Jossan

I can still not believe my year is over. When I just arrived in Minnesota, ten months ago, I had no clue what was waiting, and honest to God, I can still not believe that some of the stuff happened. After christmas, things started to get worse and the time went so slow. Usually people said the time would run away when third quarter starts, but it was definitely the opposite in my case. The time couldn't go any slower and I started a countdown when it was 78 days left. But the time passed by, pretty fast. Lana and I started to hang out more and more with Holly and Abbey and we became really close. We were very selldom at home and our relationship with some of the family got worse. I skype:ed with my mom and dad everyday to make sure they were updated with all news and information I came across. As the time passed by, I realized I had to enjoy the rest of what was left before I left. The last weeks, I really tried to enjoy every single awake moment I had before my dad came. With my hand on my heart, it wasn't all too bad. I mean, yes, there were moments I justed wanted to go home and never come back. But at the same time, if I had gone home and left everything, I could never have forgiven myself for that. I'm not born as a loser. I wanted to prove to people who doubted me that I was actually strong enough to handle this by myself. And I did! I'm so happy I can return to Sweden and be able to say I made it through. I spent a whole school year, alla by myself, in the US! I'm not a person who gives up when some setbacks show up. I learned how to swollow and keep going. I learned the statement: "Suck it up, Sally"! And I learned how to tough up a bit.

The point of this insert is not to despond future exchange students to not do a year abroad. More the opposite, to promote students to go for the unfamiliar and expereince things you haven't come across in your everyday-life! I wish I had some really good advice to you guys, but I don't. All I can say is dare to take the chance to go and do something diffenrent, it won't kill you, and if it doesn't kill you, it's good for you. Take the bull by the horns and go out in the world and kick some ass!

Lana and I may 26th 2011!