Countdown to Adventure

As the school year draws to a close, a bittersweet atmosphere fills the air for many exchange students. While some are packing their bags, bidding farewell to friends and host families, and preparing to return home, a new group of students is about to embark on their own adventure. Among them is Mackenzie Barrera, who, after months of waiting and a rigorous application process, finally received the long-awaited email confirming her placement.

During this time, Mackenzie is filled with mixed feelings of excitement, fear, sadness, and anticipation for what her exchange year will hold. These emotions are entirely normal—who wouldn’t be a bit apprehensive about leaving the comfort of home to venture into the unknown? Numerous challenges can arise during a year abroad, from connecting with a host family and making friends to getting along with locals and navigating conversations in a foreign language. Living in a new country is no walk in the park. However, the memories made along the way and the lifelong connections formed make this opportunity truly one of a kind. This is why an exchange student must be flexible and seize every chance to create new memories. Mackenzie plans to join clubs for singing, playing music, and acting, all fantastic ways to make friends.

One particular topic that continually races through the mind of an exchange student is their host family. Living with a group of strangers for a year can be daunting, and it’s natural to hope for a harmonious relationship rather than just treating the place like a hotel. This is one of Mackenzie’s main concerns. Building a strong connection with her host family is crucial for a successful exchange year, and there are many ways to achieve this. For Mackenzie, baking or cooking with her host family and sharing her culture—not just from America but also from her parents' Salvadoran and Filipino backgrounds—are ways she hopes to bond. Sharing traditions and celebrations can also foster a deeper connection. Not just with her host family but also with her friends from school.

Mackenzie also looks forward to immersing herself in the German lifestyle, learning about the country’s culture, and exploring its history. She is particularly interested in visiting concentration camps to understand Germany’s past better. Having visited Germany with her parents before, Mackenzie knows that living there will provide an even more enriching experience. She plans to explore not only the major cities like Berlin and Frankfurt but also the small towns that offer a glimpse into everyday German life. Thanks to her parents, she has traveled extensively, so navigating a new country will be no problem for her.

As exchange students like Mackenzie zip up their suitcases and prepare to board their flights, they are not just packing belongings—they are packing for an adventure of personal growth, cultural discovery, and lifelong memories. The journey ahead promises to be transformative, filled with new friendships, learning opportunities, and experiences that will shape their perspectives for years to come.

It's hard to pack years of your life into a suitcase and start a new life on a foreign land. But this will be a huge stepping stone for Mackenzie, and I wish her an extraordinary exchange year and the experience of a lifetime.