Stories That Inspired Us: Celebrating Our Essay Contest Runner-Ups

As part of the celebration of America’s 250th birthday, students across our programs reflected on their exchange experiences through heartfelt essays about how their time in the United States shaped them. We are proud to recognize two remarkable students whose stories captured the spirit of cultural exchange, resilience, and personal growth. Though their experiences took place in very different corners of the United States, both students shared powerful reflections about identity, belonging, and the transformative impact of international exchange.

Second Place: Ayesha from India (Minnesota) 

Throughout her essay, Ayesha beautifully describes the many “firsts” she experienced during her year in America. From celebrating Halloween and attending her first NBA game to seeing snow and even the northern lights for the very first time, Minnesota gave her experiences she had once only imagined. She wrote about traveling to see frozen waterfalls, laughing with friends, and sharing traditions with her host family around the dinner table.

But beyond the exciting moments, Ayesha’s essay reflects something even deeper: personal transformation. She shared how her exchange year helped her become more confident, independent, and open-minded. One of the most meaningful lessons she learned was the importance of setting boundaries and respecting herself—something she says she will carry with her for the rest of her life. 
 
Ayesha also spoke proudly about sharing her own culture and traditions, especially Ramadan and Eid, with those around her. In return, she experienced genuine curiosity and openness from her host community, helping replace stereotypes with real understanding and connection. 
 

Ayesha reflected on how exchange is never one-sided. As she learned about America, America also learned about her. Her story is a beautiful reminder that cultural exchange is built through small moments of kindness, listening, and human connection. 

Third Place: Shahriza from Uzbekistan (Hawaii) 

For Shahriza, her exchange year in Hawaii became one of the most meaningful and transformative experiences of her life. Moving from a large public school in Uzbekistan to a small all-girls school in Hawaii was not an easy transition. She faced academic challenges and cultural adjustments. Yet through these challenges, Shahriza discovered her own strength. 
 
In her essay, she reflects on how adapting to a completely new environment taught her resilience, independence, and confidence. Over time, she realized she was capable of handling new situations, navigating unfamiliar routines, and growing beyond what she had imagined possible. 
 
Shahriza also writes beautifully about the culture she experienced in Hawaii. She describes how living in such a multicultural environment opened her mind to new perspectives and showed her how people of different cultures and religions can coexist with kindness and respect.  
 
One of the most meaningful parts of her exchange year was introducing others to Uzbekistan. Many people she met had never heard of her country before, and through presentations, conversations, and sharing traditional foods, she was able to help others better understand her culture. She describes feeling proud to represent her home country and seeing people learn about Uzbekistan through genuine cultural exchange. 

Shahriza’s essay also highlights one of the values she most admires about the United States: open-mindedness. She reflected on how people in her host community were curious, accepting, and willing to learn about cultures different from their own. It is a mindset she hopes to bring back home with her. 

A Shared Spirit of Exchange 

Although Ayesha and Shahriza came from different countries and experienced different communities, their essays share a common thread: exchange changes lives. 
 
Both students wrote about stepping outside of their comfort zones, building meaningful relationships, and discovering new strengths within themselves. They remind us that exchange is about much more than travel—it is about understanding, empathy, and the connections that form when people open their hearts and homes to one another. 
 
We are incredibly proud of both Ayesha and Shahriza for sharing their stories and for representing the spirit of cultural exchange so thoughtfully and authentically. Their experiences are a testament to the lasting impact of international education and the powerful role host families and communities play in shaping these journeys. 
 
Congratulations again to our essay contest runner-ups!