My experience as an exchange student at OM

On July 31st, 2023, I was sitting on a plane, soaring higher and higher, leaving behind my hometown. Looking out the window, thoughts swirled in my mind: “Next year, will everything be the same?” After a week of pre-departure orientation in Jakarta, Indonesia, I finally touched down at Dulles Airport in the United States. It was a whirlwind of emotions. I reminisced about the year-long effort I had invested to get this scholarship. I recalled my 13-year-old self, printing pictures of those who had embarked on the same program, envisioning myself in their shoes. My heart raced with excitement as I embraced the beginning of this new journey.

The first day of school, August 28th, 2023, was a thrilling experience. It felt both surreal and enthralling. The first couple of weeks adapting to the school was not easy. The language barrier, cultural differences, navigating classes, and the fear of being behind, weighed heavily on me. However, the supportive community at Oakland Mills played a pivotal role in my journey. I am immensely grateful for all the help, especially from teachers who understand my background and offer support. 

Almost everything in this school is different from what I have in Indonesia. The grading system is straightforward and transparent, tasks require less critical thinking, and the teacher-student interaction feels more personalized. Additionally, the range of clubs and sports available is incredibly accommodating to students’ diverse interests and hobbies. It’s something I wish we had back in Indonesia because these clubs were helpful for me in making new friends and exploring new activities. 

As time passed, I became really comfortable with school life. There were certainly moments this year where I felt deeply connected and reluctant to leave, yet there were also times when I felt stuck and just couldn’t wait to finish my year here. Underlying these emotions was a fear: the fear of not forming enough friendships and creating lasting memories, and the worry of wasting my days. At the same time, it’s really sad for me to realize that I can’t graduate alongside my friends in Indonesia and that I won’t attend the same classes as them anymore. Regardless, spending my final year of high school at Oakland Mills hasn’t been so bad. I’m grateful and I cherish the friendships and memories that were made. It’s a blessing to have been accepted as a newcomer. The enjoyable experiences and activities this year have truly helped me get through it all. 

Now, as I count down the days until my departure from the United States, I’m gripped by a mix of excitement, sadness, and fear. The uncertainty of returning to this community and meeting up with my friends in the future weighs heavily on my mind. Perhaps in 10 or 20 years? Despite that, Oakland Mills will still be Oakland Mills, it is the people that shape its essence. The realization that I can’t rewind time to enhance my senior year stirs deep emotions. Yet, I hope that one day, I’ll reflect on this newspaper and realize how far I have come without leaving any regrets. 

photo credit: Pillar Photography