Leaving Early, Looking Back
Quarantined Egyptian with time to reflect
Unfortunately, I had to leave the United States yesterday. Even though Egypt’s borders are closed, the Egyptian Government sent an emergency plane to take us back to Egypt. We are currently being quarantined for two weeks to keep our families safe.
I was really sad to leave the United States before my program ends, but I understand that it was for our own safety. I’m going to miss my family so much. Even though I never expected my year to end this way, I can’t imagine my year going any differently.
I’m always going to remember everything that happened to me here; it’s a part of me that I will use to help me solve problems. For all the exchange students that have to leave the U.S. early, I’m so sorry you have to leave without saying goodbye to everyone you knew during this year. But try to remember that all of this is a unique experience that no one before has had to go through and that you learned a lot of new things.
Try to remember that all of this is a unique experience that no one before has had to go through and that you learned a lot of new things.
Jomana (YES, Egypt)
I’m glad I made the most of my time in the U.S. I learned a lot during this year, and I feel like I became more open minded and independent and started thinking in different ways. I started seeing the bottom of people’s iceberg instead of just seeing the top. This year is the best thing that ever happened to me!
Thanks to my family, coordinator, and my friends for making my year great. And to future exchange students, don’t waste time and make the most of your year. When you look back at all you have done, it’ll be worth it. That’s the best part about being an exchange student: you may not stay in your exchange year forever, but it sure stays in you forever.
—Jomana (YES, Egypt), hosted by the Gorsuch family (OH)
