What I want to achieve by participating in the WORK AND TRAVEL program

SERIKOVA MADINA m119999@MAIL.RU

HEEEY! My name is Madina. Since the 6th grade, I have been deeply fascinated by the USA: I watched various videos, movies, and looked at photos of America. Back then, it was unconscious and didn't have any 'serious' character. And now, as a first-year student, I am on the threshold of fulfilling one of my most cherished dreams—a trip to America. If before the fact of the trip itself was important to me, now I have specific goals that I am pursuing. I thought about what topic to choose for my essay and decided that the most sincere letter would be a story about my thoughts, inner convictions, and feelings. So, what do I want to achieve by participating in the WORK AND TRAVEL program?

One of the least obvious goals is introducing Americans to our Kazakh culture. What does this mean to me? I was born and live in an international family where the cultures of two peoples are honored: Kazakh and Russian. I have always been in both 'environments' at once and have always identified with both peoples. But lately, as I have grown older, I have become very interested in Kazakh culture specifically. Why? I think because it is not yet so widespread. Today, young people have started talking about it. They have begun to popularize Kazakh national jewelry, headwear, and modern clothing that symbolizes Kazakh identity (for example, QAZAQ REPUBLIC). It is truly important for me to be a part of modern Kazakh culture. Quite recently, I caught myself thinking that I want to introduce others to this world as well. By participating in the WORK AND TRAVEL program, I won't be able to develop Kazakh culture or instill in Americans a love for Kazakhstan and our people. But I can definitely share a piece of my favorite culture. It is important for me to show and tell; the very fact that I was able to take this information beyond the borders of our country is important. I think for me this will mean some expansion of my home, the development of my nation, and most importantly—the progress of my Motherland.

I want to go beyond the possible. I always love trying something new. What I am very proud of is that I am not afraid of difficulties. Once my coach said: 'If it's hard for you, it means you are growing.' And this phrase stuck in my head and is remembered in any life situation and sphere. WORK AND TRAVEL is not just a trip. WORK AND TRAVEL is an opportunity to grow immensely. And I am, of course, talking about inner growth. I know it won't be easy: a new environment, unfamiliar people, language, work. Everything is different. But everything is so interesting. My goal is to leave as one person and return... No. Not as a different person, but as the same Madina, but a Madina who has changed for the better, who has opened new doors for herself, who has simply learned things she never even thought about. I am sure that any life challenge, any change of events is a gift of life. Everything is given to us for a reason. After all, it's not for nothing that the singer Yolka sings: 'Compose, surprise, be surprised, love, meet the turns of fate without doubts...'. A trip to the USA for the summer is a new challenge for me, which, I know for sure, will teach me many things, open my eyes to some phenomena, and simply reveal in me what I, perhaps, could not open in myself.

I want to improve my language. I have always been interested in languages. And my major, which I am currently studying, is directly related to languages (Translation Studies). I believe that WORK AND TRAVEL will allow me to combine business with pleasure. I will not only be able to travel around the country but also improve my language. As I said earlier, it is important for me to grow and develop. The same applies to language. I adore English. It is the language that is connected with many events in my life. The language that is connected with my dream, first and foremost. For this reason, I treat it with great respect and demand from myself: I am constantly studying and developing it. It is very important for me to be a worthy native speaker of English; it is important to use it correctly and only amaze native speakers with my level. For how you treat a language shows how you treat the nation. Accordingly, WORK AND TRAVEL acts for me as that very guide to improving my language.

I want to see America. As I said earlier, I have been interested in American culture for a long time. I am learning the language, watching movies and TV series in English, studying the peculiarities of the people and even traditional cuisine. I love my native Kazakhstan very much. For me, it is a country of freedom and soul. But I also consider America a country of space and will. I have been to Germany and Italy. Traveling to these countries showed me another world and changed many of my views. I believe that every visit to a new country leaves its mark on a person: on their thinking, worldview, attitude towards people, and life in general. For this reason, I really want to see America from all angles: to see big metropolises, small villages, historical places, places 'from movies,' and much more. I am sure that this will open new doors for me and fill every thought of mine with new shades. This is important to me. I want to take something spiritually valuable from a visit to a country new to me—America.

To sum up, I want to say that participating in the WORK AND TRAVEL program does not guarantee the fulfillment of the tasks I have set. As in any other sphere of life, everything depends only on the person, on creativity, determination, and perseverance. But I am sure that I will be able to take from this program everything I described above. And even more! After all, the most important thing in life is not to be afraid, to believe in yourself, to be grateful for opportunities, and simply to 'meet the turns of fate without doubts'!