Moatter Gulfam
Staff Reporter
When I was a little girl, I used to dream about the how my life would’ve been if I was born in a developed country with better living conditions.
Growing up as an introvert in a small city of a developing country, I never thought I’d get the chance to come to study and live in the USA. It was certainly the happiest day of my life when I got to know that I’d be going to study in Washington for one semester.
Life felt hard in the start as living here was a huge culture shock for me. I thought I knew English, but talking to native speakers made me realize how hard it is to catch up with their speaking speed and accent.
It took me two months to learn to say “have a good one,” to ask for pronouns before addressing anyone, to call elders by name. Mixed gender bathrooms and gender inclusive halls were also a culture shock.
The biggest adjustment, however, was food. For days I couldn’t eat any meat because it was not halal. I used to request daily on the suggestions page outside the commons to bring halal chicken. The day they listened to me was undoubtedly the happiest day for me in PLU. Slowly things started getting familiar and I started getting used to them.
Being on a cultural exchange program, my main goal here is to represent my country and culture in my host community and learn about American culture in return. For this purpose, I was required to give a presentation on my country, attend an American sports match, meet any local community leader, attend a local fair and do community service.
I am thankful to the DJS team for letting me organize my country presentation in their lounge and cooperating with me fully. I am thankful to my professors who understood me and helped me through my courses. I am thankful to my rowing coach and the whole rowing team for being so kind to me. I am thankful to my advisor for always sorting things out for me.
Last but not least, I am extremely thankful to my roommate Claire for being my first friend in PLU and for always helping me out with anything I needed. Thanks to PLU for being my second home. Now no matter where I go in my life, a part of me will stay here.
