By Amna Shahzad (YES 2019–2020, Pakistan, hosted by World Link, in Visalia, CA)

Before arriving in the U.S., my exchange year seemed like a long and bumpy ride. Contrary to my expectations, it is bumpy but it is also an exciting and dreamy journey that you should all try for sure! I am just starting this ride and everyday is a new day for me. Every day, I learn something new, strive for something new, and work hard for something new!

I still remember how hard my heart was beating when I first stepped on U.S. soil. My heart was doing pirouettes and my adrenaline was bursting. All these feelings made me nervous about everything. At that time, I had so many thoughts in my head, so many assumptions, and a mixture of feelings, but the moment I saw my host family, all my worries were gone. I found comfort in my host mom’s hugs. I remember how my host dad and host siblings were trying to cheer me up on the way home from the airport. They made me feel like I was home. Host families are the best part of this journey. They are the main support system. My host family makes sure that I am doing okay everyday. They make sure that I am eating well and that all my needs are met. 

I settled and adjusted into my host community pretty quickly. I used to think that people living abroad may have a different way of looking at life but I was wrong. This exchange year is helping me break all the stereotypes I had. Exchange year is a journey in which you have to decide which way to go. You might have to make difficult choices so be persistent and remain steadfast with all the decisions you make. It’s been four weeks since I arrived in California and everything still seems like a dream. I have learned a lot in these four weeks and I cannot wait to learn more and touch the skies!

My high school has contributed a lot to my knowledge and to my learning. In these few weeks, I have met people from almost all around the world in my school. People that are eager to learn about my culture. People who respect my culture and my religion. I have made so many friends by now and all of them try their best to make me feel like I am not alone. They make me realize that no matter how far you are, the love of the people close to you makes the distance shorter. My high school teachers are so amazing. They have boosted my confidence  a lot. They are always there for me if I need help regarding any subject or anything related to school. I met one teacher whose name is Ms. Peter. She helped me in getting my yearbook picture. She is also supporting me in one of my volunteering opportunities. I am so glad that I applied for the YES program. This exchange year can literally change lives and I am excited to see how much I will grow by the end of this year.

One piece of advice to the next batch: never hesitate to ask for help from people, try to save yourself from the feeling of everything being too overwhelming, speak up and ask questions from your peers. This is a life in a year and you were chosen for this amazing opportunity so go ahead and break all your hesitation. This year, I will challenge myself and will try everything that is new for me. I cannot wait to see what is going to happen next!