How did I end up on a free trip to the US?

During the summer holidays, as part of the Sutton Trust UK-US Fulbright programme, I was given the amazing opportunity to partake in a week-long residential in the US in Boston, where I stayed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
This consisted of many activities, including visiting colleges to find out more about undergraduate study and cultural activities, such as the Boston Tea Party, watching a WNBA game, going to the mall and visiting food markets. I was able to discover the many opportunities that come with attending a US university.
I visited these colleges and universities during my time: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dartmouth College, Amherst College, Bates College, Bowdoin College, Smith College and Harvard University. I was also able to visit 5 states during this time: Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont, which is quite a few for only a week.
It was a very insightful trip as someone considering pursuing undergraduate education in the US, and I was given very valuable information. This wasn’t only a trip, however, it was the beginning of a new chapter in my life as I began to make decisions that determine my future. I took away a lot from this experience of a lifetime, learning about the culture and the difference between liberal arts colleges and research universities. We also had a talent show, and I am happy to say that I was part of the best team. I am very grateful for this experience and the amazing people that I met on this trip as well as my iconic yellow backpack.
Omotolani Olayemi, Year 13