This past summer while staying in my college apartment, I received a text from my mom informing me that I needed to clean out my old bedroom ASAP and be prepared for a criminal background check. Okay then.

This induced all kinds of paranoia: Have I been framed for murder? Did someone plant drugs in my room? Have my parents finally realized how annoying I am and decided to throw me in the street? But then came the typical mom follow up text: “But don’t panic. Hosting a french exchange student lol … can I throw out your old trophies and stuffed animals so she can stay in your room? Also they require background checks.”

Thank God.

But I'll admit that my selfish, overly-dramatic self was still a little peeved. There’s nothing like the feeling of coming home from college and being in your familiar, perfect bedroom (that I remember as being a sort of delicate and pristine sanctuary-palace, even though in reality I was barely ever there and it was always a disaster … college kid apartment life does that to ya). So I wasn't thrilled to find out that I would instead spend my weekends at home sharing my family with a stranger and enduring the torturous misfortune that is staying in my sister’s room (love you, Bay). Woe is me.

But then I met her. Our lovely French exchange student. One of the most charming, lovable, and positive human beings I’ve ever met. From the moment she hugged me and said with that adorable accent, “I’m so happy to finally see you," we hit it off. She hates flying, but nevertheless hopped on a plane to the American South to stay with a family of seven complete strangers (and we're weird - even for Americans). That alone speaks volumes about her passion for learning and immersing herself in a new environment. Meeting her served as a realization that I've been living in a cozy little bubble - in fact, most of us do - and escaping it to venture off into a new world is an opportunity that many of us seldom take advantage of.

And as it turns out, floating around in the pool with a new friend who teaches you how to say everything from “let’s reapply sunscreen” to “cute lifeguard” in French is not a bad way to spend a summer day. Also, watching “Back to the Future” in French is actually way cooler than watching it in English. And surprisingly, there are few things more fun than taking a European around your Southern hometown and watching her stare in shock at the absurd characters and eccentric behavior that epitomize good old ‘Merica. (She participated in Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-a like a true champ).

Strangely enough, she made being home feel more like home.

Talking with an exchange student gave me the opportunity to learn about my own culture through someone else's eyes. While we discussed her first impressions of America - including her assessment of American stereotypes - I was able see aspects of my culture, both good and bad, that I couldn't see without the help of an outside perspective.

My family was so blessed to have her with us, and I'm forever thankful that I got over myself, gave up my room, and consented to a criminal background check for the sake of a beautiful person that I already miss like crazy.

So if you're too afraid to fly, sail, or swim your way into a new place, consider opening your home to someone who's been waiting for the opportunity to do just that.