My SUSI Experience: Not What I Expected
Anuja, a SUSI student from Nepal, writes about what she's experiencing in Seattle.
Over the next month, students from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are in Seattle for a new program coordinated by FIUTS, the Study of the U.S. Institute for Student Leaders in Journalism and New Media (SUSI). Each student will be writing a blog post about the experience. Here's a post by Anuja Khadka from Nepal about her time in Seattle so far:
Coming to USA and flying on a jet plane was my dream. It’s been a life changing experience after penetrating through the white clouds, being up above and landing here. I am at such place which is a big achievement for my parents to be proudly tell every one "o my daughter is at America!"
Stepping here from the airports, airplane to the restrooms, now I know why Americans are called civilized. So many stereotypes regarding American people are actually false. They respect, greet and thank everyone all around. They thank drivers, cafeteria cashier, grocery keeper and everyone who works. Even the cleaner who clean buildings. Stranger Americans greet us! They have dustbin to recycle and compost. They follow the rules really politely. Without further thoughts, I definitely felt a cultural shock but I was prepared to certain extent. It's obvious because I come from the other part of the globe where it is night when it is day here.
Camping in Pack Forest
Eating has been a huge problem. We indeed have lots of fooding facilities but we cannot eat it because of the new taste. I hate cheese but I have to eat it here. The matter of the fact is that I have gained my weight in 7 days. I definitely miss momo and typical Nepali food here. But I have made up my mind for the new food and the taste. Why not try new when I am here? Actually, I need to accept the truth that home is not every where but we can definitely make the place you are in a home. So, I have my friends and mentors as a family. I feel homely at my dorm! My roommate from India is Mitali who is wonderful. A kind of attachment has already started with the bed, my desk, my chair, cupboard, window, the whole apartment and also the elevator. Not to forget my golden swipe card. I love it so much! We are learning how the things work step by step. It feels accomplished.
I am not suffering from home sick till these 8 days at Seattle. It may be because my life was really frustrating due to same old college routine and I wanted some break. I am fully occupied and I'm happy here. Yes! I feel refreshed! It feels like a heaven at some places like Space Needle Tower and the Mt. Rainier or University of Washington itself. My dad after seeing my photo at the main campus commented " it looks like a palace". Well, it is!
View of Seattle from the Space Needle (Photo by Anuja Khadka)
Seattle view from the tower was mindblowing. Mount Rainier was indeed a paradise. I am living my dream in USA.
Apart from the fun times, I want to learn the hardships here. Reaching and starting scheduled things on sharp time is quite challenging for me because in my home country we never start programs on time. It's bitter since it is the truth. However, mentors from FIUTS are really encouraging, cooperating and loving. Thanks to my ambassadors Jiachun and Dannya. You guys are too cool and friendly. It feels too good when Jia sings 'sunday morning love you' and dances on it. Haha! It's the same with Dannya. All of them, my mentors, are so good to have tolerated our silly behaviors. I am sorry I cannot stop capturing the photograph of such a beautiful place. Not my mistake though! It's Seattle that's photography worthy. City's fault! Haha!
Mt. Rainier Hiking
Everything is totally fine, maybe it’s only the honey moon phase of the trip and bumps are yet to be dealt with. After all, a leader faces all the downs and gets over it!
I came here to learn and I am learning! My dream is to utilize what I learnt here back in my country Nepal. First project I am definitely going to start is the Food Bank Project.
Thank you FIUTS, SUSI, US Embassy and my entire co-participants for taking my life to the new level.
The Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI), sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, promote a better understanding of the people, institutions, and culture of the United States among foreign students, teachers, and scholars. Study of the U.S. Institutes are short-term academic programs for groups of undergraduate leaders, educators, and scholars from around the world.
The program in Seattle is coordinated by the Foundation for International Understanding Through Students (FIUTS), a local non-profit organization affiliated with the University of Washington that promotes international friendship and cross-cultural understanding in the region. The Seattle Globalist, a daily publication covering the connections between Seattle and the rest of the globe, is collaborating with FIUTS to deliver courses on topics in journalism and new media.