Diary from the States, Day 4 | Saturday, Los Angeles

An early wake-up, a grey, uniform sky that soon gives way to a full, vivid blue — finally bright — with the sun immediately warming the air and lighting up the campus spaces. It’s Graduation Day. At the UCLA campus, families arrive dressed with care, flowers in hand, smiles as wide as the future awaiting their children.

Names echo from the stage, one after another. Applause, cheers, embraces. A day to remember — a finish line and a new beginning. The colorful caps and gowns, the contagious celebration, happening right next to our training ground, where the full squad comes together, ready for another day of work.

The pitch turns black and blue. Inter trains while, all around, American life celebrates its rituals. The group is complete — running, sweating, building unity. Coach Chivu’s voice mixes with the sounds of the celebration.

The day flies by, full of moments. Fans gather at the sidelines, looking for a photo, an autograph, a smile. The enthusiasm is contagious. Just like the sun, which hasn’t stopped shining all day.