Hello! I’m Bora, short for Sibora, and I’m excited to share my journey as an exchange student from Albania, a small yet beautiful European country in the Balkans, across the Adriatic Sea from Italy and neighboring Greece.

Albania is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, which include stunning mountains and pristine beaches. We also take pride in our many well-preserved castles that tell the story of our rich history.

This is my first time in the United States, and it has been an incredible experience so far. I’m truly enjoying everything I’ve encountered over the past few weeks.

School life here has been a pleasant surprise! My classes are engaging, fun, and surprisingly low-stress. One of the highlights of attending BSHS is the diverse selection of courses available. I’ve been able to choose subjects that genuinely interest me, like CSI, News Writing, and Creative Writing.

In contrast, my school in Albania was enjoyable but more challenging. We wore uniforms and remained in the same classroom throughout the day, with teachers rotating instead.

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve joined the cheer team and am experiencing the excitement of cheering for the first time!

While I’m embracing my new life here, I do miss my home. I often think about the times spent with friends at cafes and restaurants back in Albania.

I also have a deep passion for reading and writing. In fact, I’ve published four books filled with my own poems and short stories, and I’m currently working on my fifth!

I’m grateful for my host family, who have been incredibly supportive and understanding. They have made my transition to a new country and school much smoother. I’ve bonded especially well with my two younger host siblings, Maddie and Dakota, who also attend BSHS.

Back in Albania, my family plays vital roles in our community: my mom works as a secretary in the Police Academy, my dad is the head of the ballistics sector, my oldest brother is a lawyer, and my other brother serves as a judicial police officer.

Overall, my experience in America has been overwhelmingly positive. This country offers so much, and I’m eager to make the most of this year. I hope to bring a piece of American culture back to Albania while also introducing my new friends here to the beauty of Albanian culture. I aspire to be an ambassador for my country during my time in the U.S.