When I first realized that I received a chance like this, I also realized that everything is possible as long as you work hard for it and that every dream can come true .
I don't want to talk about what i experienced since I arrived ... I will, at the end of my American dream from which I never never want to wake up from.
I more likely want to talk about how much it influenced me and how much I changed and grew .
I think the biggest struggle I always had with myself is that I was not able to step out of my comfort zone(s). Basically I was afraid about everything and everyone which influenced my personality and the way I acted around people .
At the point where I decided for myself that thats not the way It should be or I want my life be like ... I started living . I got over few of my worst fears.
And honestly ... That wouldn't have happend if I would be still in my 'safe enviroment'.
What you will learn from the beginning is that you have to trust in other people especially in strangers at the first place . That sounds weird , yes . Strangers. But some of those strangers became some of the best friends I've ever had. Your host parents are strangers first and then become a part of your family . You first think you might not be able to build feelings like that for them, but you actually do . You start worrying about them , be happy with them , have inside jokes, you get involved and at some point you feel like a family member . Your host mom is like a second mom , your host dad like a dad , and you have another sibling. There will be arguments and situations you have to arrange with but that's what a family is supposed to be .
You will grow . You won't be able to clarify things with your family an friends back home anymore , because for the most parts they won't understand you anyways. So you start making your own decisions, success and mistakes . You will learn from it, maybe not in the first place but you will and you will improve . It also makes you realize that you can trust your feelings and that they can guide you better then anybody else ever will.
And I finally realized that the only wealth that matters takes place during expanding your mind and your soul. Nobody will ever compliments you for having a ton of money, a trained body or whatever kind of status symbol ,when all it matters is beeing a good role model in our society. Always reach your goals with kindness , helpfulness, honesty and you won't fail. So let us all read some books and try to be nicer to everybody.
You could say my first three months teached me how to be comfortable with myself and with others. It teached me that everybody, no matter where, struggles with the same situations .
And it teached me that I can be successful on my own. As an individual, independent person. I can reach everything as long as I really want it and I'm willing to fight for it. And much more more import it showed me that your family will be always there for you, no matter what. At this point you should hug your parents, appreciate that they're patient with you and that they gave up so many things just to make you happy . Respecting your parents and having a good relationship to them is for the most parts a sign of maturity.
And I don't want to become to poetic but just think about that :
Some of the best days in your life haven't even happened yet.
Don't worry about the future, always look forward to it.
