This past summer was one of the best summers of my life. First, I traveled across the country, by myself, to San Francisco, California, to partake in a summer program at the prestigious Stanford University. I was nominated for a selective law and trial program where a “mock trial” took place. I was extremely anxious to attend; however, I have always wanted to become an attorney, and this program gave me a sneak peek into what being an attorney will be like. 

So, there I was in terminal two of San Francisco airport walking towards the Envision Program setup. I introduced myself to the adults and walked towards the group of other teenagers. Being the loud, outgoing, flamboyant, person  I am, I introduced myself and started a conversation. I was shocked at how many similarities I had with people who were from all different places around the world. 

Finally, after waiting for two hours, we were shuttled to Stanford. We checked in with the advisors and were brought to our rooms. My advisor, Cayln, a junior at Indiana University, was one of the most kind-hearted and understanding people I have ever met; she made learning easy and enjoyable. 

I was in a room with three other girls. Unfortunately, they all got there before me and I had to sleep on the top bunk. Everyone who had arrived with me was rushed out of his/her room and forced to join the rest of the students for our opening seminar where we were split into “firm groups.” In our firm groups, we began to work on the mock trial, which happened to be an attempted murder case.

A few days later, we got our roles for the trial; I was given prosecution opening attorney. I was extremely nervous as a question entered my mind: Would I look ridiculous presenting the case? A million thoughts went through my head, but I put those thoughts aside and got to analyzing the case. Days flew by, and we arrived at the Superior Court House of San Francisco. My stomach was twisting and turning as I walked up to the jury. This was it, the moment I had been preparing for. I took a deep breath and started the case. After a long few minutes, I looked at Cayln who had a huge smile on her face. I had been so relieved; I had executed the perfect opening. This experience is one I will hold very close to my heart. I met people who are like-minded and with whom I truly connected. 

Following my trip to California, I traveled all the way across the world to my parents’ maiden land, Kosovo. I had planned to stay in Kosovo for one month. I have family all over the country, but we also have a house in the middle of the city of Gjakova. I arrived in Kosovo with two thoughts in my mind: to have fun and try to erase some gender stigmas. Although I adore the country, Kosovo is still a patriarchy, and women there are considered subservient to men. So, as I traveled across the country, I made it my mission to try and persuade as many people as I could to stop gender injustice. Although many did not listen to me, I still felt much better that I made an effort to educate and make a change against the old-fashioned mentalities. 

I really could not have asked for a better summer. I explored one of my greatest passions, in California, and I traveled back to my parents’ home-land to help add another perspective on life to the people of Kosovo.