i think it's because i studied in the same school from first grade to third year high school.
so technically, my only close friends were my classmates.
i am very energetic and noisy/talkative with my classmate-friends.
but, when i am with others, i am so silent and shy.
i feel awkward!
the picture above is me with my classmate-friends!
this was taken when we're leaving the province.
anyways, last november 4, 2008, there was two major activities that i have to attend.
one is the math olympics while the other one is an interview for an exchange program.
at first, i decided to compete for my school but because of long-story stuff i decided to go to the interview and let one of my classmates substitute for me.
i feel bad but i know that my teacher and coach understand.
good thing i was qualified for the national screening and we neither won nor lost in the competition.
during the screening, i met new friends. that's "where it all started"
almost every night, we sneak and go to each others room to chitchat instead of sleeping early because we have activities early in the morning. it was so much fun! (good old days!)
few days or weeks later, i received a call telling me that i qualified for the exchange program!
i honestly did not expect it since a lot of other students were great.
so, i started accomplishing needed requirements. and after all those tiring thing we've done,,
we are ready to have our exchange year in america!
we had lots of orientations in the philippines and us.
all of it was fun and i made new friends.
i feel so happy that i gain new cool friends. :)
the picture above is me with other filipino exchange students
we were practicing our cultural presentation.
during my exchange year, i had more friends.
and this time, they are foreigners. so, it's kinda cooler.
i have learned new stuff from them like they're unique cultures.
the picture above is me with my friends from all over the world
this was during the afs fingerlakes christmas party.
the picture above is me with my american, german, and brazilian friends.
we studied in the same school at new york.
my life changed with this great opportunity.
i am so thankful to afs.
afs sent me there!
they are the best exchange organization!
i ♥ AFS!
ps: i also had a second family. this is my host family:
i made this three afs designs :)
they did a good job taking care of me while i'm staying with them.
they are such a sweet family.
this was the very first time we met each other.
this is a video link about afs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xz0pzla44UE
i am in it. lol. i looked weird. :)
ps: i'll post more pictures of me with my awesome friends (eg. university friends)!
