How Westmoreland Makes Me Fall In Love
Aurelia C. Rizan–INA KL YES to USA YP 23/24
Living as an exchange student has always been my dream, even until this minute. N, California, Florida is the perfect example. But God has another plan. Turns out I landed in Upstate New York. The first view I saw when my airplane landed was a land full of green grass. How the cold breeze waves to me after I step my foot on the ground in Upstate New York. I knew from the start, this journey will have so many lessons to learn.
New York. With their downtown, city lights, Rockefeller tree, chinatown. That is New York City. The other part of New York that is underrated is Upstate New York and yes, I live there. Specifically a town called Westmoreland. Westmoreland is a small country town. Full of green open space where people like to have small farms. Like my host family, they have more than 30 Chicken and more than 20 Duck and Geese. Living in far to far neighborhoods with 4 siblings is the idea that never occurred to me. But guess what? I’m living the happiest phase of my life.
I grew up hearing that if US people are really individualistic, they have a lot of freedom when it comes to drink, sex, and gambling. Frankly, that is true. But not applied in Westmoreland and the area surrounding it. This country side has a different perspective about all of them. Most people who live in Westmoreland really care about each other, since almost everyone knows and is friends with everyone. Individualistic? Say less about it. They always say hi, good morning, good afternoon, ask how your life is, what’s up and many more. I remember the first day I went to school. I always walk past the school police. At first I said good morning but it happens every time I go to the next class so I just walk with my head down. Then he stopped and said “smile and say hi”. That word really meant something to me and of course I applied it every time to everyone. I also learn small habits which are really polite. People always hold the door for people after them, even at gas stations.
I always thought that the US is a country that really supports childfree. Once again, living with a US family proves that I’m wrong and everythings that I see on the internet is not always right. People in and around Westmoreland mostly have 3–6 kids. Which really surprised me. I live with a family with 4 kids and a kid that grew as an only child. I learned an unexpected lesson. For example, it is about laundry. Doing laundry in the US is really easy, just toss the dirty clothes, pour liquid detergent and wait. Then toss the clothes to the dryer and wait again. It is so much easier. But then there are 6 people, 7 with me in the house with an unwritten schedule of laundry. So I have to wait, when both the washing machine and dryer are empty. Then I realized, the key is communication. Living with 4 siblings also teaches me to always share. If I cook, then I have to ask if they want some or not. Because they always do the same. Share their stuff with me. If they eat a big pack of chips, they will share. I ran out of the shampoo, they are always willing to share. And I learned that sharing does not make me have less. But instead, i get more and happiness is the most important thing.
Everyone in the US is really crazy when it comes to sport. Specifically Football. Even one class that I take is marketing, the class has their Fantasy Football team. There is also a famous restaurant called the sports recovery room. I also thought that they are really competitive and individualistic when it comes to sport. They prove that I’m wrong again. I was right a little bit. They are really good at sports. But when it comes to a team, they really care for each other. Talking about Football, I play powderpuff Football. Where the girls play Football and the boys cheerleading. It was so much fun. I do tennis in the fall. My team was really fun, they always make sure our game is fun and goes well. We often get a pizza together, hang out, and play a song while practicing. This season, winter sports. I play basketball. It is a really tough sport, not only the coaches that have strict programs with her excitement when coaching. But also people on the team are really talented. They are fast, rarely miss the shot, assist each other and play it smart. Compared to my skill, I’m far behind them. However, it doesn’t really matter. The important thing is that I always go to practice, cheering for each other, and caring for each other. Therefore, Basketball which is really tough, will be fun. My coach always said, This is basketball, it’s supposed to be fun. Spread the positivity to the team. Have each other back.
Fall is really meant for me. I joined a marching band, which is so much fun. I never thought I would learn new instruments here. But it’s an exchange year, I will learn everything’s right? And yeah, I learned how to play trumpet while marching. I could say that I am really proud of myself. Not only learn how to play trumpet and march. My band director, Mrs. Cutler. Always remind the whole team that the Marching band is not just about playing instruments, tossing the riffle and marching. But about being a good human being. The fact that we all are one team. So, have each other back. If someone is struggling, help them. If someone needs to learn more, then teach them. Say a nice word to each other, we are all still learning. That really matters.
In the end. I changed my perspective about the US where everyone is individualistic. They are not. They care for each other. They are willing to help each other. Of course I am aware that a few people are mean and crazy. But most people in Westmoreland are not. There are so many experiences that I can explore. Six months left and I don’t want to waste it.
