Kisla Peka- Exchange Student and Knight Life Reporter
Not better, not worse, just different. We would hear this phrase a lot in our orientations. We had heard about the US a lot, and we had our expectations, but actually living here is a completely different experience. Hollywood America and the Real America are so different, and personally, I like what I have been living better. The people are so nice and helpful, the community I am now part of is so friendly and warm, and the new lifestyle has been a thrill.
I have been blessed to now have people whom I can call parents, other than my biological ones, and rely on them. Mom Keni and Dad Dave have made my staying here so far one of the best experiences of my life - it still feels like a dream! I am so grateful that they accepted me as part of their family and that they love me and take
care of me, like I have been their child all along for years and years.
Our local coordinator, Mrs. Dina Berg, is a very sweet lady. She makes sure to always keep us busy and makes our staying here pleasant. We have big plans as an exchange group and we are excited for our future year here!
Sometimes it is hard; you are a teen, far away from what you used to call home, family, friends and everything you know of, and now you are part of this new community that might be different from what you are used to. We might be alone, but we are never lonely! We have created so many bonds with kids and adults, not only Americans, but from the whole world - a big family. The world seems like such a small place this way. Now, we have to represent ourselves, our families, our countries and cultures the best we can by simply being ourselves.
We are kids, we get homesick sometimes and we start missing our loved ones from our home country. But our curiosity and love for the world, the experience, the unknown and the new people we have known here keeps us going on with laughters on this unique journey.
I have only been here for two months, but I think I have grown more in these two months than in the whole last year. We get to see things in a whole new perspective, combining the best of both worlds. Knowing yourself apparently means challenging yourself, trying new things, meeting and having friendships with new people of different cultures and ages, listening more and also thinking and speaking more. Being an exchange student allows you to be and to do that and much more. It is not easy, but it is definitely worth it.
