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When you're nineteen years old, it's very difficult to define what "success" really is. One doesn't have enough experience to give a straightforward answer. Paradoxally enough, this is the time in your life when you need all the support and feeling of success that there is to offer in order to find your own way into the future. A young person's life is full of dreams but few ideas of how to make them come true. When I got the opportunity to take part in the EF language year program, I didn't hesitate at all. I had this strong will to experience something new, to find a larger perspective on life. EF did not let me down. I chose California because I felt the life over there had been part of me from before, a part that eventually grew even bigger during the ten months I spent in the language school in Santa Barbara. Travelling up and down the west coast many times, going to Hawaii and Mexico, made me realize that there really is a "second home" for me back there. I've been asked many times over what I consider most valuable about my stay in America. The fact that I learned to communicate in English in quite a new way, is naturally a big asset today. Therefore, meeting people from different cultures and origins comes very natural to me. Without EF with one small world rolled into its one school, this might not have been as easy. As President of the Student Government, I had to compromise a lot; being the boss without being too "bossy" was hard in a multi-cultural environment like EF's - yet very rewarding. I can honestly say that this shaped my personality. And, of course, in a good way. Back in Finland I felt that I had found what I had gone to look for; strength and self-confidence, strength enough to meet any challenge within reason. All the friends I met in California, some of whom have become very close to me, made me realize how many great people are out there. All you need is a place to meet, a place which introduces you. EF did just that. |
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I've taken up a new hobby; going to the gym. I used to work out at Gold's Gym in SB but it was more like a social event where one went with friends to spend some time and maybe get "some muscle" on the side. This time it's more serious - I entend to get something done! It's also too expensive to just ignore. Besides, I've got this good friend with whom I work out, so it's easier and a lot more fun that way. Did you hear about my summer job, then? You see, in January I saw this advertisement where they were looking for people to stand in for the news reporters on TV. I have always found that field interesting so I thought "what the hell". I sent my papers over there and two months later they called to tell me that they wanted to see me for an interview. I was nervous but had made up my mind to give a good impression. They gave me three assignments to finish in a limited time. Finally, I had to present my work on camera. They thanked me and said they'd get back to me in a few days. Then the boss called and told me I was hired! I fell of my chair - I just couldn't believe it - they had had over a hundred people applying for the job and they wanted only four. Yes, I'm happy ! Right now I'm finishing up my studies for this term and will resume them in September. Before that I have to get another project going: our school museum. My school celebrates its ninetieth anniversary next fall and as part of the festivities we're going to open a museum. I was asked to direct the project and there's a lot of work to be done. However, I'm looking forward to it. So, how have you been? As happy and inspiring as usual, I hope! I guess summer is making you sweat over there already while we're only dreaming of it (+10 C. brrrrrrrrr). Please give my best regards to Karen, Sema, Allie Kay, Terry and anyone else who might remember me. Take care Linda and big "cyber-hugs and kisses", Jan (the moose) |
