There arn't really any words as to how I can explain this conference I went to this weekend in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. I guess this is the first time I've ever been around other exchange students, and it was the first time I experienced the unexplainable, indescribable feeling of understanding and friendship between foreign exchange students. I literally got out of the car an hour or so ago, and the feeling is still fresh... Its kinda a mixture of excitement, and sadness. Anyways, despite the fact that we had to sit through some REALLY boring speeches, and attend some awkward dinners (with Rotarians), it was totally worth it because I met a ton of super cool people from all around the world! We laughed, we chilled, we talked, and we were bored together during the long talks! In all ways, this experience has gotten me incredibly excited for whats to come. If one weekend with exchange students from around this world is this much fun... I can't even imagine what a whole year will be! I'm also a little scared because I already miss the people I befriended, and I met them 3 days ago. If I miss exchangers who I met a few days ago... what in the world will be the emotions that I will feel when I leave all my future friends in Germany?
I think its kinda funny because I had to miss the whole morning and afternoon of Saturday to go to a speech compitition for the Optomist Oritorical Contest, and I was super hesitant, and not looking forward to going! I had to wake up before 6 am, get dressed in a suit, drive down an hour or so to Kalihari, and perform two rounds of speeches. I wasn't very confident with my speech, but strangely I won, and recieved a $1500 scholarship, which really made my week a good one! Everything about this weekend was so incredibly cool! All I gotta say to future outbound students, is that LOOK forward to this weekend! If your like me, there are only 2 conferences with exchange students until you leave, so have fun during them, don't let awkward get in the way, and just reach out! If you have any conflicts, try as best as you can to get out of them, because these weekends are not to miss! You'll regret it!
I think its kinda funny because I had to miss the whole morning and afternoon of Saturday to go to a speech compitition for the Optomist Oritorical Contest, and I was super hesitant, and not looking forward to going! I had to wake up before 6 am, get dressed in a suit, drive down an hour or so to Kalihari, and perform two rounds of speeches. I wasn't very confident with my speech, but strangely I won, and recieved a $1500 scholarship, which really made my week a good one! Everything about this weekend was so incredibly cool! All I gotta say to future outbound students, is that LOOK forward to this weekend! If your like me, there are only 2 conferences with exchange students until you leave, so have fun during them, don't let awkward get in the way, and just reach out! If you have any conflicts, try as best as you can to get out of them, because these weekends are not to miss! You'll regret it!
Ahhh... conferences :) Such an awesome part of exchange. You're right-- you DO bond really fast with other exchange students. The bond usually isn't so fast with your host country friends, but is still good. Exchange students have that history in common-- that MISERABLE application process, and a desire to see the world! Glad you had an awesome time!