Sophie’s New Big Sister By Michaela Walker Host Parent Lake Wales, Florida

Su Hang came to us as a welcome family from China in August with the plan for her to only stay until our Local Coordinator Debi Hardee could find her a permanent home. However, once she came, we wouldn’t let her leave! Our then 6 month old daughter Sophie fell in love with her new big sister right away. Now, Sophie looks forward to Su Hang coming home from school every day and Su will often play with her before doing anything else. They have developed such a neat relationship and we do not look forward to Su returning to China. She grew to be a part of our family and we love her dearly!

This picture shows Su dressed in her traditional dress brought from China. She wore it for the talent show at school when she wrote Chinese Calligraphy while her friend Shen Ye played the piano.

Connections is a biannual newsletter comprised of memorable stories submitted by AYA students, host parents, and Local Coordinators across the USA. The articles and photos inside represent the unique cultural experiences enjoyed by AYA participants nationwide.

A publication of the Academic Year in America Program

New Jocks on the BlockBy Renata Raselia Suyono Student, Indonesia Pamplico, South Carolina

I have a new best friend since I came to South Carolina. Her name is Sarah Zuber, and she is an exchange student from Germany. We both go to the same high school. Hannah Pamplico High School held a Spirit Week right before Homecoming. We had Opposite Day, where the girls have to dress like boys and the boys have to dress like girls. Sarah and I decided to dress like football players. My host dad graduated from Hannah Pamplico too so he gave me his Alma Mater jacket to wear, while Sarah’s host dad gave her his football uniform. We also put on some fake beards and moustaches. Sarah and I talked with heavy voices and walked like a boy. Everybody in school made comments about our outfits! We successfully became New Jocks on the Block!

From the left: Renata Suyono and Sarah Zuber

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AYA Students Represent Their Countries in South Carolina Christmas ParadeBy Dina Berg Local Coordinator and Host Parent Effingham, South Carolina

Many of my students rode proudly in the local Christmas parade in December. The tree in the photo has a “world globe” on the top that Natasha from the Philippines made. The tree is decorated with flags from each student’s home country. The presents under the tree also represent each country. The truck was an advertisement for AYA and all countries represented by the students (who were mostly dressed in their native costume from their country!)

Sizing Up Texas and ChinaBy Luo “Roy” Yuxuan Student, China Victoria, Texas

It’s hard to believe that it has already been seven months since I received the first hug from my host mom, Laura Wier. Time goes by really fast. Everything is exciting, adventurous, meaningful, and most important – different. It is just because of the difference, making my life in America more exciting, more adventurous, and more meaningful.

I had never hugged in Cheng Du, China. Actually, we do not show too much love openly, even if we love somebody so much. Somehow, I never hugged my parents before. People here do hug a lot, and it is just like saying “hi” to friends. With hugs, big smile faces and cool gestures, people in Texas are really warm indeed. You can receive everybody’s salutation, even from people who you do not know at all, which you can never get in my hometown, Cheng Du, a big city with 3 million people.

I live with my host mom who is an LC here in Victoria, and my host brother, Yannick who is from Germany. At the beginning of the year, I got a very strong feeling of culture shock. I remember the first week my friend asked me what was a similarity between China and the U.S. It took so long to find the answer, finally, I said, “In China, we also drive on the right side.” It is hard to believe three people with different nationalities and different cultures living under one roof, but we make it work very well now. Family life is a big part in American people’s eyes, so we do spend a lot of time together. All of us love TV shows like NCIS, CSI and good movies.

Victoria is located in a very nice position in Texas, where it takes about two hours to a lot of good places, such as Houston, San Antonio, Austin and Corpus Christi. This advantage in location offers us a lot of good chances to travel since all of us love to see interesting places. I like the River Walk and Alamo in San Antonio, Natural Science Museum in Houston and University of Texas in Austin. All of those places are very American, and are filled with love, wisdom, discoveries and innovation of American people, which makes me want to travel

there once again. Now the NASA in Houston is still attracting me, and we have to get a good chance to see the well-known space shuttle.

