From Paper Airplanes to Real Journeys: Meet Our First-Place Essay Winner
American Councils is proud to announce Zoya from Armenia, currently spending her exchange year in Hawaii, as the winner of our “My American Experience” Essay Contest! In her powerful and deeply reflective essay, From Paper Airplanes to Real Journeys, Zoya shares how her exchange experience transformed her understanding of the United States, cultural identity, and herself. Originally arriving in Hawaii expecting to feel distant from what she imagined the “American experience” to be, Zoya soon realized that there is no single version of America. Instead, she discovered a country shaped by many cultures, histories, and communities coming together.
“Like a paper airplane leaving your hands, you don’t fully control where it lands, but you can trust that the journey itself will shape you.”
She reflected thoughtfully on the America she experienced during her exchange year, writing that America is not defined by one culture, one background, or one story. Instead, she came to see the United States as a place shaped by many communities, each bringing their own voices, histories, and perspectives together to form the rich fabric of American life.
Through her host family, school, and community, Zoya experienced this firsthand. One of the most transformative parts of her year was the way it changed how she saw herself and the world around her. As she beautifully wrote, “The Sun, funny enough the Hawaii sun, has melted the isolated and self-doubting version out of me.” Through the kindness and generosity she experienced from those around her, she discovered a stronger sense of confidence, belonging, and connection.
“The Sun, funny enough the Hawaii sun, has melted the isolated and self-doubting version out of me.”
Zoya also reflected on the spirit of generosity she encountered throughout her exchange experience. She shared how Americans — beginning with her host family — showed her that people are willing to give of themselves for the sake of others. Inspired by that example, Zoya sought ways to give back to her own community during her year abroad, completing over 100 hours of volunteer service.
Throughout her exchange year, Zoya embraced opportunities to grow, step outside her comfort zone, and build meaningful relationships with people from many different backgrounds. Her essay beautifully captures the heart of exchange: transformation, curiosity, courage, and human connection. It reminds us that exchange is not only about discovering a new country, but also about discovering new perspectives within ourselves.
Congratulations, Zoya, on this well-deserved recognition! Thank you for sharing your story and for representing the spirit of the FLEX Program with such thoughtfulness and authenticity. 💙