By Sibora Huda (YES 2024-25 from Albania placed by AFS in Blue Springs, MO)

Picture this: A girl from tiny Tirana Albania landing in Blue Springs, Missouri, with nothing but dreams and a nervous smile going on an exchange year across the world to a place she didn't know existed. Plot twist - it's turning into the most INCREDIBLE year of my life.

You should've seen me at my first pep rally - there I was, a former Albanian volleyball player, now somehow flying through the air as a Blue Springs cheerleader! Talk about a glow-up! The homecoming parade was EPIC - I felt like a celebrity, waving from the float while the crowd went wild. (And yes, I may have accidentally learned some interesting American cheers that definitely don't translate well in Albanian...)

Speaking of adventures, my host family has been LEGENDARY. “Speaking of adventures, my host family has been LEGENDARY. I’ve got an amazing host mom and dad who are beyond nice and sweet, plus a host sister and brother who’ve made sure I feel right at home. They’ve shown me what it’s like to be part of a real American family – from introducing me to the wild concept of putting pumpkin in everything (PSL anyone?) to taking me to my first baseball game (still confused about the 7th inning stretch, but I’m vibing with it). They even took me on my first-ever camping trip to Heartland Retreat with other exchange students! I feel so lucky to have them by my side for all of these new experiences.

My newswriting class is where I share about my culture-shock moments - like the time I tried to explain Albanian folk dancing to my cheerleading squad. Let's just say some fusion dance moves were created that day that the world wasn't ready for!

Missouri has stolen my heart faster than I can say "y'all" (which I now say unironically, help!). I'm already dreaming about coming back for college because let's be real, where else can you find BBQ this good?

Every morning, I wake up thinking "What crazy American thing am I going to try today?" And honestly? I'm living for it! The best part? I've still got months of adventures ahead of me! Can't wait to see what other wild American experiences are coming my way!