From a Beautiful Dream to a Beautiful Reality: My American Exchange Year

Here I am standing on McLean Lawn quietly submerged into my own thoughts. What a year -  from the very first moment I arrived at Hartsfield-Jackson on August 7th claiming my lost baggage all the way to here, nine months later. Every attempt to summarize this adventure named “exchange year” pales in comparison to what it actually felt like. I find myself in a vigorous struggle for the right words, and the more I essay to describe my American experience, the less capable I feel of accomplishing such a herculean feat, for it is one of the most valuable, precious and life-changing events, I have ever experienced. The mere idea of everything I have achieved over the last year  leaves me entirely speechless.

A year ago America was just “the place”. The place across the ocean, depicted in movies; the place, where many of the world’s leading artists and scholars come from. It was where all opportunities find you; where you can be whoever you want and can become whoever you desire to become. A year ago, America scarcely existed in my boldest musings. It didn’t even embody a single realistic thought. Little did I know. Little did I know, because today I am here. And it couldn’t be more real. I am here and the fact that I am currently using the word “here” instead of “there” engenders so many unexplainable goosebumps.  

I am extremely grateful for the unique opportunity to experience the American educational system since it differs in so many aspects from what I am used to in Bulgaria. It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime journeys you take on to explore, to develop, to enrich, to connect, to taste. I served not only as a tourist and a guest, but also as an ambassador. I was the living embodiment of a “Facts about Bulgaria you need to know” article, which nonnatives read when they are about to visit a place they know nothing about. It was a two-way exchange and this is what shaped my time in Indian Springs as so meaningful, authentic and sterling. 

I’m more than content to share now that I’m finishing the 2020/2021 academic year in this progressive utopia nourished, not fed up, but nourished. I have so much more to explore, and immensely more to experience. For this I am thanking you. I am thanking you who sparked my genuine interest and awakened my adventurous nature. I am expressing my appreciation and gratitude to you for keeping my curiosity aflame and my imagination alive. To the students, to the faculty, to the staff, to the boarders, to the dorm parents, to the squirrels. 

Nine months ago, I left everything I would define as “familiar”. I left a culture I identify with through the main exit with my head held high. I confidently stepped out of my comfort bubble and enthusiastically journeyed out into the unknown. I may have been the one to construct the pathway from a tiny Balkan country to the grandiose Land of Liberty, but you were the ones who passionately held the gigantic “Welcome” sign. You were the ones who opened the gates of opportunity to me and shared your knowledge and your whole existence with me. I embraced your culture because you allowed your culture to embrace me. For that I am forever grateful. For that I am forever zestful. To each and every one of you – thank you. I will never forget, for you transformed the beautiful vision into a beauteous reality. 

P.S. I would like to express my warmest regards to a very special family, who offered me accommodation during the holidays and provided me with the coziest, heartiest homelike family environment. To my American family – thank you.