My American adventure began when I met Leyla Hanım while I was an 11th-grade student at Ümraniye Anatolian High School. After completing a language proficiency exam and interviews, I decided to apply to boarding schools under her guidance. After completing the necessary application forms, we began waiting for the schools' decisions. During this period, I interviewed some schools in person and others online. After receiving acceptances from the schools in the spring, I enrolled at South Kent School in Connecticut due to the strong performance of the football program. Considering the university application process, Leyla Hanım and the representative at South Kent decided that repeating 11th grade would be more beneficial for me academically, athletically, and socially. My South Kent adventure began with a preseason football camp in August 2011. In November of that same year, we won the New England regional championship. I can say that the system based on memorization in Turkey is completely absent here. In the US, a system that is generally open to discussion and relies on participation in class has become established. They even apply these principles to analytical courses like math and science. I graduated in June 2013 after completing 11th and 12th grades at South Kent. However, instead of continuing to university the following year like my friends, I took a one-year post-graduate year at Deerfield Academy. This was the most challenging period for me in the US. But I also believe it was the one that benefited me the most. After completing my post-graduation year, I aim to spend another year participating in social projects (gap year) before university. I'm in the thick of it right now. I'm leaving for Latvia in two weeks for a six-month European Volunteering Service project. After that, I'll continue my university studies in the US, Europe, or Turkey. My only advice for my friends attending boarding school is to improve themselves to the highest level in one or two specific areas and not waste their time. Success will come naturally if they establish the necessary balance between academics, sports, and social life. Also, remember the sacrifices your parents made for you, both financially and emotionally, and keep them informed of all developments. Of course, the academic and psychological support Ms. Leyla provided throughout this process, both before leaving and while I was still at boarding school, made the process much easier and smoother for me. I also want to thank her for creating the opportunity for someone like me, who only dreamed of studying abroad, to study at a boarding school in the USA.