Life in school is also different but exciting. Now, I’m studying in Victoria Memorial High School, which is amazingly big to me, a student from China. I can’t believe my eyes to see such a big campus with two football fields, one baseball field, one track field, one stadium, three gyms, a couple of tennis courts, and several teaching buildings. Students here get a good chance to learn everything they want. I enjoy learning piano this year, since the school offers the class every day. So far, I can play “Fur Elise”, “Entertainer”, “My Heart Will Go On” etc. My host brother Yannick is learning the guitar as well, and he’s getting better. He wants to be a cowboy, since we are in the state of Texas, which has a very abundant cowboy culture. Now, he got his boots, belt, buckle, shirts, hat, and guitar, and a Texan accent – “Yup.”

I’m very happy being here in Victoria for this one year program, and thanks very much for AIFS giving this good chance to enlarge my sight.

My Perspective on Americans: Before and AfterBy Norol-Am Binatara Student, Philippines Nichols, South Carolina

The U.S.A. is a center of technological advancement, show business, education, socialization, fame, wealth and a lot of fancy things. For a nation like this, some people would like to live in it. But the fact is, we don’t realize that happiness is not just materials or fame. Even a small thing can give pleasure and joy to our heart.

Prior to involvement in the Youth Exchange Study Program (YES), a lot of notions, bad and good, are in my head about Americans. They are superior and arrogant are some of the attributes I was thinking about them. These things are the result of watching American movies, which portrays wrong impressions about Americans. But all of these thoughts were deleted as the YES Program opened its door for me to a new adventure.

I am always thinking about why Americans welcome foreign students to their houses that they don’t even know. Why would they open their hearts, homes and pockets for a student who they are not related to? Isn’t it awesome and wonderful seeing a person with one cultural background taking care of another person of another background?

Other people do not have any idea, not even a clue, how people behind this program are working so hard for the student’s papers and documents just to get here in the USA, find them a family and school, and spend so much money for them.

Perhaps Americans are affectionate, diligent, and opposite of those aspects I thought before.

Norol-Am pictured (blue sweatshirt) with his government class.

Surprise Birthday CelebrationBy Larry Townsend Local Coordinator Jacksonville, Arkansas

When the entire waiter staff at Jose’s Mexican Restaurant in Hot Spring plopped a sombrero on Natan Chini’s head and started singing Happy Birthday, the look on Natan’s face was priceless as he yelled, “Why me?” at his 17th year surprise birthday dinner. I guess they don’t do this in Brazil.

Snow in Texas: A Rare Event!By Gerri Manlove Local Coordinator Houston, Texas

Nattakarn Kamnuansil from Thailand enjoyed a rare snow event in Houston, Texas right before Christmas. She is pictured with her host sisters, Alissa and Briell, building a mini snowman!

Thanks to my LC!By Olya Tyo Student, Kazakhstan Ames, Iowa

On the 16th of March, we got together at my LC Nancy Stubbs’ house with her whole family. There were me, Anya (exchange student from Russia) and Carolin (exchange student from Germany). We had a delicious dinner that Nancy made, we talked and shared our experiences with each other while being here in the USA. We had so much fun together.

The next day we left for Minneapolis. We went to this huge mall, Mall of America. We were amazed how beautiful and big it is. We were having so much fun doing shopping. But at the same time we had an assignment to look for as many different nationalities as possible, listen to their talking in different languages and just try to find diversity between them. So while walking through all stores we tried to complete the assignment as good as possible. Then while having lunch we took some notes about what we had seen and counted all nationalities. By the way, we got to talk to a couple people and share our stories. For example we met a lady who was selling smoothies and she was from Mexico. She was very sweet and polite to us. Another lady who was selling jewelry was from South Korea. She told us she moved here 12 years ago with her whole family. And I had a chance to practice my Korean with her. It was very funny. So I think we did a good job. After shopping we had a great dinner at the Rain Forest Café in the mall with Nancy and Tiffany. Then we went to the hotel and hung out there all together. Next day we went shopping again and by 4 o’clock in the afternoon we were on our way back home.

