Moving your life halfway around the globe to a country completely different from your own can be a burdensome task. For Junior Eegii Purevdorj, the decision to move 6000 miles away from home wasn’t a burden but rather a chance to pursue the life she has always desired.

Two months ago, Purevdorj uprooted her life from the capital city of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, to become an exchange student in America. Over the past few years, she has dreamt of traveling the world to chase higher education. Although Mongolia is continuing to make extensive and essential strides in the educational opportunities that are offered, Purevdorj believes America has much more to offer.

“What I like about the classes in America compared to the classes in Mongolia is that they are more creative, involve more teamwork and encourage students to share their opinions,” Purevdorj said. “At Southeast, I like all of my classes because they are classes that I have never had in Mongolia. All my classes are very interesting and expand my knowledge.”

Purevdorj claimed her classes in Mongolia only consisted of science, math, social science and history. There were no options for classes such as pottery, technology and other creative classes. Trying something new, like playing the guitar or taking a business class, has helped to create a special experience for Purevdorj at LSE.

Other than the new class options, Purevdorj has several reasons for chasing a dream in America.

“I wanted to learn about American culture, make new friends, experience American high school life and learn from them,” Purevdorj said. “Here, students have so many different styles, and no one judges them.”

In addition to immersing herself in new classes and American culture, Purevdorj also joined the volleyball team.  On the court, she discovered new friendships — friendships she otherwise would have never found.

While her experience has been positive so far, Purevdorj’s aspirations do not end at attending an American high school.

“After I graduate, I will go to university. I think I will apply to many universities, such as those in the United States, Canada, Australia, and China.”

Despite considering many possible countries that offer exceptional university education, Purevdorj admires and values America most of all.

“I have been dreaming of studying [in] America since 8th grade. America has many top ranked universities that offer high quality education and I want to meet people from all over the world. There are so many opportunities to grow and learn [in America],” Purevdorj said.

Though she has thorough intentions after high school, Purevdorj does not wish to neglect her high school experience. She truly wants classmates to know that she is eager to share her culture and tradition, as she comes from a country very unlike the western world Purevdorj has submerged herself in.

“Mongolia is a country with a rich history, beautiful landscapes and a strong sense of community,” Purevdorj said.

With Mongolia’s rich history come many cultural traditions. A tradition that Purevdorj has partaken in is the Tsagaan Sar, which she describes as, “the most important tradition [in Mongolia].”

As reported by Mongolian Ways, an organization intending to inform people about Mongolia, the celebration of Tsagaan Sar takes place on February 18. The date signals the start of the new year, in accordance with the Mongolian lunisolar calendar. The term Tsagaan Sar means “White Moon” manifesting a purity of intent and whiteness of spirit for the upcoming year.

“It marks the beginning of the new year and the feast of spring, when people honor elders through greetings and celebrate with buuz (dumplings) and various dairy delicacies,” Purevdorj said.

The Tsagaan sar is only one of Purevdorj’s several traditions, all of which hold importance to her. Another festivity celebrated is the National Naadam Festival. According to Purevdorj, it features competitions in the “three manly games” of Mongolia: horse racing, wrestling, and archery.

Purevdorj’s ambitions and eagerness to learn and share, has led her to an entirely new experience in America. According to Purevdorj, she hasn’t been afraid of the transition to the United States, rather excited to scratch that itch she’s had since the eighth grade and eager to share her culture and traditions with fellow classmates.

“I hope to learn from them as much as they learn from me,” Purevdorj said.