Besides trying to get the entire American
experience to fit into one week (burgers, hot dogs, pop tarts, baseball game,
monuments, etc) which was impossible by the way, we did some learning too.
We were initially asked who was interested
in studying business; one out of 14 raised her hand. We were then asked what we
wished to pursue; biologists, music teachers, international affairs majors,
chemical engineers, lawyers, let’s not forget presidents… We were asked the
same question at the end of the course, more people raised their hands this
time, lastly who has to seriously reconsider their career path, I think we all
raised our hands. It only took one week to become interested in a study that
for most was a completely new direction. Then of course it was easy to fall in
love with it because of what it had at its core, societal impact. Although we
found we’re all driven by different values, we all want to make a difference in
our own way.
So I think a great takeaway would be, for
one not to be too stuck in their own cast of mind and breach outside their
comfort zone once in a while. Being adamant about something without accepting
another point of view can counter learning and personal growth.
(Also learnt: When on the subway & someone
says “we're getting down in two stops”, that means on the second one, not two stops
further)
It took 2 flights, a 3 hour stop and a lot
of patience to get to the US, approximate 20 and a half hour journey. But all the
minor inconveniences at the airport, between Special Security and Visa checks,
and the long hours were all worth it in the end because our experience with
this program was completely and totally remarkable.
*WARNING:
THIS IS ABOUT TO GET EXTREMELY SENTIMENTAL AND CHEESY, SO READ AT OWN RISK*
It’s a shame to think I wouldn’t have
learnt all I did if not for this program and wouldn’t have met the people I
did. We got to work with incredible individuals who guided us through our
journey both figuratively and literally. I’d like to thank them for their hard
work, patience, kindness and commitment to us. And to my friends, I’d like to
thank them for being amazing and for captivating me with their questionable
humor, unbelievable weirdness and spectacular energy. I was inspired by them;
some were outstanding in the physical world, others in the intellectual and
others in the spiritual; but one thing they all had in common was a kind heart,
thank you for accepting and embracing my weird personality and quirks. I will
always cherish the memories we shared, I hope you will excel in everything you
do just as you did at the program.
All my love,
Lia xx
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