Painting of the Sari Experience in the United States
Sari Ayu Lestari–INA KL YES to USA YP 23/24
The equipment for painting is a bit difficult because you need to buy the equipment from a long distance, as is the case with this program where I have to compete with thousands of students to be able to paint with experience in the United States.
“Selamat kami ucapakan atas terpilihnya adik sebagai peserta KL-YES Program 23/24”
After getting that email, I was wondering if this was the start of painting it>>>
Hello everyone, My name is Sari Ayu Lestari, KL-YES 23/24 awardee that got placed in Tillamook, Oregon. On August 6 2023, I and 40 other students were sent from Jakarta-Dubai-Washington DC. I never thought that I would be given this great opportunity to be able to paint many experiences during the ten months here.
This is the first picture of us together in Washington DC where we had orientation for three days. Where we were given knowledge about things that should not be done in the United States. I felt happy to be able to meet other students from other countries where we started to get to know each other and exchange our Instagram accounts to follow each other.
I felt sad because we had to separate to go to our respective placements. In the afternoon, I and a group of students who had placements in Oregon went to Washington DC to go to Portaland. This is the first photo of me with my host mother when I was picked up at the airport.
August painting
In August I spent more time with my family because I started school on September 6. The activities I used to do were go to tourist attractions, try to eat American food and we went on holiday every weekend.
September painting
September is the thing I look forward to the most, when I will start school. My feelings at that time were a bit mixed and tense because for the first time I was going to enter the world of education in another country’s version. In September it was a challenge for me to adapt to the environment. where I experienced a little difficulty with the system and language but I am confident that I will be able to do all this.
Apart from that, I also took part in a sports event, namely soccer. In September I started to make friends and support. At that time I was very happy because I could go to compete in other cities to represent the school, so that added to the picture of my experience.
In September, I also volunteered at an outdoor school for one week. Where I taught sixth grade elementary school children about natural knowledge. I felt very happy because I could share my knowledge and be able to play various kinds of games with them in the forest for one week.
October Painting
In October I celebrate Homecoming Day and Halloween. For Homecoming Day I prepared at my friend’s house. Where we had dinner and put on dresses and make-up there too. After that we left for our destination. I feel very grateful to be able to experience this celebration. Furthermore, this month we celebrated Halloween Day where I wore an Ellen costume and went looking for candy all night with my friends from house to house with the code “Trick or Treating”. This celebration was very exciting where I got a lot of candy.
November Painting
This month I am very excited because this month International Education Week has arrived. I had the opportunity to give presentations in my class and in junior high school. In junior high school I gave presentations in as many as six classes. It felt great to have the opportunity to share and introduce culture to them.
December Painting
This month is the month that I like the most because Christmas has arrived. Where I celebrate it with my family. I get lots of gifts ranging from clothes, body care, and various kinds of candy. In the last month of this year I celebrate more with my family.
All moments are important and worth being grateful for. That’s a painting of my experience. I hope you enjoy reading my newsletter. Thank you
