By Kalina Gyulsever '23 (YES 2022-2023, Bulgaria, placed by CIEE in Charles City, IA)

What does "an ocean apart" mean? For many people, it represents a boundary. But for Liliya Lazarova ’23 (YES 2022-2023, Bulgaria, placed by AFS in Olmsted Twp, OH), it represents the start of new adventures, the ongoing dream that will always be alive.

After returning to her home country of Bulgaria, Liliya successfully graduated from high school. Now, she is a freshman pursuing a degree in Marketing and Strategic Planning (English program) at the University of National and World Economy. This summer for her was quite the adventure, to say at least. It all started in October 2023 as Liliya and her host mother (“Mom Lea” as Liliya loves to call her) were trying to come up with a way to surprise Liliya’s best friend, Addison (Mom Lea's daughter and Liliya’s host sister), for her high school graduation.

Mom Lea also invited all her previous exchange students so they could meet each other and host a heartfelt reunion. Liliya departed for her adventure and returned to where her exchange year took place (Olmsted Falls, Ohio), on June 19, 2024. She spent the first week with her friends going shopping and tanning by the pool, waiting for Mom Lea and Addison to return from their vacation. On June 23, the day finally arrived, and the wait was over. Liliya saw the family that she had been missing since she last left the United States of America. Her heart was full, and tears were shed.

At that moment, Liliya realized that although she had physically left America and their home, she had never left their hearts. Home for her was that place at that moment; She was back as if the experience had never ended. Liliya shares, "I consider myself one of the lucky to be part of the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program and have such an amazing family on the other side of the globe." As she embarks on her academic journey in Bulgaria, Liliya carries with her the love and support of those who have become like family, proving that distance may separate us physically, but it can never diminish the warmth of the relationships we build.