The first experience is always scary, no matter how intelligent you are or whatever degree(s) you have. It was a great Friday; I passed by my friend’s workplace for a short farewell. The first words were “How are you feeling about your first flight?” And my quick response was that it was not a big deal. However, going to the airport was a panicky moment with a lot of thoughts about where I was going and who I would miss. That made me unstable and I didn’t manage to follow and understand every step I had to do while boarding. It was a nightmare, feeling like an idiot, like someone who can’t really orient himself and follow what he is supposed to do. I felt my memory was running out space and overwhelmed of that first experience.
It wasn’t easy spending 18 hours in a plane without sleeping more than 30 minutes. A lot of thoughts and questions about how the new place would look like and how other people would behave. Very surprisingly I spent 10 hours in a plane without a single chat with the old man next to me. He was busy reading books, watching movies and sleeping. I ordered the same thing as the 70-year-old man and forced myself to enjoy it. Afterwards I realized that I was wrong in following the lead of an experienced old man and felt thoughtless. What if I changed and found what was appropriate and best for me because I can, and I can speak in at least two foreign languages! The second flight I felt a bit more confidence to try what was the best fit for me.
Landing at JFK airport and seeing America for the first time – everything seemed to be out of scale. A lot of people in hurry. A lot of cars and a lot of new things in my eyes. In addition a lot of tall buildings as I studied them in my class. I am very thankful for the driver who decided to show us Queens first on our way to the training institution. I enjoyed hearing from him a lot about Queens but not as much as I enjoyed the movie “Coming to America” a long time ago.
That occasion wasn’t only exploring some parts the U.S., but most importantly I have virtually explored more than 40 cultures. A huge opportunity towards a global perspective on how people live and behave. Then the major issues that they are facing in their respective milieus.
Though all things were new and sometimes amazing; it is impressive how we all share the same vision with a different approach. It was everyone’s dream that came true and a good time to focus on what innovative change we can bring in our societies to turn dreams into reality. A lot of creative minds with the same spirit and goal proved to me that from whatever background we are; we all share the same global problems; either health inequity and/or social complications and it is our first duty to address those issues and stand for those overlooked by their context.