The Mortenson Associates Program officially kicked off on June 2 and will continue until June 25, 2025, offering a full three and a half weeks of learning, sharing, and global connection. This year’s theme, Libraries Unbound: Open, Inclusive, and Engaged, truly sets the tone for what lies ahead.

Getting here for my very first visit to the United States was an unforgettable journey. I traveled solo, and every leg of the trip brought a new experience. It began with a two-hour flight from my hometown, Miri in Sarawak, to Peninsular Malaysia. From there, I took a seven-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur to Qatar. The next stretch was the longest: 15 hours in the air from Doha to Chicago. Finally, I boarded a one-hour domestic flight that brought me to Urbana-Champaign, my destination.

In total, the journey lasted more than 25 hours, including time spent waiting at transit airports. It was the longest trip I’ve ever taken, filled with anticipation and excitement and with good reason. I arrived with high hopes and expectations for the Mortenson Associates Program, knowing it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.