Right Now **EDITING**

The Exchange

Virginie's Point of View

September 11th

The following week, I finish packing my bags and get ready to leave my family, my friends and my country behind. I've work hard at my University the last two semesters for this opportunity. Also, I've worked very hard at the grocery store to gain the money I needed to live in a foreign continent for three months without working. It's with excitement and nerve that I am now ready to do this exchange program.

My last day home, my mother surprises me with a family dinner and then we spend the night playing board games; Scrabble to my request. I'm glad we have fun and the night doesn't get emotional because I would have cried and maybe got scared to leave.

I love my family. They are a very big part of my life. The last time I left them, it was for two weeks for a humanitarian trip to the Galápagos Islands when I was only 16. Now, I'm 19 and I'm ready to realise my dreams and study "French and Film Studies" at King's College in London for a semester.

September 12th

The morning of my departure, Dad, Mom and my sister are gathering in the car to escort me to the airport.

I feel a big hole in the pit of my stomach throughout the whole ride. I know it won't be easy to say my goodbyes. I've been dreading this moment, but I'm also incredibly excited for this new adventure.

Once we get to the Pierre-Eliott-Trudeau airport in Montreal, I feel my nerves overtake my senses. For my sanity and to diminish the tears I am eventually and undeniably going to cry, I beg my family to not follow me inside. The goodbye is much harder than I have first expected when I signed up and passed all my English tests to prove I am worthy and able to do a term in England.

We say our farewells with hugs, kisses and I hold back tears before going in the airport. I'm feeling like an emotional wreck right now, so I gather my thoughts, leave my fears and my sadness behind and welcome the excitement and the joy of this new adventure.

I get on the plane and cool down what's left of my insecurities to fully embrace my freedom and independence. I get about eight hours to do that, so for now, I curl up in my seat and listen to whatever movie at my disposal. I also drink the best tomato juice I've ever tasted. It's like this is still a fairy tale. I don't quite realise the adventure I am getting myself into at the moment.

-

When I land, I pick up my bags and suitcase and try to find my way to the arrivals' exit. The airport is crowded with people. I don't even know where I'm headed. I'm about to panic when a tall man catches my eye at the arrivals area. He has my name written on a piece of paper. I'm so happy to have resquested for sombody from College to pick me up. It cost a little, I feel so much more at ease and relaxed.

The man smiles at me and it calms the last of my insecurities in me. He steps forward and shows me the sign, which I nod to confirm my identity.

"Virginie? That's me!" I say with a big smile on my face, completely relieved that I don't have to face London alone on my first day.

"Miss Dulude, good evening! I'm Robert Springs and I work for the Student Exchange Program at King's College, we emailed a few times. I shall escort you to your dorm as you requested. May I help you with your bags? Did you have a nice flight?"

I'm quickly charmed by his accent and his genuine warming presence. I suddenly realise how real this new experience is becoming. I'm in London! Mr. Springs is so kind to have agreed to meet me here. When I corresponded with King's, they refered me to him and I asked this huge favour to be shown to my dorm. Mr. Springs even suggested that he'd pick me up at the airport.