Hi. I am Shahjan Munir, a foreign exchange student from Pakistan. It has been about two weeks since I made it to the U.S.
Belonging from the barren mountains of Balochistan, Pakistan, I have come a long way to make it. Being a youth ambassador of my country (Pakistan ) is a dream to get fulfilled. I did my best in every field of my life. That’s why my teacher told me that I should apply for YES program in ninth grade, but I didn’t go for it. Again, he tried to convince me so I went for it. I got shortlisted and I came to the U.S. for an academic year. My teacher realized that I have the guts to do it. I always loved doing things out of my comfort zone and exploring things beyond what I possibly thought exists.
Attending a high school in the U.S. is a completely different experience for me. The education system back in Pakistan is a lot different than here with the most obvious one being “formality.” It’s something common back home to approach people directly in your school and request for their time, but it’s quite different in high schools here.
“It’s not what happens to me, but how I react to it that matters.”
The high schools here have a pretty chill environment. We cannot choose subjects based on our interests and study what we are assigned to. The high schools here are more practical than theoretical. We are more theoretical back home, and we don’t have extracurricular activities like sports and clubs to participate in. It’s not worse or better; it’s just different.
Besides schooling, the geography differs greatly, from wandering in the barren mountains back home.
Exploring different cultures, religions, places and environments was always a dream. I got to experience the area of Oregon to find them as memories for a lifetime. And I went to volunteering for the first time. I totally got indulged with the work and I got a lot.
Of all the best things, I feel blessed with are the everlasting memories and bonds I am making with my American family and friends. Being in a different land, each day feels a new beginning. Either doing a new thing, meeting new people, seeing something new or seeing something differently than I usually saw back home.
Coming to the U.S. through the YES program is the best decision I ever made in my life. I feel like growing as a more mature and responsible person. I am looking forward to make the most of my exchange year.
I also remind myself by repeating the statement, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”
