By Mirsela Gorani (YES 2013-2014, Albania, placed by AYA/AIFS in Pamplico, SC) 

I never would have thought that the American Dream would become my reality. But when it did, my life as an exchange student was soon full of surprises, new experiences, new things to try, and a whole new life to live and enjoy.  

Many, if not all, alumni share this same sentiment, but did any of the other exchange students end up as a nun for a few months?  

I doubt it.  

I had always dreamed of being an actress or having a certain role in a play or a movie. And so, when I was on exchange I was eager to be a part of the musical, “The Sound of Music,” at the community theatre in my host town. The musical tells the story of a soon-to-be nun who leaves the abbey to serve as a governess for seven children. Soon, she falls in love with the children and their father. She must decide whether to return to the abbey or choose a different life for herself. 

It all started when my host mom heard about the auditions at the Lake City Community Theater in South Carolina and shared it with me and Alex, my host sister. All three of us ended up auditioning for the March musical. Alex wanted to be one of the Von Trapp children, while my host mom and I had no desire for a specific role. 

Unfortunately, Alex and my host mom did not get a part, but I was lucky enough to be cast as a nun. There were many nuns in the show, so even though my voice was not amazing, it did blend well with the rest of my fellow nuns.

The play was an important part of my exchange experience. I didn’t just get to chance to meet a lot of amazing people who support me and keep in touch with me even after many years, but it was a growing experience as well. 

We rehearsed for a few months, taking every day seriously, and working hard everyday so the final result would be perfect.

Through this experience, I learned that effective teamwork pays off, focusing each day on working even harder will lead to a great outcome, but also helping and supporting each other every day will lead to success.

So it is true, I did get to become a nun while living my American Dream.