I’m walking stepping out of the plane, heading towards the gates. The Californian sun is beating down, the asphalt burning through my sneakers. My entire body is coiled with nerves, like a spring that’s about to snap. I’ve never been to america, let alone for six months. Without my parents. I’ve been begging my mom since forever to do an exchange year, and she finally said yes. I talked to my host family over the phone and they seem really nice. It’s a small, but sweet family, with my host mom, Claire Johnson and my host dad, Phil Johnson and their six year old son, Mike Johnson. As I walk through the gates, I’m immediately greeted by a huge sign saying “Welcome to California, Marisol!” Claire is beaming with tears in her eyes, Phil is holding her hand tightly with a kind smile and Mike is bouncing around like a ball.