Before Finland

First things first, my name is Kim Truong. I'll be 18 years old by the end of this week, and I just finished my high school career. It's almost been two months since I was selected as one of the 12 national recipients of the Finland US Senate Youth Exchange Scholarship (FUSYE) but I still can't believe it. My journey started last year with Youth for Understanding (YFU), the exchange organization that sponsors many study abroad programs, with FUSYE being one of them. Everyone I've talked to has asked me why I chose Finland. Everyone expects the typical exchange locations like China, Japan, or France. The only thing I was looking for in a host country was a completely new culture that I could jump right in to. As a Vietnamese-Chinese American, I wasn't crazy about a study abroad program in Asia since I ate, lived, and breathed Asia since I was born. So I looked to Europe - and here we are! The other side of the world is a mystery to me, and I am more than excited to be a part of it this summer!

As a senior, I couldn't have asked for a better study abroad trip to conclude my high school career. Unfortunately, I leave on the morning of my honors graduation. That means I won't be able to be with my classmates for any of my graduation ceremonies, the senior all-night party, and my birthday! But I'm done whining about it. All of my teachers have told me that I shouldn't be upset about missing graduation because there is so much more for me to do in Finland.

Before I leave, I have to thank all of my teachers, but especially Mrs. Stefanski and Mr. Benes for helping me with my application for this program. I also have to thank my workplace and the Evans directors there for giving me the privilege to take time off from work to be a part of this unique experience! I hope to update this blog weekly with plenty of pictures! You can follow this blog by entering in your email to be notified when updates are up. I am so excited for these six weeks and I'll tell you guys all about it!