First impression of the United States.

      So, here you are, waiting on your flight to your host family after a wonderful orientation in the big apple. You are nervous, wait no, Excited of what's coming up, and how this amazing experience is going to change you forever. 

I'm here to give you a glimpse of the amazing experience you'll (hopefully) have. 

Due to some problems, my VISA had arrived later than expected, thus making me arrive in the US after the high school had started. So instead of going to the orientation in NYC, I flew straight from Thailand to Arkansas! 

When I arrived at the airport, my host family and the LC (Local Coordinator) welcomed me with great warmth, The family and I then went to my new home for the next 10 months. The family has 3 daughters, in which they all were younger than I am. They also have a fat cat named Izzy. 

Though the flights would be very exhausting, I wouldn't recommend you to sleep, as Jet-lag will really cause you lots of trouble. With that in mind, I decided to go out with them immediately, as I wanted to gain as much experience as I possibly could (and also didn't want jet lag to delay my fun time in the US). We went to my sister's cheer practice. In which was very interesting to see people stack up and amazing tricks! After the practice was over, We proceeded to go get some food at a restaurant, which was superb!

The day after that, I decided to go to church with my family. This church was just amazing, the facilities they had for the "youth group" were just superb. Before I went to do the bible study, I had a chance to meet new amazing people. (Though it was very awkward at first, I made a decision to jump off my comfort zone and straight up went and made friends with them).  After the small groups study was over, I went to the "main" church, in which was again, colossal. Never have I seen such amazing church in my life. People there were also friendly, which helped me lots to get to know many other great people!

But the real deal is right after that. The first day of school!

As I had mentioned earlier, the school had already started when I arrived due to some problems, but that didn't stop me from having a great time here in the US!

So, I asked my host mum to just drop me off instead of staying with me, as I wanted to test how far I could go out of my comfort zone (Which again, I really recommend you to do, as it will greatly benefit you!)  I had to get my classes set up (I didn't quite get the classes I wanted, but still, it's all good!). I later learned that there was also other exchange students in the school! One of them even is from Thailand!!  The first class I went to was P.E. though was extremely awkward at first, I managed to fit in by making friends with people! The whole day went on as one of the best days in my whole life (no joke, I never was a confident person, but after those events in just 2 days, it really had changed me!)

So to conclude it, your first days are either going to be your best ever, or would really not be so great. it all depends to you and yourself, whether you'd accept how uncomfortable getting off your comfort zone will be and gain many goodies from that, or stay in your lame comfort zone and achieve nothing.

-Paul, checking out!!