By Wilfred Kenhagho Tsafack (YES 2022-2023, Cameroon, placed by AFS in Dallas, TX)

I was thrilled when I found out that I would be spending my exchange year in the bustling city of Dallas, Texas. I had always been curious about life in America, and I couldn't wait to immerse myself in a new culture and make new friends.

When I arrived in Dallas, I was placed at Hillcrest High School, where I soon found myself gravitating towards the school's soccer team and band. I loved nothing more than spending my afternoons practicing on the field with my teammates or playing my drums alongside my fellow band members.

But what I enjoyed most about my exchange year was the opportunity to meet other exchange students from all over the world. We would often sit together during lunch breaks and swap stories about our respective countries and cultures. I felt like I was part of a global community, and it was an incredible feeling.

As the year went on, I made many close friends, both American and international. I felt like I had truly found a second home in Dallas, and I was grateful for the memories and experiences that I had gained.

Looking back on my exchange year, I knew that it had been a truly wonderful experience. I had learned so much about myself and the world around me, and I felt like I had grown in ways that I never could have imagined. I knew that I would carry those memories with me for the rest of my life and always remember all those amazing people who made me become the wonderful person that I am today.