Olya and Carolin in front of the Mall of America.

The main thing I want to say, and we said it to Nancy, was that it was the most amazing trip ever. We had so much fun together. And also this trip made the exchange students much closer to each other. I’m so thankful to Nancy for this trip and everything she does for us. She is the best! I hope we will spend lots of time together in future.

AYA WrestlerBy Ian Dickinson Host Brother of Shams Salim Narsinh Georgetown, South Carolina.

Shams (known as “Sam” in school) is our exchange student from India. He is in the USA from August, 2008 to June, 2009. He is attending Georgetown High school in Georgetown, SC. He is getting a lot of new experience by being an exchange student in America. He is only 16 years old at this time but he is too smart at his age. He is full of energy and has an awesome sense of humor. He is giving a lot of happy moments in our life that we are going to remember forever.

Shams is smart and as well as he is strong. He participated in Wrestling at school this year. He was on the school wrestling team. The wrestling coach is so happy with him. In this season he leads in his profile by 9-2. He did wrestling for the first time in his life. We are really proud of him. We are having such great time by having Shams with us. I hope he will do wrestling in the future again and be connected with it. Also he is getting good with guitar.

My Dream Came TrueBy Sofía De Valenzuela Student, Colombia Florence, SC

When I was a kid, I always had a dream. This dream was about riding a motorcycle with my father in a motorcycle rally. Also, my father, my sister, and I had the dream of hav-ing a bike. My father always said “when I get old and have lots of money, I am going to buy a bike for you; and we can ride together to the ‘Llanos’” (a place in Colombia, South America). In October of 2008, my father’s dream ended when he died; and my dream too. But on March 7, 2009 my dream came true; I rode with my host father on his Honda Gold Wing to Daytona Bike Week.

I always wanted a Harley Davidson bike - powerful, majestic, noisy, in other words, the perfect bike. When I came to the States, I found out that my host father has a motorcycle. This motorcycle is not a Harley Davidson, but it is Honda’s top of the line tour cruising bike. It is orange, big, powerful, majestic, and beautiful, it is like the bike of my dreams. When I saw his bike the first thing that came to my mind was my father’s dream. The first time I rode the bike with my host father we rode to Myrtle Beach in February. That trip was wonderful, but the most exciting experience was the trip to Daytona Bike Week in Daytona, Florida.

The Daytona Bike Week is the most popular motorcycle event in the USA on the east coast. During ten days, hundreds of thousands of riders meet together to ride their bikes, and to go and enjoy the different

types of events around Daytona Beach. People from different places and states, go to Daytona Beach at least for one day to enjoy with other motorcycle enthusiasts. In this event one of the most visited places is a Harley Davidson dealership. In this place you can find more than fifty stores where they sell different stuff for the bikes, or for the riders. This event is not only for men, but also for women, teenagers, and kids. This event took place from February 27 to March 8, 2009.

My dream started to come true when Don asked me if my mom would let me ride the bike with him from Orlando to Daytona Beach. When my mom agreed we packed and we got ready to start our trip. I was so excited than I started counting down the hours to ride the bike. When it was March 7, I woke up very early, and was ready to ride the bike. I was very nervous, but when I saw a huge group of bikes, all my anxieties disappear and I was really happy. Over there, we rode for 8 hours and those were the happiest hours of my life. When we were in Daytona, the first place we stopped was the Honda place; after that, we went to the Harley Davidson place, and over there all my dream came true. I experienced the motorcycle life. In one moment I was surrounded by hundreds of different motorcycles. At that moment I was so excited than I started to cry for joy, and all I could say was, “Thanks Don for making my dream come true.” Now I just want to say that this is the most unforgettable trip I ever had.

