broke Somehow the broke part is deleted from your post. BTW, were u expecting an offer? Common dude! See what nice Canadains with their awsome social programs have done to ur soul U r always @ the receiving end of the spectrum waiting an offer, playing victim, pointing the finger @ some1, and so on! If u fit the profile, a new paradigm shift is in order. U need a new strategy to make things happen for you. More money could only help you even if it's $10/hr but you gotta go out and earn it and if u can earn more than that more power to u. Keep ya head up bro :cool:

@ green, $10/Hr is not that much but it is a good start. And no I didn’t say that’s all u need. The desire, the self confidence, and self-esteem to be independent must be there. U gotta start somewhere and if u don’t have the necessary skills to have a good paying job, $10/hr is a lot methinks. Now if u have skills or a degree that can be put in use that’s even better all u have to do is just get on the program . I have no doubt that u are in need of a paradigm shift . As u know there is no free lunch in America unless u r a public charge. Public housing, Section 8, and other government handouts are safety net for the poor folks but the young and fabulous must have the ambition and desire to get ahead and achieve something for themselves . Bishaaro bill kheyr U r on ur way for self reliance sis. So u wanna have ur own house huh! Now that’s doable! All u need is to work hard, get urself informed about opportunities and possibilities, and work hard to achieve ur goals. Sheh, Right on abaayo. Glad to read ur post...now make it happen sis and if u r successful in this endeavor let others know how.

And help out a nigga is what I like to do the most How about $10/Hr job with possibility of over time. You will be allowed to take time off as long as it's school related absence. How does that sound bud? Now that's money! Help me help u

Nada! None! There is no hidden "get rich" scheme . I'm looking out for the nomads and if u are not big time paranoid cynic there are people who care the wellbeing of their own kind. Easy pal Wake up if u fit the profile and take in charge. Ya feel me now!

^So am I...browsing

Greetings Technical Professionals!!! We're two weeks away from the 9th Annual Technical Professional Conference and there is still time to sign up for events and participate in new programming. Below you will find some of the highlights from this year's offerings. Technical Training P.E. Mock Exam, sponsored by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) Facilitated by the Massachusetts Society of Professional Engineers Thursday, March 24th 8:30AM - 11:30AM Take a sample of the professional engineer (PE) exam in this 3 hours mini course. Attendees are briefed on the basics of preparation, test strategies, and self-assessment. The details of how to apply for the exam are also explained. In addition to the test preparation, professional engineer career opportunities will be discussed. Project Management Foundations, sponsored by United Technologies Corporation Facilitated by PCI Global Friday & Saturday, March 25th- 26th 8:00AM-5:00PM Project Management Foundations is a "hands on" learning experience designed to provide industry terminology, a 5 step methodology and basic tools and techniques needed to master project management. This 2-day seminar also features action learning, individual team exercises, and a computer simulation of a project that provides "real-time" results based on attendee participation. A Tool Kit is provided for each attendee for immediate application. o Offers 1.6 CEU Credits and 16 PDU Credits o Lunch Provided Franklin Covey: The 4 Disciplines of Execution, sponsored by United Technologies Corporation Saturday, March 26th 8:00-5:00PM The 4 Disciplines of Execution will give you, the manager, a set of tools and processes to bring your team into alignment with your objectives. A recent study revealed that only 40% of the typical knowledge worker's time is spent on tasks related to the organization's mission-critical objectives.* During this day-long workshop, you will learn the four disciplines of execution as well as steps to implement this process within your team and organization. Lunch is provided Participants will also receive associated software To Pre-register: - Log on to NOL at https://nol.nsbe.org - Select EVENTS - Select NATIONAL CONVENTION (Under Featured Events) - Select ALL EVENTS AT 2005 NATIONAL CONVENTION - Select PE MOCK EXAM, FRANKLIN COVEY, PROJECT MANAGEMENT Onsite Registration: - Available at the NSBE Registration Kiosk - 3rd Floor Westin Convention Office Open: Wednesday March 23rd 11:30 AM - 6:30 PM Thursday March 24th 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Don't Forget The majority of TPC events will be taking place in the Westin Copley Place hotel, including workshops, technical training, roundtables and entertainment. For more information please review the TPC Highlights and TPC Agenda on the NSBE website. TPC 2005 workshops highlight: · New Venture Creation Entrepreneurship and Financial Autonomy · The Global Black Experience International Experiences and Competitiveness · The Total Package Marketability of leadership & professional skills · The Scientific Method "Techie" Focus: Research and Innovation · Scholastic Pursuit Graduate to a Masters, PhD or MBA · Mind, Body & Soul Focus on Personal Well Being TPC Business Card Exchange, sponsored by Freescale Semiconductor Wednesday March 23rd 9:00 PM - 12:00 AM Your Business Card is your Admission. So don't leave home without it. Join us as we listen to LIVE music from jazz band BlackSole and dine on a bevy of appetizers. This is THE premier event for professionals to meet, interact and exchange ideas while exploring future opportunities in business. 21+ with TPC/BCA Badge 23+ without TPC/BCA Badge Government Issued ID a Must AE Forum, sponsored by the Alumni Extension Board Friday March 25th 12:30 PM - 2:00PM Join the Alumni Executive Board (AEB) for a discussion on the future of the NSBE Alumni Extension. You will have the opportunity to socialize with the current AEB as well as the Chairperson elect. Hear about new initiatives and events taking place globally within NSBE. Voice your opinion regarding the changes that have taken place and what future impact the Alumni Extension will have in the Technical Professional sector of NSBE and industry. Carl Mack, the new NSBE Executive Director will be in attendance. Food and refreshments will be provided.