By Shalini Sharma (YES 2017-2018, India, hosted with AFS in Plano, Illinois)

Coming to the US was my first dream and living in America as an American teenager is beyond my imagination. Of course, being thousands of miles away from my family and home is not always easy, but it’s been so helpful to have the love, caring, sharing and acceptance by my host family, community, school and friends.

I still remember the day I was leaving India and the advice given to me by one of my teachers: “Life is made up of seconds and minutes, don’t ever wait for an hour.” And now that advice is what motivates me. I utilize my every minute sharing ideas, my culture and views and learning something new every minute. The excitement of exchange didn’t end in the airport or when I met my host parents. It is every minute of every day --the excitement of going to a new mall or store, joining a new club, making a new friend, having my first sleepover or experiencing any birthday party. 

Along with a lot of fun and improving my English, I am building my passion for volunteerism. I volunteer with different programs and organizations, in school, with friends and sometimes with family. Volunteering together is a great bonding experience. It’s a great feeling when you are representing your country.

These months have added a lot of joy to my life. I feel more independent and have a better idea where my path is leading.  In a few months, I will go back to India, but I guarantee the food, dance, games, values, culture and the friendships I built here with so many people will remain forever and will have a great impact on the big world. The journey is not over, it is only beginning.