文：夏維綱 中華民國四健會協會

　　這三個月的美國四健州際青少年春季筆友計畫，對我而言不僅是一場語言學習的旅程，更是一次深刻開拓視野的跨文化冒險。回顧從四月份的啟動配對，到六月份的正式結案，這段期間我的成長清晰可見。我從一開始撰寫簡單、生硬的自我介紹，到後來能與美國筆友 Dessa 進行高流動性的深度對話，每一個文字的往返都充滿了驚喜與收穫。

　　在交流初期，我內心確實感到有些焦慮與緊張，總是反覆檢查文法，擔心自己的英文表達不夠道地或不夠流利。然而，隨著官方每週貼心提供的建議主題，如學校生活、精彩的社團經歷以及對未來的夢想藍圖等，我開始卸下心防。我學會了如何透過主動提問與真誠分享來延續話題，讓冰冷的螢幕互動變得溫暖。

　　在所有話題中，最令我印象深刻的是關於「教育體系」與學習環境的交流。當我向 Dessa 分享臺灣學生面對頻繁且高壓的定期段考、補習文化時，她感到非常驚訝。我們隨即針對兩國學生面對學業壓力的不同紓壓方式，展開了深入的探討。這種思維與文化的直接碰撞，讓我深刻意識到，原來世界觀的差異與生活型態的不同，可以透過文字如此具體且震撼地感受。此外，我們也熱烈地聊到了關於臺灣的在地飲食特色，特別是臺灣獨特的茶文化與風靡全球的珍珠奶茶。在向她介紹這些美食的過程中，不僅引發了她濃厚的興趣，也讓我深刻體會到，臺灣擁有非常多元且引以為傲的飲料與美食底蘊，無形中也加深了我對本土文化的認同感。

　　這段時間的密集交流，徹底改變了我的溝通模式，讓我學會了不再只是被動地回答問題，而是學會主動分享自己的生活瑣事與獨特的文化觀點。我發現，只要保持開放的心態與禮貌的態度，跨越語言障礙與文化隔閡並非難事。透過這次難得的計畫，我發現自己不僅在英文聽說讀寫的實力上有了顯著提升，更因為結交了 Dessa 這位真誠的美國朋友，而對未來的國際交流與世界舞台充滿了前所未有的信心。

　　這段筆友關係雖然在官方活動結束後暫時畫下了句點，但我堅信我們的友誼與故事才剛開始，未來的日子裡我們依然會記得這次的交流，衷心感謝這次四健會協會舉辦的活動帶給我如此珍貴且無可取代的體驗，它讓我學會欣賞世界上不同的文化差異，並學會以更寬廣、包容的心胸去面對這個多元的世界。

This three-month 4-H Pen Pal Exchange Program has been far more than a simple language-learning journey for me; it has been a meaningful cross-cultural experience that broadened my horizons. Looking back from being matched with my pen pal in April to the official conclusion in June, I can clearly see how much I have grown during this period. I went from writing simple and somewhat rigid self-introductions at the beginning to having more natural and meaningful conversations with my American pen pal, Dessa. Every exchange of words was filled with surprises and rewards.

In the early stages of the exchange, I admittedly felt somewhat anxious and nervous. I found myself repeatedly checking my grammar, constantly worried that my English was not natural or fluent enough. However, as we followed the interesting weekly topics provided by the organizers—such as school life, club experiences, and future dreams—I gradually became more relaxed. I learned how to keep conversations going through proactive questions and sincere sharing, turning online conversations into warm and meaningful connections.

Among all the topics we discussed, the most memorable was our exchange about the education system and learning environments. When I shared with Dessa the pressure of frequent and important exams and the cram school culture that many Taiwanese students experience, she was very surprised. We then had an in-depth discussion about how students in both countries manage and relieve academic stress in different ways. These differences in mindsets and cultures made me realize how strongly different worldviews and lifestyles can be felt through written communication. Furthermore, we enthusiastically talked about Taiwanese food, especially our unique tea culture and the globally popular bubble milk tea. Introducing these foods not only sparked her interest, but also made me appreciate Taiwan's rich and diverse food and beverage culture even more, which deepened my sense of cultural identity.

This period of intensive exchange completely changed the way I communicate. I learned to stop passively replying to questions and instead began to proactively share the little details of my daily life and my own cultural perspectives. I discovered that as long as we have an open mind and a polite attitude, overcoming language and cultural barriers is not as difficult as I once thought. Through this valuable program, I not only improved my English skills, but also gained more confidence in future international exchanges, all thanks to making a sincere American friend like Dessa.

Although our formal pen pal exchange has come to an end with the conclusion of the official event, I firmly believe that our friendship and story are just beginning. We will surely cherish the memories of this exchange in the future. I am sincerely grateful to this 4-H activity for giving me such a precious and unforgettable experience. It has taught me to appreciate cultural differences around the world and to face this diverse world with a more open and inclusive mind.