PAX - Program of Academic Exchange is a program of PAX Laurasian Exchange and is designated by the U.S. Department of State as a J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program sponsor.

Going out for cross country in Mississippi

I’ve always wanted to challenge myself and try something that’ll be hard for me. After proper consideration, I decided to take cross country. In Ukraine, I used to run in the mornings from time to time, but I’ve never taken running seriously.

So after a couple of trainings, our coach said that we have a competition in a week. I was a little bit scared, because I didn’t want to fail. I was even thinking about not going, because I wasn’t ready—neither physically nor emotionally. But I asked myself one question, which I always ask if I doubt: “Why not?” So I got myself together and went to the competition. I ran three miles. It was so hard, and I was completely exhausted! But I don’t regret it, because I managed to take third place and even received a bronze medal and a T-shirt!

Now, I know that I should never doubt and give up, because it’s better to try and fail, than fail to try!

—Yana (FLEX, Ukraine), hosted by the Armstrong family (MS)