My First Few Days Experiences in The United States

When I arrived at St Micheal's College I thought things may be difficult for me, being both a new student and from a far away country. I thought it would be hard for me to adjust as I was going to be the oldest freshman studying International Relations. I was scared that my English was not strong enough and that therefore making friends would be challenging. How wrong I was. After meeting the staff I met mana Patti, an Anthropology professor who has lived in Timor previously and speaks Tetum. I started feeling confident about myself because she made me feel like I was at home despite being on the other side of the world from my home in Timor. Prof. Patricia Delaney, I call her mana Patti, invited me to her house several times where I got to meet her family and Lexie, her huge pet dog.

I have also made many other friends, both American and international students, everyone here at St Michael's is very friendly, even outside of the college the people of Vermont are very welcoming to everyone.

The accommodation and meals here on campus are great although the food here is somewhat choice-less and it's different than in Timor, I try my best to not to eat as much sugar. I think I have eaten more sugar since I arrived here compared to my whole life in Timor. The temptation of cakes, ice cream, cookies, soft drinks and bacon is almost changing my eating style. But once in a while is good to have them.

I have attended many M.O.V.E. volunteer activities such as picking apples for charity in my orientation day and I am so impressed with the apple plantation. I was in a heaven. Never in my life have I seen such a lot of apple trees in my life. That was one of the best days of my life in Vermont.

Vermont is famous for abundant local fresh food and maple syrup. Maple trees are every where and very green. People call it the green mountain state. I really love it here and once in while I go out eating locally made Vermont fresh foods.