The exchange year ended too fast. The past 10 months definitely became and will always be my precious memories in my life. It led me on the road.
In the past 10 months, I grew up a lot. Though I studied in a boarding school before, and could be identified as “independent”, it was totally different when I was abroad alone. Loneliness and homesick hit me frequently in the first month. Being unfamiliar with everything and not having any friends to talk to indeed depressed me. I started to realize that outgoing was the key to getting into real American life. I began to talk to people actively and join diverse activities. I took photos and videos for journalism; I helped with the prom decorations; I performed at our school concert. It seemed like all of a sudden, everything brightened. More and more people came to talk to me; I had my best friends, too.
American culture widened my view as well. Dressed up as a ladybug, I went down the streets and knocked at the doors, asking for candies on my first Halloween. I helped decorate the Christmas, and received numerous gifts for my first real Christmas. I went to the church with my host family twice a week, learning their belief.
But things didn’t always go so smoothly. During my stay in America, something unexpected happened to me; I broke my toe. As a result, I had a surgery and had to be on a walker for a month or more. It frustrated me so much because I thought all the happiness would vanish and loneliness would appear to me again. However, I turned out to be wrong. My host family took great care of me. They made me feel the warmth and love of a true family. In addition, my friends came around and chatted with me more often. I was seriously moved by them and felt being loved.
Through this year, appreciation is the thing that I learn most. Just as Alan Cohen stated, “appreciation is the highest form of prayer, for it acknowledges the presence of good wherever you shine the light of your thankful thoughts”. I appreciate all the people who once helped me. They gave me the courage to look up and walk forward. And I really appreciate that Forte exchange program gave me this chance to experience American life.