“A journey of excellence”, this was the motto of the school I was attending while I spent a year abroad. This trip not only changed my prospective on the school as I used to know it, but also on my country, as I used to know it. During these ten months I learned, I taught, but most importantly I lived another life, in some ways.

As most of the people wouldn't do, I chose to go to Phoenix, Arizona. As soon as I arrived and stuck my face out of the airport I had the same feeling when I check the oven. The day after I couldn't believe my to what I was standing in: the widest space I've ever been into, the hottest temperature and the clearest sky. The first thing I thought was that maybe I landed on Mars.

The family I got was awesome, and I think myself pretty lucky looking at others exchange students' families. They were very generous and open.

The first thing I learned about the Americans is that they think and act in a different way than us. They focus more on the practical aspect, rather than studying the theory behind only. They also focus less on the appearance and more on the practicality and functionality. Sadly, I got the message that in America the salary of a job is considered highly more important than if that's actually a job we really interested in. We all know how patriotic Americans can be, however I pleasantly found out they are actually pretty curious about other cultures.

The schools over there are really different, in good and bad ways. Technology and spirit of belonging are the first two things that come on thinking about American schools; they have computers in each classroom so that the students can use them to do classwork or homework, which is usually shared on a platform.

The problem is that most of the times the student doesn't get a complete education in all the fields.

Despite some inconveniences, and the incredible heat of course, it was probably one of the best and most self-educating experiences of my life. It changed me to the core. It got me put out the best part of me and taught me to never be shy, because life is meant to be experienced in its entirety, and you can't afford to miss your best opportunities