Four years ago when I was still living in Paris, I received a letter stating that I was officially accepted at Augusta State University as a student-athlete. I did not really know what I was getting myself into, but as I get closer to graduation, I realize that coming to study in an American university might be one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Of course, I had to adapt myself to a new culture, language and country. Besides the fact that I was going to the Bible-Belt, I was not really expecting anything. I had never heard of Wal-Mart, gravy or rednecks before I came to Augusta.
Because I am a native of Paris, I have to admit that Augusta was a real culture shock. I did not know how to react when people I had never seen before were smiling and waiving at me in the streets. I had never learned how to drive a car either. Back home, I had a scooter, and subways ran pretty much all day long, anyway.
Even though I had taken English classes since I was 12 years old, I could barely speak English when I first arrived in Augusta. Thank God I had to take two ESL (English as a Second Language) classes because I was an international student. My professor, who was originally from Brazil, may very well be the hardest professor I have ever had. Thanks to her and her advice, I could finally write a paper and express myself. As for my other classes, PowerPoint saved my life during my first semester.
My cross-country team and the friends I have met during my journey are probably the memories I will treasure the most. Yes, getting used to practicing every single day and competing in races every single Saturday was very painful and tough. However, the hard work eventually paid off, and my coach led us to great accomplishments, such as being qualified for the nationals last season.
As for my friends, most of them are international students, too. They come from Brazil, Sweden, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada and the Czech Republic. Thanks to them, I have learned even more about different cultures, values and ,of course, languages. They helped me settle into a new life and go happily through it.
Before I left Paris for good, I was convinced that I would eventually go back and spend the rest of my life there. Living in another country for a few years and traveling all around the world proved the contrary to me. I know where home is; I just don’t know which one to choose.