Today marked the end of an era for me as I sat for my Slovak language exam, the culmination of two vibrant semesters of learning. But before I embarked on this final challenge, I decided to take a moment to immerse myself in the beauty of a nearby garden—a gentle reminder of the journey I had embarked upon.
As I found respite on a tranquil bench, I allowed myself to truly appreciate the present moment. The comforting shade above and the vibrant sight of flowers nearby filled my heart with gratitude. It was in that serenity that the words of a classmate resonated in my mind—what surrounds us is nature, and one of the vital pillars of nature is us, human beings. We are an integral part of this intricate tapestry, and just as we seek solace and solutions in the embrace of nature, our connections with fellow human beings bring us moments of pure ecstasy.
During my Slovak language lessons, I seized the opportunity to share the wonders of my home country, Kenya, with my classmates from Kosovo, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Poland, and Iraq. I would regale them with stories of our vibrant cuisine, where an abundance of vegetables graces our tables, and how some of us have adapted to combat the challenges of malaria.
Moreover, I cherished the moments when I could recount my weekend adventures of cycling from Bratislava to Austria. We all took intellectual risks, venturing beyond our comfort zones, and what was even more remarkable is that we did so in a foreign language—Slovak. It was through this shared journey of learning that we forged a profound bond, united by the joy of discovery.
In the evenings, after a long day of studying, our Slovak lessons offered us a sanctuary of peace. It was during those precious hours that we found solace, inspiration, and a sense of accomplishment.
As I sat through the exam, I wished for time to slow down, yearning for the moment to linger a little longer. And as I emerged triumphant, having passed the exam, I decided to take a longer route home, savoring the bittersweet realization that a beautiful chapter had come to an end. But the journey doesn't end here. I will continue to immerse myself in the Slovak language, learning from my friends and the Slovak community that has welcomed me with open arms. Among the many words I have embraced, "prosím" holds a special place in my heart, for it embodies the kindness and gratitude that permeate the Slovak culture.
I am filled with profound gratitude for my teacher and my fellow classmates who made this subject truly enjoyable. Together, we embarked on a journey of exploration, pushing boundaries and embracing the beauty of diversity. It is through our shared experiences that we create lasting connections, transcending borders and embracing the universal language of humanity.