Now, about my exchange experience. I spent a year in America in a town called Newberg, just an hour from the mountains and an hour from the beach. I attended high school in Newberg. My first big adventure was a trip with other exchange students to California. We spent a week travelling around California together, visiting a new place every day—Disneyland, surfing, and many other activities.

After returning, my basketball season began, and I achieved my dream of playing basketball in America. I even made it into the newspaper thanks to basketball. Playing at home was the best, with fans, schoolmates, and even half the school coming to watch. Everyone cheered together, and there was even a school band at the games. That’s something I really like about American schools—their strong connection with sports, something you don’t find in the Czech Republic. I enjoyed going to school, not because of the lessons, but because I loved chatting with my classmates and teachers.

At the end of the school year, there was prom, and I was crowned prom king. I thoroughly enjoyed it when they placed the crown on my head, and all my classmates started chanting my name. I had many other amazing experiences, but I won’t list them all here. Each one gave me so much.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this possible, especially my parents, who support me in all my decisions. I highly recommend going on exchange; a year away from home is worth it.

Bruno Volný, RC Frýdek-Místek → USA 5100, Outbound 2023/24

https://rye2240.org/momenty-z-ameriky/