One of the things that I'm most grateful for in life was to go on an exchange program.
No it was not a vacation,it was a life-changing experience.
No I'm not going to talk about the cliche' or normal things you would expect when you go on an exchange. This would be my version on how such a program has impacted me and has given me opportunities in many ways.
First and foremost it was the first activity I joined that did not require you to be the outstanding and extroverted person who would most likely be hired in this competitive world that we live in. It required you to be only yourself and let your personality shine through. For that I felt grateful because I do remember feeling intimidated by all the better students. I still remember thinking I would never get the chance to go on an exchange that was fully funded because I was assuming that they only wanted the best of the best. But I was wrong and I was happy they let you be you instead of faking to be someone else.
Other than that, I was able to gain certain life skills which I would have not got if I didn't go on the exchange. I learned to manage my finances,call or email someone if I had a problem, leave in a completely different culture and make new friends out of the blue. I made a friend who was a true friend to me and who I had a lot of fun with in doing things like stargazing and riding in a trolley in the middle of an empty parking lot. I was able to go to places that I could only dream about like Universal Studios and the Grand Canyon. And most importantly, I became more patriotic of my country and was proud of the little things that our country had like the food and night markets which where it was foreign in the place I went. I learnt that every country has its strengths and its problems as once an aunty told me,'the grass is sometimes not greener on the other side'.
The land of the free taught me more about freedom of speech,how women can be bus drivers and in sociology class about the gender pay gap, sexuality and gender and the Westboro Baptist Church. I discovered the beauty of dance and had an amazing teacher who kept encouraging me although I was really bad at it. I fell in love with dance but I did not continue it,maybe in the future I'll pursue it again. I had an interesting English Literature teacher who dressed up as a knight in one class.
The best part is the journey still continue even after your program has ended. I got to meet amazing people who have become my close friends,friends who have restored my faith in the goodness of people and other amazing personalities. I got chances to work as a committee in a project and even facilitate a session. I swear I would not have gotten the opportunity if I hadn't gone on the program because it's hard to get opportunities in other places because they are more talented people or there is no one to encourage you to enter projects or attend events.
I got to attend activities and go for workshops which taught me more about culture,how to suspend judgement and not to be stereotypical.
Looking back at all this I'm extremely blessed that I have had the chance to do all this. Although I may not have had any other chances, I'm thankful for this life-changing experience. People say going on an exchange is a waste of money,I beg to differ. It's an investment that brings you further in your life-journey.
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