Hi everyone! :D
Before I tell you who I am, let’s go back in time and remember how this all started.
… Overflow of thoughts in my mind... Anxious about the future... High levels of pressure from society to follow a path considered mandatory and ideal... Everyone telling me I would end up in a supermarket job if I didn’t go to university…
ENOUGH!
It was time to shut all the external distractions and listen to my inner voice. While going through all types of emotions, I started looking up alternatives: nothing better than watching YouTube videos about gap years, right? Suddenly, a Ted Talk with a very appealing description pops up: “Gap Year: A Path to Purposeful Education | Jay Gosselin”.
Hum… let’s watch it.
*Click*
17 minutes later: WOW! Finally, someone who truly understands what I am feeling and doesn’t see the world as black and white! Jay Gosselin brightened my mind and I couldn’t wait to contact him.
A few days later, a video conference was scheduled between me and Jay, and I was terrified: “What? Speaking with a stranger from CANADA in ENGLISH? I am not ready!” - I thought.
On January 4th 2019, I got out of my comfort zone and it was amazing! Jay was SUPER kind, and I was feeling less and less anxious about everything. It was then that the adventure of my life began to take shape.
Some months later, I found myself crossing the Atlantic Ocean from my home town in Portugal to come to Ottawa, Canada. Now, I am experiencing a marvelous stay with an incredible host family thanks to the generosity within the Discover Year community.
My name is Ana Luísa and I am 17 years old. I am proud to say that I am one of the first Discover Year international students.
This is going to be an amazing year and I can’t wait to share my experiences with you!
Take care,
Ana 😊