I stopped getting all dressed up every time I leave the house

If you ever take a Russian person to the mall in the United States, believe me, they will pass out after seeing how Americans are dressed. I have noticed that people here like everything to be casual and easy. Why spend too much effort if there is no special occasion? That is not how it worked back home. My friends would put makeup on even when taking the trash out. There is always competition, especially between girls. You need to look perfect always unless you want to lose.

I have become more independent

I don't know if this is America's "fault" or just the fact that I am living all by myself now, without my parent's protection, but it is a fact. My family and friends have noticed it, too. A year ago I would have been scared to even call the doctor to schedule an appointment, I would always ask my mom to do that for me. LOL. But not anymore!

I started being more smiley on the streets and saying "Hi" to people I don't even know

This is something I like about American culture: people are friendly everywhere, no matter what. Even when they are just being polite and ask me, "How are you?" I know that they don't actually care about it, but this question always makes me feel a little better. I don't know why.

I started using Snapchat

My first few months at college I was watching people constantly taking pictures of everything they do to Snap their friends. It drove me crazy. Whenever I went out with someone it had to go on Snapchat first. My friends almost forced me to get a Snapchat, and I'm using it now when I need to talk to someone, but, to be honest, I still like texting more.