Something can turn your life in 180 degrees even you suspect nothing. You don't notice it but some day you understand everything is different. New life is always inspiriting.
In the beginning of October 2008 I got some news from my school principal about consisting of such a contest for pupils who want to learn a culture of another country and study foreign language. Not believing but wanted just to participate I went to the city near my home town.
14 October 2008. Cold early morning. I was walking slowly, jumping every 8-th step. Bus in which I had to be for an hour made me being absolutely frozen. I came into unknown school and sit on the chair in big hall. 300 pupils around me and 2 employees of American Councils. One thing I'll never forget is "I don't know how many of you are going to win but at least ONE will go to America"
That day didn't seem to be too hard: just one short test of English. Easy for me but not for everybody. On the next round which was led on the next day I met 80 participants. 4 tasks: Listening, Grammar, Essays and Questionnaire.
The first big listening in my life was about 45 minutes. American speech, book in front of me with questions and beautiful purple answer sheet. 30 minutes later brain refused to work anymore. I was the only only one who sit just by the window. Strong sun. Russian Passport on my head instead of cap.
15-min-break. I put my hand into pocket and forgot. In 2 minutes I look down and could see me face, my clothes, my passport and answer sheet, all was in chocolate. Instead of listening how to do the second test I was just trying to clean all my stuff. Nice experience. Funny brown Zhenya. Grammar test was even more difficult than listening.