I live in California and have had the time of my life these last 8 months. From visiting the places where my favorite TV shows are recorded, to winning Prom Queen, my life has been like a roller coaster. I have met different kinds of people who have turned my life upside down. My friends here have shown me what it is like to live as an American Exchange Student and one thing is for sure – it’s very different from being a Swedish one.
I have tried stuff that I would never imagine trying in Sweden and I have not only learned a lot about America, but also about myself. I have learned what I am like as a person, what I like and don’t like, and how to cope with being away from my parents for 10 months.
I’m very lucky to have the host family that I do. I don’t only have friends for life, but also a second family who I know will always be there for me and I will be able to call when I want to.
My days here are so different than in Sweden. Instead of coffee shops and shopping, I spend my days driving around listening to music and watching high school baseball and football. I feel like I’m a part of something that no one can take away from me. I tried to live life to the fullest through my journey here and it has paid off.
Being a part of school activities and being open to meet new people has taken me to the top, including winning Prom Queen and being one of the models in Prom Expo. Time has flown by so fast, my year will forever be a memory that only I will carry with me.