The Best Version Of Myself
Keira Eva Cellyn Palit — INA KL YES to USA YP 23/24
Hi, everyone! My name is Keira Eva Cellyn Palit. I’m from Yogyakarta, Indonesia and I got placed at Port Orchard, Washington state. Around 5 months ago, I was a completely different person than I am now. The first time I stepped foot in the United States, I didn’t realize that I would be bombarded with experiences accompanied with trials and tribulations that would soon change me as a person. The first few months were bittersweet. I had to get used quickly to a totally different home than the one I have known for 17 years of my life. I had to get used to a new family whom I was a stranger to. On my first day of school, I had no friends that I could sit with. I was lost, confused, and scared. But I remembered what my dad used to say to me, “Don’t be scared to try new experiences, the worst thing that could happen is knowing more about yourself.”
I realized that I had to step out of my comfort zone to be able to learn new things from this wonderful opportunity that I have been blessed with. As soon as I started to open up myself to different cultures and activities, I could see how the world truly is so much bigger than what I imagined. One of the most memorable experiences I have had since living here is probably having dinner with my host family. I know it may sound underwhelming, but through our daily dinners, I have learned how different yet similar cultures can be. My host parents would tell me how Americans like to eat leftovers for lunch and dinner, and I was caught by surprise because Indonesians like to do that too. But then my double placement, who is from India said that Indians don’t really eat leftovers, they tend to make new dishes every day. From my host family, American friends, and exchange student friends that come from different countries, I have been learning how to appreciate each difference more, and to see that difference for its beauty and uniqueness. And I also have been using that knowledge to improve myself and find what aspects I’m currently lacking in. For example, I used to think that what I know is always right because it is what I’m most used to, but this new knowledge has opened my mind to endless possibilities and new places to explore.
The second most memorable experience was during International education week. I present in four different classes about my country, Indonesia. I was really nervous to introduce a big part of myself to strangers. I introduced my friends to Indonesian traditions like food, clothing, language, and festivals. I also introduced them to school life and my personal life. Unexpectedly, I was greeted with curiosity, appreciation, and respect towards my country. The responses from the students could not have been any better. Some said how they have tried Indonesian food before and really liked it. Some asked me to teach them phrases in Indonesian. This experience made me realize how I am truly acting as a bridge between Indonesia and the United States. Besides having the opportunity to learn differences, I actually can be that difference itself and teach other people about my identity and things that I love about my country. This experience taught me that as an active global citizen, I can create changes and cause impacts for people around me toward the greater good with my words and actions.
But besides all of those experiences, different new activities have helped me change for the better as a person. For example, the volunteering culture that they have here has taught me to care more about others. Participating in the bowling club, the Japanese club, and the International club made me realize that I can explore more about the passions I have in life. Through my controls programming class, I have learned about safety standards and new hard skills like how to operate drills, wood chippers, and other useful tools. I have learned more about myself and my values. But most importantly, I have never been closer to my goal, which is to be the best version of myself, than ever before.
