Pre-Departure

Hey,
My name is Brighton and I am going to be a foreign exchange student to Italy. Growing up I always wanted to travel and see the world, but now I'm in shock as I'm starting to prepare for this dream. Being a foreign exchange stundent, unlike my original dreams as a child, is going to allow me to live and experience the actual culture instead of just the tourist's sight seeing. This decision hasn't been the easiest though. It was a hard choice to leave my friends and family for the 11 months that I will be gone. Even though they are sad to see me leave, and aside from the occasional asking me to stay, they have supported me and have even helped me raise money. They have realized what kind of opportunity this is and constantly remind me that I had made the right decision to be an AFSer.

During my time abroad I hope to be able obtain a better understanding for a culture that doesn't match my own. I hope to get past the fact that we come from different background and be able to become friends that are just as close and supportive of each other as my friends here are. One thing that has expecially helped prepare me for studying abroad is hosting another AFSer this year. I have watched and seen how all that I hope for in my trip, my family and I have been able to give to another. I have learned humilty and how my way is not the only correct way. Though we have different lifestyles, we have been able to learn from each other and I plan to carry that on when I "switch the shoes" and become the AFSer.

For this experience to even happen I have had to have a lot of help. I have applied to multiple scholarships and have recieved money from family. To continue to raise money for it my friends have agreed to help run car washes and other multiple fundraisers. I also plan to have a garage sale in roughly a month. I am humbled by such an experience and plan to make the most of all the opportunities presented to me while there, but while I'm still here in the U.S. I hope to spend time with my friends and family as I prepare to leave them to gain an unforgettable experience and creating new friendships in Italy.