Warm, Welcoming Washington
Eloquent Spaniard on the feeling of that initial adjustment
I’m Julia, I’m 16 years old, and I’ve been in Washington State for five weeks now! It’s been an amazing experience, just like they told me. I say amazing, but this is just one of the million words I’d use to describe what I’m living here. In fact, there are not enough words to explain it.
When I first got here, I didn’t really know what I’d encounter in the U.S. I had met with my host family through video calls, but I didn’t really know what to expect. Well, they welcomed me in the warmest possible way. They have added me to their family with their arms wide open, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
At first sight, everything is very different but similar at the same time. Around here, you see lots of big trucks; the posts at the front of each house; the big houses and long neighborhoods; the enormous high school. The high school is like a labyrinth. The first day I got lost twice. But I got used to it.
I have already made friends. Everybody is really welcoming here; you can just turn to the person next to you and start a conversation as if you’ve known each other for years. The teachers are very, very nice. They are willing to help you and be your guide through the year. The relationship between teacher and student is really nice.
I feel like I’m on a rollercoaster but always on my way down—always feeling the adrenaline and the happiness and the pure feeling of curiosity and amazement.
My host family has already brought me many places: we’ve done an after-hours trip to the zoo, gone to the lake, soccer games, to the beach, and the Washington State Fair. I’ve met family friends as well, and almost all the family now! I feel so grateful to be here, and I couldn’t be happier. Sometimes, I can’t believe I’m here.
These first five weeks have gone really fast, but at the same time, it feels as if I have been here for much longer. I feel like I’m on a rollercoaster, but always on my way down—always feeling the adrenaline and the happiness and the pure feeling of curiosity and amazement.
I feel as if I were a little kid again, discovering everything for the first time. I honestly couldn’t be more thrilled, happy, comfortable, confident, and sure that this is a once-in-a-life experience. If I got the chance again, I’d take it again without hesitating.
—Julia (Spain), hosted by the Swafford family (WA)
