A lot of people thought I might have been abducted or something because i didn't contact them. I did but maybe one or two. I'm just having the best time here in Iowa! Who says you have to be in a big city to feel happy?! The people, scenery, weather and just the farm life has been incredible. I have been enjoying myself since the day i stepped in Iowa.
The second day I was here, I made lots of friends and even went to my first basketball game! (attached picture) We all wore pink for the breast cancer awareness campaign that night. By the end of my first week in Iowa, I felt like I have been there for so long because I really felt accepted. It helps so much that my host family, the Dolans which I now call my mom and dad, are the nicest people I've ever meet. They took me as if I were their own.
I did feel conscious on just being myself and really speaking up at first as I am living with another exchange student, Putri Pandora from Indonesia, who has been here for 6 months. I was worried maybe they might compare me or consider me as "She's not as cool as Putri". Well, those thoughts vanished after a few weeks as I came out of my shell and now I am like sisters with Putri!
Today, I am in my FCCLA group in my school where I do a lot of volunteering work. I did try out for the basketball team and track but I found out running is not my forte. At least i tried. I am in a speech competition where I am reciting poetry and I made it to state level! This Saturday, I am going for another competition. I also entered the variety show at my school. I performed a dance and my poetry.
I'm taking Art, Advanced Public Speaking, PE, Algebra 2, American History, American Literature and Government for classes. I enjoy the school's cafeteria but I do go to the gym almost every day after school. I just love the gym! My friends are all there. I'm really trying hard not to gain so much weight. Gaining weight is a definite thing but not too much! The food is just so good! (I'm talking about deserts mostly). They eat too much meat and everything has to be with cheese! I don't really enjoy that if I have to have it everyday though.
The basketball season is over, which i went for every single game my school played in! So, now i am the track manager, as I can't run, and I am looking forward to going to their meets!
It really has been a wonderful time here. The snow is melting really fast though, and I have not been homesick since i got here! In fact I do not feel like going back. I miss my family, I do... but, I'm not ready to go home yet.
Nadia Anuar
YES 2010
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