#susi2018

Then we came to the city that we dreamed to visit, none other, the New Yark City. Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Roosevelt Island, UN Headquarters, One World Trade Center, Times Square, Statue of Liberty and many other places we visited in just four days yet we couldn't explore all the city. Play "Come From Away" was nothing but a marvelous piece of live art. None of the actors was famous but they didn't do anything less than any famous actor. Well we moved to Charlottesville happily on the Sunday. Memories we have made, will always remain in our minds.

The person who came to the States was completely different than the one who will go back to Pakistan. I am now more secular and committed than ever to my dreams. In the last five weeks much has changed and I am proud of everything which I did. I used to be a baby boy but now I have been transformed into a man. I have learned that every thing is not exactly the same as it looks like and you need to see through the deeper side. During the four weeks at Amherst, I found myself in many different situations and have learned from each of them. The conversations with everyone in the group and with people whom I met during that time have left an ever lasting impact on my personality. The purpose of this program has been well served because it has changed me altogether and now I am afraid of none. So far, I have made the most of the study tour. In Boston, I was excited to see my dream university Massachusetts Institute of Technology. I went to Harvard University where I saw many historical sites. These two institutions are so prestigious to me that I bowed my head with respect when I entered. The visit to Massachusetts State House was amazing and discussion with Representative Solomon made me realize that legislation in the States is one of the hardest things to do. The session on mental health opened up my mind about different mental heath problems and how they could be solved. I was really excited to see New York City because it never sleeps and you can explore it at any time whether it be in day light or in darkness of night. The visit to One World Observatory was the best as from top of the building you can see the whole city. I experienced my first cruise tour to the Statue of Liberty. New York City has influenced me in almost every way and I embraced it with a warm heart. I know that my last week will be historical as I will see Charlottesville and Washington DC. I also know that it will hurt to leave all the friends which I made here during my stay in the States but I know it’s life. And this is the way life works. I am more satisfied now with everything I have. In the end, I want to thank the State Department and The Civic Initiative. Especially I feel this is the right time to thank all the mentors with whom I have shared memories which played a vital role in making me a better person. I am thankful to Jesse Tucker, Brooke Lochiatto, Sean Jackson, Maria Arenas, Lisa Servaes and also to the Academic Directors Samantha Camera and Tom Fricke. I am impressed by Director of The Civic Initiative Mike Hannahan and I want to thank him for all the conversations which I had with him as they made me think outside of my comfort zone and played its role in making me the person I have now become . I have completely lost myself here. But the good thing is that I am happy to be lost. I do not want to be the person I used to be before. I am happy that I am lost!

4th week of SUSI program and the last week in Armherst was amazing. There were number of events which made the last week in Armherst wonderful, visiting Jewish community center and attending their ritual had enlightened me about Judaism.And, volunteering at food bank was again new experience that I came to know about people and culture. Moreover, leaving Amherst on 22nd was filled with nostalgia because that was my birthday and l was leaving a place that I love so far. In the meantime, traveling to Boston was awesome that I celebrated my birthday on a travel which had given me different insight .And, when I reached Boston and visited different buildings with interesting architecture that witnessed the legacy of state which we studied a few weeks ago .

On Saturday, we started wrapping up our things and had conclusive class about program and study tour. In the night we enjoyed Pakistani food with lots of dance on desi songs. It all ended in tears in the morning of Sunday saying goodbye to Amherst and its lovely people.

So my third week was stable in UMASS. I have gotten used to the area and the locals. There is so much to do in one day that by the end of these three weeks it feels like I have been living here for a life time. My life back in Pakistan feels like a distant memory now. I have no answer for this but it truly feels like I have been living here for atleast a year now. From time to time I become reminiscent of home but then singularity that is America sucks me back into itself and before realizing again I feel further and further distant from my life in Pakistan. America truly is a colossal marvel of wonders and sights that keeps you wanting for more.

We have completed our third week in Amherst during which we enjoyed a lot here. We have been exploring and learning a lot about US culture. Last week was best for me so far because of two big events. I went with my mate for homestay with an American family for a day that was a wonderful experience for me. They took us to the river for boating that was amazing and I was feeling like we are watching movie. The second big event was six flags trip that made my time very special at Amherst. I enjoyed every ride though I was scared before going into. I also went to water pools and had fun into the water while slides were joyous too. I have been having fun and getting new experiences a lot at USA and watching for more.