End of Workshop Reflection

source: World Learning

During our 4 days in the busy Washington DC, we had a lot to learn. We had a lot to talk. Furthermore, we had a lot to remember.

We were looking back to the past 3 months of our life in here, United States. And it just instantly threw me back to some details that I will always remember for the rest of my life.

I let my self think about how nervous I was, sitting on the airplane alone without anyone I knew to talk to. I thought about the very first time I jumped out from the plane after a long long flight. I thought about the first hug I got from my UGRAD fellow from Dominican Republic. I thought about my first Walmart shopping. How big Walmart is, really got me speechless. I thought about my first night in my room, tired but couldn't sleep, just overexciting what I was gonna do and whom I was gonna meet the next day. I thought about my first class, was so afraid if I couldn't understand what my professor said. I thought about the nights I spent doing my tasks, online quizes, and staying at the library until 2 AM with my friends. I thought about my effort trying to go to the gym on daily basis, not because I want to lose weight, but just to prevent gaining more weight while eating all those delicious foods in the cafetaria.

I thought about all the goods and the bads. There was a time when I thought that I made the best decision to go to US, but there was also time when I wanted to go home very bad.

I miss several things back home, but I, for sure, treasure a lot of new things I found in here.

To be completely honest, I've changed. That would be a lie if I said I am the same girl as I used to be before I went to US. I encountered many things that opened my eyes to the new things of life. I was placed in situations where I had to stand on my own and take important decisions. I met a lot of incredible individuals, talked to them, knew them, and made space for them in my heart.  I will always remember them.

My exchange semester was a gem. Not to mention that I got to visit one of the most awesome cities in the world- New York, that I had never have a mind about. Spent 5 days 4 nights with 2 amazing girls from Kazakhstan and South Korea. Went to places and successfully awed many times. Finally saw the buildings, the streets, and the New Yorkers I once watched just from the movies. My world went from 2D to 3D. I would never be able to watch any movie which took place in New York without saying to myself "I've been there..."

But some people may have a thought that I was just travelling during my exchange period. Nope. I didn't travel that much. I enjoyed staying in Tennessee as well. I stayed in Cookeville. A great small city to live in. I got involved in local festivals, I went out with my host family and close friends to do Trick or Treat in Halloween. The childhood dream of mine which came true. I got a full big bag of chocolates and candies, couldn't be happier. People are so kind and helpful.

I had a chance to celebrate Thanksgiving with my American family. I didn't feel strange yet I felt like they are my family that I just found.

This is more than an exchange for me. This is a journey of myself, an adventure of my soul. A road that takes me to another home.  

This is one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life.

This is the time of my life I will never forget, the thing that will always be a part of me.

(Another delayed post. It's been 8 months since the day I wrote this. I just need to remind myself that, hell, life goes on.)