When people hear that I'm an exchange student, the first thing almost everyone says is: ''You are so brave! I wouldn't have courage to do that.'' Actually, that's what I thought first too. I didn't always want to become an exchange student. I was too scared; I couldn't imagine leaving my friends and family for a year, living with strangers, and communicating in a language I'm not that comfortable with. My sister was an exchange student in Texas 2011-2012, and people always asked if I will study abroad too. I always said I won't. In June 2012, just a couple weeks before my sister came back home, my dad and I traveled to Texas to see her. During that week I changed my mind about being an exchange student. At the airplane heading back home, I told my dad I want to go on exchange too. I wanted to experience American lifestyle and improve my English.
At the end of the summer I applied for AFS, and about a month later, after they interviewed me, I was accepted to the program. Before I came here, I had to fill tons of papers, go to the doctor’s and take vaccines, pass a language test, and pass a Visa interview.
I chose to come to USA, but I couldn't pick the state. In the beginning of May, I got my host family information. When I opened that email and noticed that I was coming to Maine, I started to cry, and I can tell you those were not happy tears. I cried all day, and my eyes were swollen for the next two days. My dad was so angry; he was ready to call AFS and insist them to place me in Florida or somewhere else in south. But I had decided to go wherever I was placed, even though it would be a small town in Maine. Now I've been here 216 days, and I have 110 days left. I've experienced so many great things, and met some awesome people. My host family has become like a real family for me. I am so happy I decided to do this.
''Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.''
-Aino
Aino, I love this. That's really sad you didn't want to come to Maine.But I'm so happy you did! I'm so glad I became friends with you! Love you girl! :)
VastaaPoistaLove you too Chloe!
PoistaVastaa? Is that your name in Finnish?
VastaaPoistaAino, I'm really glad you shared this. I think it's inspiring for everyone else to read about your fears and your sadness before coming to Maine. It helps us understand and respect your decision to be an exchange student even better. It's clear to me that this was a hard decision for you, but also one of the best decisions you've ever made.
You're pushing yourself and learning every day. I think very highly of you for making the right decision and coming to Maine anyway. We're not so bad, are we?
I like your picture. Nice layout of your blog. Cute animals. Love that all the words are in another language, too. Very cool.