The first significant thing that I've done when I arrived to America was joining the cross-country running team, which I still can't believe I did. I never was a running type of guy but as it turned out, I had a lot of potential in me that I wasn't using yet.
That's one of my friends running a 5k run.
I've done many mistakes during my exchange year. I've lost my wallet the first day I got to the States. We also had a car accident, which in fact was caused by a drunk driver ignoring a red traffic light and crossing lanes. He fled the scene but was found later. His girlfriend arrived to the scene an hour after the accident. The guy that fled is probably sitting in a cell now. Luckily no one got hurt.
But you know what? An exchange year isn't supposed to be perfect. It's supposed to be life changing and oh boy it definitely was.
Starting with my family, I had the chance to be a part of a big family with 4 siblings and 2 host parents.
That's Jack and Abigail
I learned that the solutions to the problems are way easier than they look. If you don't know something, you stop for a second, think and maybe you'll come up with a solution. If you can't think of one then ask someone and they'll always give you advice or even help. Don't be that "I'm a cool guy, I don't need to ask anything." I asked questions even when I knew what the answer was just so I can keep the conversation going. Even if we talked about nothing.
Thanksgiving, Halloween,Christmas and Easter. All of these unique events that I would have never experienced.
Awesome Christmas.
I learned how nights that we as a family spent together impacted everyone. Bringing two cultures into one household is a big risk to take. But so is the reward. Getting to spend some quality time together are a huge part of your exchange year and they are vital.
That's Jack and Abigail having fun in front of the house.
I learned what I'm passionate about some ideas and I express myself when I get ticked off. It didn't just open my eyes, it opened my heart and ultimately my whole world.
I had so many firsts in the U.S. and it wasn't my first time here.
My first High school American football game.
My first baseball game.(With a delicious hot dog of course)
I also had the chance to go to college Baseball and Basketball games as well. I went to a local hockey match where we lost, big time, but that's okay ;). My experience wouldn't be complete without a proper monster truck show where I had seen some crazy American Monster Trucks! And then of course my first and only American prom which was a perfect experience.
Gonzaga basketball game
If you ever get to go for an exchange year, here are some tips for you ;)
1. Be the "yes" person
Say yes to everything and don't be afraid to be a little nosy and pushy. It's okay,you're an exchange student. That is your #1 excuse. Trust me. If you get invited, go. If you don't get invited , ask if you can come. These decisions can decide whether you'll go to a great party or stay home watching Netflix.Trust me it's worth it.
2. If you hit a wall, take a hammer and break it
YOU ARE GOING TO FIND DIFFICULTIES. It's a whole year in a new environment with new people. Just be open minded. Try new things, It's a lot of fun.Take me for example. I lost my wallet the first day I arrived to the States. We had a car crash sometime in October. These looked like difficulties at the time but they turned out to be life altering moments.
3. Talk, talk, talk
If you're like me and your home country speaks a completely different language you should seek to perfect your English. Talk as much as you can with as many people as you can. I know it sounds easy to say but just try to engage conversation with people. If you're talking about something funny with someone ,engage more people in it. Exchange students are perfect Ice breakers in classes. They bring the classmates closer to each other because they ended up having the same exchange student friend.
4. Find your balance
You're going to face choices. "Should I go out with my friends? But then I will miss this family event. Is it really worth it? But there's this party and I will have to miss it, do I really have to go?""
You have to spend time with your family and friends as well.
5.Change your habits
Do not! I repeat do not do the same routine overseas that you do home. Don't be on your phone all day in school or home. People want to talk to you. They want to know more even if they seem they don't. Just turn your phone off and be talkative to people around you. Of course take selfies and Instagram posts just don't chat with people from your home country when you're with Americans.
6. Sign up for after-school activities
Activities such as sports, interest clubs and others make you become really close to people. You will not find the same person in school and out of school.
7.Pay attention in class
Ultimately, you have gone to the U.S. to learn something. Pick classes you are interested in and make sure you pay attention there. Some classes will be life changing. Trust me.
8.Eat healthy and workout
You don't want to get fat while you are on your exchange. Try to find some healthy habits. Maybe workout a little. You'll see. When you get home after a year, your family and friends will see how much you have changed. They'll be shocked.
9.Look from a different perspective
Look behind things. Don't just look at the things they want to show you. Look at things they are hiding. Don't take this literally. All I'm saying is that know your town, know your neighborhood and know what is going on around you.
and finally...
...
10. ENJOYYYY
This is the best time of your life. Make it count.
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