I thought for a long time about how to start writing, because it's already mid-December, and the emotions still haven't faded. I want to tell you about my incredible and, perhaps, the brightest summer of my 19 years. So, my name is Liza and, as I already wrote, I am 19. The starting point of my story is how I decided to participate in the program. I believe in fate. And this story is my vivid example that somewhere, far away in the sky, everything is already predetermined. I decided to participate very quickly, as I wanted to go while still in my first year of university, but there was one "but" - the lack of company. And I was very afraid to go alone, because I thought it would be incredibly difficult. Later, I reconsidered this point of view and became convinced that it is not scary at all, and difficulties only make you stronger. So, I started looking for company and I found it. These were 2 of my classmates. Together we found out everything, together we attended orientations, together we prepared, dreamed, and worried. And then that long-awaited day at the embassy arrived. And here I was convinced once again of what fate means. I was the only one who got a visa, and what I was running away from (going to the States alone), I got. At the final orientation, I met the guys with whom we were supposed to spend the summer together, we exchanged contacts and looked forward to May 15th. It wasn't so scary anymore, however, the unknown was still frightening. The last days before the flight, I played scenarios in my head, worried insanely that everything would be bad, knowing that it wasn't so. After all, program participants are always happy! But, to be honest, the last night before the flight, a wild nervousness started and thoughts: "Why did I even apply?". After all, I was flying alone, I had to change 3 flights before ending up in America. But, after passing the check-in counter, confidence and a desire to fly across the ocean as soon as possible appeared. I arrived, met the girls, and we continued our journey, but I was no longer alone. I chose a place very, very far from what we called "civilization". But I could not even imagine how special and dear this city would become. So, North Carolina, the city of Avon. Arriving there, we were a little shocked. After all, the infrastructure is not developed, no car - no way to get to other cities and, essentially, to the mainland. There are no shops, and there are not many American youth either. We asked the guys who were coming to Avon for the second or third year with surprise: "Why?!". And at the beginning of June, everyone got the answer. At the beginning of the summer, students from all over the world arrived in Avon (Turkey, Philippines, Thailand, Dominican Republic, Taiwan, Colombia, Poland, Romania, Macedonia, Russia, and many, many other nationalities and countries) and this small town was half composed of students. Parties began, gatherings at each other's houses, bonfires with marshmallows under the sound of ocean waves. I don't remember a single day being like the previous one. And the burning question: "When and how to travel?" solved itself. We asked for time off from work for the last 10 days and managed to see everything we wanted. If you are still tormented by uncertainty and the question: "Is it worth it"? Here is an example of my ordinary summer day in America. I described it as soon as I returned home. I will note one point in advance: we lived in houses by country. Therefore, in our house, which had 2 rooms, a kitchen leading into a living room, and a terrace, lived 5 girls from Ukraine and one from Russia. … "11 days since I've been home. Emotions are slowly being drowned out by the hustle and bustle of Kyiv weekdays. How much this summer has changed me, how much it has shown, proven, and taught me. Avon. A place where in the first days I didn't want to be, as much as I didn't want to leave it. How many times have I said "for the first time" here. Perhaps more th
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