After my year in Brasil, I have walked into jobs in huge cities without thinking once " I don't know ifI can do this!". I have become closer to family and have come to understand them better. I can speak another language and feel part of another culture. I have inspired others to take the challenge of being an exchange student. All it took was courage and a belief that "I can do this".
That one year has gave me so much. My exchange ended in 1998 but the memory of my experience will be with me forever. The strength and confidence that being out of your comfort zone brings you - is a gift for life. Upon return, others mayor may not notice the changes in you right away. You will see them in yourself everyday and rejoice knowing it was YOU who got yourself there (and back !) Now you can do anything! I am now traveling through Canada and am seeing the sights and delights of a place that before my exchange - I thought was too far out of my reach.