Amazing Opportunity

Last summer, I traveled on an 11-hour flight to Amman, Jordan. After being accepted for a full scholarship to the Jordan program, I knew that my summer would be full of self-discovery. I am forever changed because of my experience with this program. I felt a different way about every part of my family; my host mother felt like my best friend, my host father gave me a sense of security, my host brother gave me happiness and comfort, and as a whole, including my host grandparents and aunts/uncles, I received nothing but warmth and love. The entire time I was there, I was treated like a sister, daughter, niece, granddaughter, and friend. I always visited and had dinners or spent all night with my host grandmother while she taught me different aspects of traditional Jordanian food. My host mom and I would watch soap operas in Arabic and she’d help me study or do schoolwork. My host father sat with me during breakfast to read my Arabic writing work and helped me to revise it. In the mornings, I took my baby brother to our balcony and held him while listening to music until I had to leave for class. I can’t imagine not having any of these memories now, I can’t see myself being someone who hasn’t experienced everything that I have. Though it was only one month compared to a lifetime, my Jordanian family will always be a part of me. I got to learn a new language, try new foods, dance to new music, sing new songs, and create more memories. So, to The Experiment, my counselors, group leaders, host family, and all of the friends that I’ve made on this trip, شكرا!