My Stay in America is Really a Lifetime Experience

By Matilda from Ghana on the YES Program

Matilda is my name. I am seventeen years of age, and I am an exchange student from Ghana, West Africa. I have been in the United States of America since August 9, 2009. It is amazing to say that my new experience began from the very moment I stepped foot on the soil of this lively country. As the sun rises and sets each day, so is my life changing day by day. Through this YES program, I have learned a lot about myself and I plan to share my wonderful experience to my friends when I go back to my home country. Below are my experiences and plans for my home country.

I have discovered who I really am, realize what I was missing back at home, experienced new life with new people, learned about things I would have never learned in my life time, spread the good news, change certain practices in my home country, and also inspire my friends and family at home to have an American spirit of freedom, handwork, determination, love for one another, fearless, honesty, and success.

I have discovered who I really am during this time of new experience in America. I use to be very shy and reserved kind of person. I was always quiet when it comes to group discussions. I always had this kind of inferiority in me. I tormented myself most often by comparing myself to other people. But I have come to realize now that I am no longer the person I use to be. I now have a lot of confidence in myself, I appreciate myself for who I am, and I am proud to say that I am now a changed person and never will I go back to my past.

Also, I have come to realize what I was missing when I was back at home. I was missing the fabulous and amazing things here in America. I can't forget about the exciting amusement parks I have been to, my first time seeing snow was so much overwhelming. I went skating, skiing, and also, I've been to so many interesting places. What I really enjoy about America is school. Unlike in my home country, schooling is very stressful and frustrating. You learn till you go crazy. But here in America schooling is full of fun and the effort and handwork of a student is highly appreciated. I always wonder if there is a place much better than America.

More so, I have experienced new life with new people. Back in my home country, I have never had a friend who was white or sat in the class with a white person. I use to think that white people were very prejudice. I was always wondering how I would be treated among American students, but to my surprise, I was warmly welcomed and treated with respect. I made many friends, and most of them are white. I really enjoy being in their company. I wouldn't deny the fact that some of the kids are very mean, but all the same no one has ever made me feel sad or humiliated in any way. I now speak differently, dress differently, and also my behavior has really changed, not negatively, but rather positively.

Furthermore, I have learned things that I would have never learnt in my life. I have learned to prepare some American dishes, learned about the history of America, and also observed how American church service is done. I go to church often, and I do sing in the choir. I have also learned to play games like bowling, football, dodge ball, crispy, softball, etc. One most important thing I have learned from my family and friends is how to be open to everyone. You speak your mind when you have to and be yourself wherever you go. My English language has also improved, and my knowledge about science is pretty much advanced now.

Finally, my stay in America is really a lifetime experience. As I am here, I have not forgotten my people back at home. I plan to share with them all the good news about America. I will share with them my incredible story and experience. I also plan to educate them about some practices that must be changed. I will enlighten them about keeping our sanitation clean, conservation of our resources, etc. Also I will put more emphasis on educating our children, for "Knowledge is Power." Not forgetting to inspire then to adopt an American spirit of freedom, hard work, determination, love for one another, fearless, honesty, and always working for nothing but success.

In conclusion I will say that, I am now a better person, and I have gained certain life experience that will help make me a great woman in future. Even though there is no place like home, so there no place like America.