In a way this mosaic means the most to me. It represents the very first hour I spent in the United States, a moment filled with excitement and anticipation. I was fortunate enough to not have to travel alone and have three amazing people by my side. This target image was taken when we were trough immigration and after getting our luggage, heading out to find our transportation to the accommodation.

What I like about this picture is that it captures the essence of that moment perfectly.

This photo was taken during our introduction week, while we were playing beach volleyball during yard games.

To most people, it might look like just another picture—but to me, it means so much more. I'm not usually the type to jump into sports activities during introduction weeks, but that day, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and give it a try.

I also made a conscious effort to take the initiative, striking up conversations and making new friends. While I'm not shy or afraid to try new things, I usually prefer to observe before joining in. But when I heard people talking about playing beach volleyball, I didn't hesitate—I just went for it. And it turned out to be one of the best decisions I made. I had so much fun that I even ended up with a scraped knee from diving to save the ball. As I like to say, it's my battle scar! 🙈

This photo was taken at a party in the Continental Student Union (CSU) building on campus, organized by the Student Events Team for both international and domestic freshmen. It was only my fourth day on campus, and I had no idea what to expect—especially since the crowd included recent high school graduates, creating a noticeable age and cultural gap.

I went with the friends I'd made during introduction week, and within minutes, we were all stunned by how different the party was from anything we'd experienced before. The music was… interesting, to say the least. At one point, everyone started line dancing and doing the Cupid Shuffle—something completely new to me. After a while we were bored and so we decided to leave early and have a party with our own group at someone's room. I had a great time getting to know my new friends better in a more relaxed setting.

Before leaving for the U.S., I told my friends and family that I wouldn't return home without visiting NASA's Kennedy Space Center. As someone passionate about stargazing and space, this visit was a lifelong dream.

What made the experience even more meaningful was sharing part of the journey with two of my closest friends from my study abroad group. We started in Fort Lauderdale, spent a day in Miami, and then our paths diverged: they flew back to Minnesota, while I set off alone to NASA Kennedy Space Center.

This trip was a true test of my ability to navigate new environments independently. I had to find my way around an unfamiliar city, arrange transportation, and manage my schedule to make the most of my time there. Even something as simple as eating alone at a restaurant became a moment of personal growth. I learned to appreciate the freedom that comes with solo travel—but also how grateful I'm for everything and everyone I have in my life.

While it pushed me out of my comfort zone, the experience was incredibly rewarding, teaching me the value of self-reliance and the confidence that comes from embracing challenges on your own. It's a memory I'll cherish forever.

This photo was taken during the graduation ceremony at the end of my study abroad program. It was a bittersweet moment, filled with a mix of joy and sadness. On one hand, I was proud of what I had accomplished and excited to celebrate with my friends. On the other hand, I knew that this marked the end of an incredible chapter in my life.

This photo captures the sunset of the second-to-last day of my adventure in San Francisco with two of the most incredible friends I made during my time abroad. It was an emotional moment—one of our last together before we each returned to our own paths.

While we knew it wasn't a forever goodbye, it still felt like the end of an era. Over the past months, we had shared countless experiences, laughter, and challenges that made the thought of returning to “normal” life feel surreal. This picture is more than just a memory; it's proof to myself that studying abroad isn't just about academics or ticking off experiences. It's about the deep, meaningful connections you form along the way—connections that change you.

These two people made an immense impact on my journey, reminding me that some of the most valuable lessons happen outside the classroom. I'll always be grateful for the moments we shared and the bond we built.