50 Stories for 50 Years: Axel Arheden ‘08
To celebrate our 50th anniversary year during 2018/19, we collected stories and profiles of people and institutions that have helped us build our organization, which first began as one person's dream in 1968. We will feature one story per week on our blog. Please enjoy these “50 for 50” profiles featuring ASSIST's dedicated board members, dynamic staff, welcoming host families and enthusiastic ASSIST Scholars.
Axel Arheden '08
Sweden, Community School of Naples
When I look back at my life, I recall a few experiences that had a significant impact on me and shaped me as a person. These are the experiences I will never forget, because they gave me something special to bring with me on my journey through life. My ASSIST year in Naples, Florida was one of these formative experiences.
I have many memories from my year at Community School in Naples. I particularly enjoy remembering my welcome as a new student at my school. From the first day, I felt like I was part of Community School. My teachers, fellow students, and my host families did a wonderful job of introducing me to the community and allowing me to become part of the life and spirit of the school. I was lucky to build friendships that lasted well beyond my ASSIST year. Today I still stay in contact with friends I made during my ASSIST year.
I also remember that my ASSIST year pushed me to grow as person. Moving to the USA as an 18-year-old felt like leaving a safe space in my life and taking a step into the unknown, and it was challenging at times. Now I have the perspective to see that dealing with the transition to a new country, school, and family made me live much more in the here and now, which turned out to be a wonderful thing. I believe that being more present and mindful in everyday activities made me live my ASSIST experience in a different, more happy way.
Four years after my ASSIST year, at the age of 23, I was diagnosed with acute leukemia. Today I am in remission, and the check-ups look fine. Due to the immense challenges of the treatment, I truly found myself living in the here and now, just as I had during my ASSIST year. I accepted my life situation one day at a time, as it unfolded in the present.
Today I am grateful for the experiences, both happy and sad, that have had a lasting impact on my life. They have led me to find the here and now and to live more intentionally in the present moment each day. I believe that they have created a long-lasting change in my personality and outlook, and I hope to bring this change with me through the rest of my life.
About Axel :
Axel is currently studying to become a psychologist at Örebro University in central Sweden, and expects to graduate in 2020. He plans to pursue a career in counseling, and he hopes particularly to work with university students as they find their way in life.