What I Learned Living In The US For 3 Months At The Age Of 19

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Summer 2014 I joined a program called Work and Travel, the name of the program says it all. You travel to the US, stay there for 3 months, and then you work while you are there. It was an amazing experience. I learned so much and most of the time I learned the hard way.

Too much freedom is not always a good thing

I was living the ultimate teenage dream. I can technically do whatever I want and no one will stop me. I can go home at 3am, sleepover at friends for as long as I want, I can date, drink, party, etc. It was good for a moment but after a while I began to reflect. I became lost and I felt like I don’t know myself anymore, which is terrifying. You can lose yourself with too much freedom. There should always be limitations and I learned this the hard way, but hey, at least I learned and I now know better.

The little things can be the most difficult things

(1) Thank goodness for fast foods. I realized that I probably should have learned how to cook. It was so hard thinking about where am I going to get food almost everyday. (2) Nightmare is forgetting to do your laundry. (3) Doing groceries has never been more difficult especially when you have to pay for it. I understood why moms make a list every week and plan everything. (4) Weather and temperature, living in a tropical country, I thought our refrigerator and my air-conditioned room is already cold. I was dead wrong.

Independence and responsibility

Well I didn’t really have a choice. My parents are thousands of miles away so I either have to do everything on my one or no one will. After I got back from the states I was surprise on how I unconsciously do things on my own now and how I could go to places by myself.

The American culture

I have always admired the United States. Growing up, I was a Disney girl. I also love watching American movies and TV series. I was surprised how effortlessly I got along and gotten close with people in the US during my 3 months stay. What I love about US is its diversity. I was fortunate to be assigned in the capital, Washington DC. I felt like all the types of people were there. People from different continents go there. I met some of them and it was amazing.

How to use a map

I never thought that, that offline map that my dad keeps telling me to download would save me from being lost and running into a situation that no one wants to be in. That may be an exaggeration but the point is, with me there is a very high change to get lost every now and then. I am really bad with directions. Good thing I have a handy offline map in my iPhone that tells me my exact location and can tell me where the nearest metro or bus stations are. It is definitely a life saver.

How to shop and look for good deals

I fell in love with clearance sales. It’s amazing how the prices of amazing clothes, shoes and bags drop up to 70%. You just really have to be patient and persistent in finding the good ones, and when you do, it is one of the best feeling ever.

How to defend and stand up for myself

If you are shy, timid, and faint-hearted, you shouldn’t be alone. There would always be bad people anywhere you go. I’m not saying that you should learn karate or anything. All it is is that you should be able to look assertive and confident. Remember that people with bad motives always target the week ones.

I learned to carry myself in a way that no one is going to bully me. Knowledge is also the key, know that you have equal rights, and there is always a way to get help.

Observe everything

This is the key to survival. In an unfamiliar place everything seems like its rocket science. But in reality, you just have to calm down and observe. Look how people do it, watch how they act and you’ll be just find. Another important thing is to read signs and directions.

The United States is a good place to get lost and find yourself during your teenage years. It is a good start to see the world. It’s not just about the adventure but the people you meet along the way. I am fortunate to have had this experience and I plan on doing it again.