Often, the holiday season is filled with friends, family, and giving thanks. This year, Surya, an Academic Year in America (AYA) and YES Program exchange student from Indonesia, is thankful for many things – big and small. Paying tribute to the many life-changing experiences exchange students have in the USA, Surya, hosted in New Mexico, shares his “thankful list” below:
What are things or events that make you guys feel grateful? Your toys? Maybe your gadgets? Or maybe something else.
For this several months, half of my exchange year, I feel that a lot of things happened. They are not just experiences that will just be history – they are experiences that will change my attitude and my way of thinking.
I am very thankful because I can come to U.S. I am very thankful that we can celebrate our host dad’s birthday. I am very thankful that I can learn tennis and learn to hike here.
Besides, making a lot of friends is also on my thankful list. Before that, I was very concerned that I couldn’t make friends. I was concerned that no one would call me when I walk down the school hall. Thankfully, I met [friends] who are my support, my motivator, and my place to share stories with.
Last, a lot of new experiences happened. I never had dogs before because my mom hates dog (sorry mom, but it is true!). Here, I live with 3 dogs and 12 puppies. But now, I am celebrating them.
Maybe those little things are small and worthless for some of you guys. For me, they are very priceless and when I reflect to some of the events again, I feel lucky to experienced them. And maybe it goes to you too. I mean, maybe some little things that happened to you guys may seem worthless and small. But think again, what will happen if they didn’t come to your life?
What are the things that will make you guys feel grateful?
Help give an international student like Surya a lifechanging exchange year – consider hosting with AYA. Learn more today!
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