Here I am. I have dreamt of going to New York since teenage years. Dream of Central Park and Central Station from romantic movies. Christmas feeling from "Home Alone". New Year's celebration at Times Square. Elite lifestyle and intrigues from "Gossip Girl". Elegance and sophistication from "Breakfast at Tiffany's". Followed Latvian supermodel's life in the world metropolis. Had a quick thought of becoming a stockbroker, influenced by movies about Wall Street. Listened to songs that go about the Empire State, Brooklyn, "concrete jungle where dreams are made of" and state: "[if you] made it here, [you] can make it anywhere". It was an old, unreachable dream but I kept hoping: "One day..."
Here I am, standing on the Brooklyn Bridge. In the city that goes 24/7. My dream of seeing NYC has come true, but the idea of New York as a dream city - vanished. Some people find it inspiring, but I understood it's not for me. I didn't meet my expectations, but I'm still glad I experienced it (you never actually know until you experience it yourself).

From now on I am going to practice a state of mind to maintain calmness and not respond to provocative comments. One of the most significat gains of time spent in the States is that I got to see how easily people take life there and are always relaxed and in good mood. They don't care what others will think. No, it doesn't mean they have no duties nor they are heedless. I learnt that you are the one responsible to make your day positive by observing Americans.

If I can't change environment around me, at least I can change the way I perceive and react to situations.

I will radiate kindness.

I love traveling. As much as I love my country. For example, right now, when I am far away, I'm longing to be back home, but with the new views on life, experience I've got. I'm eager to realize new ideas, implement new practices and lifestyle. I believe that a man should create any environment he wants and be able to do whatever he wants in his home country. You don't have to run away looking for a better life. It's possible to make it as you want anywhere in the world. Traveling helps to look on things from another perspective, inspires to realize ideas and dare to start something new. And then you want to return home and see how you can make your home town and people flourish.

‪#‎thistimeimvoting‬

This time I will participate in elections again. I strongly consider voting as a responsible task, and it can't be done without preparation. It's irresponsible to vote just for the sake of participation or choose a party based on the name (and divide all parties into two goups: pro-something and against-something). I have seen mistakes made because of ignorance of rules how votes are counted and the consequential regret. These are my arguments why I didn't participate in previous parliamentary elections. Political science must be taught in schools not only as an elective subject, but it has a valid place in high school programs.

I will vote for three things that are actual for me: social equality, support for education and science, environment. I ask you to do a little research - take a look at parties' programs. Think what you care about and whether their visions corresponds with it. Make a conscious decision! It's each of us responsibility for the future. 

Travel when possible, live for some time in other country! Travelling opens your mind, shows your capabilities and challenges to overcome your limits.
You will never be the same person as when you departed. The place that you left will not be the same either.
Everything is relative. There is no such thing as the center of the world. Everyone is his or her own center of the universe. When something major happens in one place, time doesn't stop, life goes on in the rest of the world.
Accept the different, even when you are not completely convinced of it or you don't sympathize with it. It can be normal and reasonable for them but not for you. Let it be.
Go abroad, but also hold on to your roots. Continue your traditions, celebrate your feasts, speak your language. Only people with whom you share the same values understand you without words.

You can respect the rights of other races and countries and still be loyal to your own.