There were a lot of reasons for me to come here. Most of them are for my future and my dreams. I did not expect what I will learn after I came here. Of course lots of knowledge about America and English skill. But, now I realize lots of things. At least, I learned how to learn people, and what I got which I did not know about it before.   It was kind of hard for me to be friendly to this American culture. It was really different than I expected before. The hardness makes me learn. And I was kind of stupid because I thought that I will never have a trouble  with people. But, I still have a trouble and learn  something. Everything my parents told me was right. I have lots of friend right now, and joining lots of club such as SHARP, FCCLA, and it is over but, used to play basketball for school. During the last semester I will do track. I am kind of scared to eat lots of fat food, and am on a diet. :)  I will never forget my second Halloween day. Happy everything cupid day. Thanks giving day, and homecoming day. There was a lot of party and holiday. Since Carla  (another foreign exchange student) came here, I learned  a lot of thing that I did not know. We fought a lot, apologized a lot. But we have fun together and learn each other. But still we have a mission ‘three great big fight’ it will make us the real friend.  And I am such a lucky girl, because host mom Karla and daddy bobby picked me. She is such a thoughtful, wise and gentle woman I have ever seen before. And Daddy Bobby make us always laugh, and when I really need help and feel sad. He never asks me why but makes me smile and really cared us a lot.  Only a few days left, but that is why this moment is such an expensive and important time for me. I will never regret about my choice, and always be thanks to my parents make me come to America. Claire lee (Jeeyoung lee)

Well, as an exchange student I’ve been learned a lot, since my first came here. One of them is the incentive among the families. Parents worry about their children’s activities, like sports, school, and everything else. I also realize that kids participate of school’s activities, everything, and help a lot. As I’m living in a small town, I had the chance to learn more about basketball. I played in Brazil before, but here is awesome. I could learn a lot and I really enjoyed it, it was sad when it finished. And living in the small city I could make more friends easier, go out and find everyone in the same place.  I hope enjoy my last 3 month, and I think it will be better and better, cause I had an awesome opportunity to live with this family, Fiest. They are lovely, and always try to make me happy. I cannot forget the friends, they make me feel comfortable. Carla Radoll

Star Students for May

Clair Lee-Korea Carla Radoll-Brazil Fiest Family

Bobby and I have hosted six exchange students. We are hosting two girls this year. Jee Young “Clair” is from South Korea and Carla is from Brazil. It was confusing at first because my name is Karla. So, they call me “ mum”! the girls have completely different personalities. They act just like sisters! We live in a very small town of 500 people. Most of our exchange student come from big cities. Our community is like one big family. Everyone knows everyone! The girls have been very active in school and have many friends. They like going to the “Wreck Center” or have “movie parties” at the house. When we went to the Capital and Museum in Topeka, they took over 800 pictures! I had forgot how much girls laugh and giggle all the time. They have changed so much in such a short time. They are both very thoughtful. They are always leaving us little notes and candy on our pillow or door. We have had many heart filled talks and we will really miss them when they leave.  *Karla Fiest

I wanted to say THANK YOU to all the wonderful families involved for all you have done this year! I hope this past year has been as rewarding for you, as it has been for my wife and my family! Yes, there are times when I have asked myself, why did I decide to host again? There are times that aren’t as good as some, but the good times always outweigh the trials and tribulations of raising a teenager. The difference you have made in this young person’s life are incredible! You have given him or her the chance to see, and experience our American lifestyle, and have helped to promote peace in a special way.

Rule Reminder!

* Students, remember to use a phone card, or make plans to pay your long distance phone bills up front. You don’t want to leave a “surprise” phone bill behind for your wonderful host family to pay.

Thanks too, to all the GREAT REPRESENTATITAVES this year. Your support and friendships with your students has meant SO much! You really are providing ‘World Class Service’!

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