Vida's New World

American students are interested in the world. Let me just state that loud and clear. America's youth are not hiding themselves from the world. The opposite is happening: the world they live in grows smaller everyday and the way they receive information, as well. They love it. They eat it up. With relish. Not a day goes by when Twitter, Facebook, Digg, Wordpress, and other such social medias aren't being used in conversation.

It's amazing to hear how the world is changing through the eyes of the youth. And I have a kind of privileged access to that. By volunteering with YFU, I'm in contact with teenagers and the wacky world they live in. The most wonderful thing to hear them say is that they're excited and curious and clamoring for the chance to see the world, grow as people, and learn more about cultures, be it their own or otherwise. That's why I volunteer. Bottom line.

One such American student who brought a wide smile to my face today was Vida. Vida lives in Chinatown in San Francisco. Her parents have lived there for quite some time and she's never visited any place outside of the Bay Area. When I interviewed Vida, she impressed me with her vivacity and warm personality. She was direct and honest about herself, but she was also thoughtful. She's experienced prejudice (yes, being Chinese in San Francisco still brings a certain amount of prejudice) and learned from those situations. She's understood what it means to be a friend and advocate for her friends. And she's committed to learning more about this world of ours.

Vida is 18 and she won't be in high school come the fall. What to do? Apply to college. Vida was wait-listed, which means the financial aid won't kick in until she's possibly enrolled. And that stings. Not just for her, but for me too. How can it be possible?! What kind of school would do that to someone so bright and so hungry for more knowledge?! Honestly, there are probably lots of schools doing that. Budget cuts, remember? Especially in California, unfortunately.

Vida applied to go abroad with YFU because she wanted to kick start her journey into adulthood. And so she could see the world, expand her horizons. And have fun! Duh... Vida was smart too and applied for a scholarship. Tricky thing is, scholarship applications are gone over quite thoroughly and confirmation that a student will go on program on a scholarship can take some time.

So, Vida hears about being wait-listed and realizes she might not be able to go abroad. She might have to spend her summer working to save up enough to pay for school. Hopefully. Only a week later and Vida's face is (I'm guessing) brighter than the sun. Why? She got that scholarship and she's going abroad!!!!! When Vida called me to tell me that today, I was so incredibly happy for her. She's going to have that personal, rewarding, life-altering experience of being an exchange student.

I use these big adjectives because it's TRUE. I was never the same after my exchange program. You change, you grow, you learn. And the experiences and lessons you learn from being abroad on your own in another culture are priceless. Sure, sometimes it might not hit you until much later in life. But they're there.

Now, Vida gets to meet all the other students going abroad this summer at the Pre-Departure Orientation on May 16th. And I can't wait to see her!