FLEX ALUMNI COHORT
My life after FLEX
ST.PAUL - WASHINGTON D.C. - TASHKENT
2022
2022
On June 16, I had to leave my entire life, which I had built over the year, behind me. I left my house, school, favorite places, 10,000 lakes land, and, most importantly, all people. It was difficult to say goodbye to everyone who had been with me during my exchange year. Hugs, tears, heavy luggage, a Starbucks latte, and one final Minnesotan face-time with host mom and friends. I'm on my way to Washington, D.C. I tried to remain positive considering the fact that I'd be seeing flex friends I hadn't seen in a year.
When I arrived at our hotel in Washington, D.C., my friends Sofia and Amina were waiting for me. We had so much to say to each other that we talked the entire night. We were in the airport early in the morning, finishing off our time in the United States before flying to Turkey. We couldn't help but cry over how much we'll miss everything, but we promised to come back.
We had only spent one day in Turkey and were now on our way to our motherland, Uzbekistan. I looked at the display and realized I'd be 7,000 miles away from Minnesota. I now have two homes.
My family greeted me warmly at Tashkent's airport. We were all glad to see each other after a year apart.
We had only spent one day in Turkey and were now on our way to our motherland, Uzbekistan. I looked at the display and realized I'd be 7,000 miles away from Minnesota. I now have two homes.
My family greeted me warmly at Tashkent's airport. We were all glad to see each other after a year apart.
After a while, we all experienced reverse cultural shock and "homesickness." It was difficult to deal with, but we all reunited in Tashkent in July to finally talk about our issues and find solutions. The FLEX Alumni Reunion conference greatly helped me in overcoming reverse cultural shock, readjusting to life in Uzbekistan, and deciding what I wanted to do with my future. Meeting all of my friends was also one of the pleasures.
We got the unique opportunity to speak with FLEX Alumni who are now adults, as our generation was the first in more than a decade. We also enjoyed dinner at Deputy Chief of Mission Paul Poletes' home. We discussed our experiences with him, the US Ambassador in Uzbekistan and the FLEX Program director. They and we both had a nice time.
Now I'm in my final year in high school, working on projects, reading a lot of books, and hanging out with my friends. I've also resumed my synchronized swimming and dance training.
Now I'm in my final year in high school, working on projects, reading a lot of books, and hanging out with my friends. I've also resumed my synchronized swimming and dance training.
