Guess what happened to me, a Ukrainian girl, when I landed at an American summer camp?
This summer at ISSOS in the United States was unlike anything I have ever experienced. Visa approved, heart opened — that’s exactly how I felt the moment everything became real and my feet touched new soil. 

Even before the camp officially began, just fifteen minutes of waiting at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York turned into some of the most thrilling and surreal moments of my life. My heart was racing, my thoughts spinning — I was about to meet Tommy, the polite, funny, and incredibly cool photography teacher.

While waiting for the transfer that would collect students from all the terminals, Tommy and I talked endlessly about the camp, the programs ISSOS offers, and the adventures that awaited. I couldn’t help but breathe in the distinct New York smell, feel the restless energy of the city beneath my feet — it was as if the world had paused, just for me, in that perfect, electric moment.

When the transfer finally arrived and we got on the bus, the energy was contagious. Laughter, chatter, and stories filled the air, weaving a tapestry of excitement. I fell asleep almost immediately because of jet lag — probably a slightly sleepy, but endlessly happy little explorer — while everyone else buzzed with energy, swapping travel stories, taking selfies, and marveling at New York. Yet even in my sleep, I was dreaming — dreaming of all the magic waiting for us at ISSOS. And there was a bonus to my sleep: it made that long, anxious wait feel shorter, bringing us closer to the place I had imagined for so long.

Hallelujah! We finally arrived at the magical place that once seemed completely out of reach — ISSOS International Summer School at Yale. I felt as though I were still dreaming, as if the bus itself had transported me into a storybook. The chancellors welcomed us with warmth that made my chest ache with gratitude.

The kindness and care of the ISSOS team moved me to tears — and I knew, in that first moment, that I had stepped into a place where hearts truly mattered. 

We were assigned to Houses, and I stayed in Clyde House, one of the best houses at ISSOS. The campus was enormous, full of hidden corners, sunlit lawns, and winding paths — perfect for wandering, discovering, and feeling free. The house had three floors, and my friends and I were lucky enough to live on the first floor. Each room, shared by one or two students, quickly became a home away from home.

My roommate, Caye from Florida, became my best friend. Her warmth, her laugh, her kindness — they filled every corner of our room and my heart. Even now, despite the 10,000 kilometers that separate us, we still keep in touch. Throughout the entire program, we were inseparable.

I will never forget the moment when it was time to say goodbye — one of the hardest, most soul-stirring moments of my life. Our room was awash in tears, and I’m almost certain the girls on the third floor could hear us sobbing together, hearts breaking and yet filled with love.

My roommate, Caye from Florida, became my best friend. Her warmth, her laugh, her kindness — they filled every corner of our room and my heart. Even now, despite the 10,000 kilometers that separate us, we still keep in touch. Throughout the entire program, we were inseparable. I will never forget the moment when it was time to say goodbye — one of the hardest, most soul-stirring moments of my life. Our room was awash in tears, and I’m almost certain the girls on the third floor could hear us sobbing together, hearts breaking and yet filled with love.

But let’s go back — to the days that were alive, bright, and endlessly full of energy. The first day was orientation, showing us the heartbeat of New Haven, Connecticut. Later, we split into two groups with the chancellors. Some went for cookies, but we chose ice cream — one portion shared among three, tasting every flavor, and rating them with wide-eyed joy. Every bite was a little celebration of this new life. 

Every evening, our house became a gathering place for stories, laughter, and discovery. We learned about each other, shared secrets, celebrated victories, and comforted small defeats. Every day offered something new — something to cherish, to remember, to carry forever.

ISSOS offers countless programs, and I decided to step into theatre — a field completely new to me. It turned out to be the perfect choice. I wanted to feel theatre in its essence — the heartbeat of the stage, the raw emotion from which actors are born. 

The Academic English program was intense and transformative. My professor became a guiding star, patiently leading me through every challenge, every exercise, every lesson. Over three weeks, I worked on skills that will forever shape the way I think, speak, and express myself. On the final day, our efforts were rewarded with a sweet, unforgettable surprise — Crumbl Cookies, unbelievably sweet, rich, and joyous, just like the memories of those weeks.

I cannot forget our trips to Boston and New York. Walking along the iconic New York streets, streets I had only seen on screens, felt unreal — as if the movies had come to life around me. Boston’s breathtaking architecture mesmerized me, making me pause, look around, and quietly admire every detail, every curve, every story written into stone.

One of the most unforgettable moments was meeting MJ, our teacher. I had been waiting for this moment for so long, with so much anticipation that words could never capture it — someone I only knew from Zoom, now standing right in front of me. MJ treated us to pizza, enormous slices almost bigger than my face, each bite a mix of laughter, warmth, and pure joy. That simple gesture made the world feel safe, friendly, and magical.

Our clan events — oh, our clan events! They were the heart of the camp, the energy that bound us all together. I was in the Wallace Yellow Clan. We cheered, we competed, we laughed until our stomachs hurt. We won the cheers competition — the loudest, proudest, most united of all. I am so proud of my team. Yale’s tour added history and stories to our fun, and the final disco night — singing, dancing, shouting with joy — was the perfect crescendo to an unforgettable summer.

ISSOS became far more than a summer school — it became a place where I found myself, discovered my courage, and felt a love for life I hadn’t known before. Every laugh, every lesson, every goodbye shaped me. I arrived carrying hopes and doubts. I left with a stronger voice, a braver heart, and an unshakable belief in myself. ISSOS taught me that growth begins where comfort ends, that strangers can become family, and that moments shared with sincerity live forever.

And above all, I want to say thank you — from the bottom of my heart — to the entire ISSOS team. Thank you for the warmth, the care, and the kindness with which you welcomed us. For making each student feel seen, safe, and valued. For putting your hearts into every detail. ISSOS exists because of you, and I will carry this gratitude forever.

My dear Svitlo School team, you believed in me when this dream felt distant and impossible. You supported me academically, emotionally, and spiritually. You gave me courage, independence, and confidence. You opened doors I once only looked at from afar. You reminded me that I am capable of more than I ever imagined. My heart is eternally grateful.

To the sponsors, your generosity turned a dream into a living, breathing reality. Because of you, I met incredible people, learned lessons, and gained experiences that will stay with me forever. You invested not just in education, but in life, and I will never forget it.

To my amazing teachers, every lesson, every word, every moment of patience and guidance shaped who I am today. You challenged me, encouraged me, and made me believe that I could reach higher, dream bigger, and shine brighter. Meeting you in real life, after Zooms and screens, was surreal — you made me feel seen, valued, and capable of anything.

I am endlessly grateful to all of you — the Svitlo School team, the sponsors, and my teachers. This journey was built together, and I will carry this gratitude in my heart forever. I will honor it by continuing to grow, dream, and make the most of every opportunity.

Thank you for changing my life. For believing, for guiding, for loving. Thank you, from the deepest part of my heart.

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