...Upon reflection, it seems obvious to me that my semester exchange with the National Student Exchange program was an instrumental turning point in my college and professional career. In the semesters before exchange, I was a high-achieving, albeit slightly lost, student with multiple major changes. During the exchange, I felt a growing connection back to my home university - in fact, I became interested in all the resources and student leader opportunities that my home university offered. After my return, I grew confident in my skills in public speaking, educational programming, and working under pressure. I've used those skills extensively in the years since.