November 25, 2024 by Areeba Suleman (‘26)
From the bustling streets of Pakistan to the quiet suburban lanes of America, specifically upstate New York, my journey as an exchange student has been a whirlwind of discovering parallels.
I love Lahore — a city that teaches you something new every day. Whether it is navigating the chaos of the Anarkali Bazaar, savoring a perfectly spiced plate of gol gappay, or losing yourself in the centuries-old stories whispered by the walls of Badshahi Mosque, Lahore is a teacher, a storyteller, and an adventure all at once. As I walk the quieter, unfamiliar streets of my new exchange home in the United States, I realize my journey as an exchange student feels much like my trips through Lahore—a discovery of new flavors, stories, and lessons at every corner, leaving me equally overwhelmed and exhilarated.
Despite geographical differences, I see myself finding parallels between Lahore and the US every day. The innate power of laughter and human emotions surpasses geographical boundaries. I see myself understanding the core principles of life. Talks about ambitions, vulnerable moments, shared meals, and smiles make me realize that humans are similar beneath the periphery of nationality. Somewhere between then and now, Pakistan became the USA, somewhere between then and now, perspectives widened, and life took a turn when I least expected it.
Reflecting on this year’s International Education Week (November 18 through the 22nd), I embarked on a journey to share the parallels from my life in Pakistan to my life here in the U.S. through presentations to our school in Saratoga Springs. I shared what my life looked like back in my small hometown, recounted tales of my Model UN conferences, laughed at how ridiculous I looked in those pictures, and realized the importance of finding joy in unfamiliarity. Unfamiliarity allows you to broaden your horizons; it calls on you to step into the unknown and discover. Once you answer its call, unfamiliarity transforms into familiarity, and believe me, there is no greater feeling than finding pleasure in overcoming the unfamiliar. I hope to only continue what i’ve been learning from my experience here in the United States as the school year progresses!