FLEX is much more than just an exchange
Martyna Olkiewicz, FLEX 20’
“Hi, My name is Martyna, currently staying in Joshua, TX. FLEX Program is something much more than just cultural exchange.”
A year in United States helped me to grow as a person. I’ve learned how important it is to constantly step out of my comfort zone, be flexible and grateful for every single thing that happens to us. I remember the day when I received the placement report. I googled my little town and the only thing I saw was water tower and field. I was going to live in the middle of nowhere, in a countryside on 66 acres farm with cows and chickens. During my first week in the U.S I found a scorpion hidden in my closet and a lizard on a wall. All of it was completely different from what I knew my whole life. It wasn’t easy from the beginning, however looking back I would never change my placement. I fall in love with that place and I’m extremely grateful for this unforgettable experience.
Besides the place I’m living in, my host family is also way different than the one in Poland. Sometimes, host families decide to host two exchange students and that’s how I met Dana, my host sister from Moldova. The most precious thing about double placement is that you will always have a friend and a huge support no matter what. Even though our exchange year is moving towards the end, we both know it’s only the beginning of our journey. FLEX Program gave me not only a second life all the way across the ocean, but also friends all over the world and courage to keep fulfilling my dreams.
Sometimes people ask me what’s the best thing in the U.S? That’s a pretty hard question however what always comes to my mind is school. I would never thought going to school would be such a pleasure for me. I don’t remember the time I was bored in my high school. There is always something going on. In first semester I did cross country, which is long distance running and then I switched to tennis. I’m also part of student councils, theatre production and art club. I feel like the thing I’m going to miss the most is definitely sport here and the school Spirit. I’ve always had so much fun on football and basketball games. I love how people are taking it serious and work hard to become better. Tennis is something I’ve never tried before. I fall in love with this sport and I’m sure I’ll continue on playing after going back to Poland.
Being a part of the team was one of the best things that could happen to me during my exchange year. I’ve met so many wonderful and inspiring people that would always push me to keep working hard and don’t give up when it’s hard. I’ll never forget one tournament when I was playing the final match, in 30C degrees for third place and the whole team gathered to cheer and support me. It was an unforgettable experience. The game was really hard and I ended up winning by only one set. I was crying from happiness.