Why I was even in America anyway

I traveled to the U.S. to make moments like those ones up there happen by recruiting host families for my company's international exchange program. It may sound kind of glamorous, but it was mostly a lot of long hours, hotel rooms, and getting rejected (favorite reject moment – Me: "Have you ever thought about hosting an international student?" Person: "No, and I don't want to. Ever." Me: "Oh, okay. Cool.").

Basically, I was sent all over the country to build relationships within a community – whether it was setting up at farmer's markets, connecting with the local newspaper, or going to Rotary Club (there was also that one time at the circus – um yeahhh). Through building these relationships and spreading the word about our Homestay Program, I found people willing to open their home to a new culture. 

My confidence, flexibility, and people skills were challenged throughout this entire experience. But even still, I would never take it back. Because I contributed to the moments above – to people sharing their culture with one another. And it's through this experience that I was challenged to be more.. to be better. 

P.S. Fun fact – Americans got most excited about hosting French and Italians.