To the students in Connecticut,
One of the most meaningful parts of my experience with the Reach the World program has been getting the chance to connect with all of you while sharing parts of daily life and the culture here in North Macedonia. What started as a way to share my experience abroad slowly became something much more personal for me. Through our conversations, questions and exchanges, I found myself reflecting more deeply on my own time here and recognizing growth that can otherwise be easy to overlook when life moves quickly.
One of the biggest lessons I hope you carry with you is the importance of keeping track of your experiences, thoughts and progress over time. Growth rarely happens all at once. Most of the time, it happens quietly through small moments, small decisions and consistent effort. Without reflection, it can be difficult to see just how far you have come. Journaling, taking photos with intention, setting goals or simply taking a few moments to think about your day can help you recognize those small steps that eventually lead to important outcomes.
I also hope this program encourages you to stay curious about the world around you.
