Photo: Muzne is sitting second from the left with friends.

By Muzne Ibrahim, YES 2016-2017 Kenya, hosted by AYA/AIFS in Lady Lake, FL

Originally published on the AYA/AIFS blog on December 29, 2016.

At this time of resolutions, planning and goal setting for the year ahead, it is delightful to share the following from Muzne R. from Kenya. Muzne is enjoying her time as an AYA student living in Florida. She describes some highlights of her year so far, including one amazing accomplishment that she can take off her list of New Year’s resolutions from now on – and a friendly challenge for other exchange students to try something she really enjoyed.

Hi, my name is Muzne. I am an exchange student from Kenya. Currently, I am living with a nice family in Lady Lake, Florida. I am sixteen years old and am about to write about my most amazing experiences in America.

Ever since I came to the U.S., I have been learning many things that I never knew existed in this world. One of the most amazing things I have seen is the massage chair; that thing was really amazing! Other things that I think are interesting are the different types of machines that do everything for you.

BUT—amongst all the experiences I have been through and all that I have learned here—being on a roller coaster was so amazing; this thing was very mind blowing, and it filled a gap that was needed for my experience. It was really scary, but I turned out to love it. Since it was my first time to be on it, I thought I could not make it, but I did. This taught me that I should always try and not judge something before trying.

I just hope for other exchange students to try it; it is super fantastic.

Lastly, the most amazing thing that I have accomplished is to learn to ride a bike. In my entire life, I always wanted to learn. Now I can.