I didn't have the money for the trip. And walking up to my dad to ask for 2,000 "bucks" is probably scarier than going through an embassy interview.

I couldn't bring myself to do it, but I couldn't stand it either, especially since numerous forums had fueled my desire even more.

Waiting for my dad to be in a good mood, I started talking about working in America. Casually and in a joking tone, just so I wouldn't scare him off. (You feel like a hunter in the African savanna, where one wrong "step," one extra rustle, and the prey will bolt away!)))) With such conversations, I led him to the laptop to the iec.by website and gave him time to digest the information. (I even invited a friend over for this: how could Dad refuse to look at what his daughter is asking for when her friend is right there... it would be awkward, right?)

I had accumulated many arguments:

1. It's an official program.
2. It's a way to feel independent.
3. It's language practice.
4. It's an opportunity to travel.
5. I can call home via Skype every day.
6. The program pays for itself.
7. I will have insurance
   and many, many more persuasions, conversations, reasons, and also eyes like the cat in Shrek!)))

The last thing that influenced my dad was the fact that I was going alone, without friends or a group. He immediately understood the seriousness of my intentions.

There were 2 weeks of waiting, and another 2 weeks he spent thinking about the contract. And I couldn't say a word, because any mention of America caused irritation.

And I finally waited for it! When the first installment was paid and the contract was signed, I could rejoice to my heart's content and not hold back my emotions! And Dad seems to have only now realized that my psychological attack had completely disarmed him, and he also got hit "in the wallet"!