My Life Since Living in GermanyBy Heidi E. Flees CBYX Student 2007-2008 Marshfield, WI

Upon my return to the U.S. in July 2008, after spending one year in Germany, I attended World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia. While there I met many people from Germany who were confused by the American (me) in German clothing surrounded by other Americans in American attire. It was great to be able to communicate with them and to be able to share and translate stories in between them and other pilgrims I was traveling with.

This summer I plan to return to Germany for about one month to visit my school, family and friend with whom I am often still in contact with. When I come back to America I will be teaching German summer courses to about 60 -100 elementary students for about two weeks. I am very excited about this and look forward to it with an open mind to reveal new possibilities!

I am currently a senior at Columbus catholic high school in Marshfield, WI where I volunteer my time in the classroom teaching lessons and assisting the students and teacher; I plan to attend college at the university of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a focus on German and education and a minor in business beginning in the fall of 2009.

Heidi leading the Wöv’s scout group in Germany

Making Memories in MontanaBy Nicki and Brad Hoffman Host Parents Custer, Montana

Our family has been very happy to host our exchange student Lena Schuette, from Germany, this year. We have had many fun experiences together, including going to college football games, watching an NBA game in Denver, and skiing at Big Sky, Montana. Lena has fit right into our family, and she and our daughter Lauren get along great! Lena has been involved in many activities our school has to offer. They include volleyball, band, basketball, BPA, and track. Lena is an awesome basketball player and helped our team to an 18 and 5 season. We tied for 1st in our district! She was selected as an all-conference player. We are very proud of her accomplishments during her year in America, and will miss her very much when she returns home.

At a Montana Grizzlies football game! From the left: Andy, Lauren, and Lena

Exchange Students Enjoy Christmas Party With Their Host FamiliesBy Ginger Jeffcoat Local Coordinator King’s Mountain, North Carolina

A mother and daughter team of AYA Local Coordinators, Ginger Jeffcoat and Nikki Corl, enjoyed a Christmas party held in Weddington, N.C. at one their Host Families’ homes in December. Students enjoyed exchanging wrapped ornaments and trying different potluck appetizers that families brought. They also had to put a puzzle of the United States together. The girls did better at this than the boys, who simply enjoyed watching! Some of the students had a few comments to commend and thank their host families. A good time was had by all!

Ginger Jeffcoat, Local Coordinator, Kings Mountain, N.C., Zheng Xiao Yu (China), Xiaomeng Wang (China), Xuan Zhang (China), Kuebra Kara (Germany), Heiner Boeckmann (Germany), Achariya Sanrattana (Thailand), Yekaterina Korneychuk (Russia), Frederic Graf (Germany), Julia Kroehnert (Germany), Tilman Dalibor (Germany), Clara Pontius (Germany), Sebastian Prinz (Germany), Alessandra Schweizer (Switzerland), Anna Cassens (Germany), Nikki Corl, Local Coordinator, Salisbury, N.C.

Loving life in FloridaBy Zulkifli Mukhtar Student, Indonesia Haines City, Florida

Florida is really different than other places in America. It is a nice city with Disney world and Sea World close by. I am so proud with Florida because I am able to enjoy myself with everything there, especially when I went to Disney World with my host brother. My brother and I enjoyed it very much. We went to almost every part of the park, but the most interesting part was the Magic kingdom with the great castle.

At school I have also had a great experience with other students and all my teachers. We share our countries’ cultures with each other. And at school I joined the soccer team. Now I can play very well. I was playing forward and I scored about 7 goals in the 2008-2009 season. I hope this great experience comes in the newsletter, because these things gave me many great memories forever.

A Variety of Cultural Experiences in MissouriBy Matthew Stephens Host Parent West Plains, MO

Our experience this year with the exchange program has been fabulous. Ramon fit into our family perfectly and feels like one of us. He has become a wonderful son to us and a great big brother to the kids. We are so proud of his many accomplishments he has made this year with acting (his first experience in acting). He made it to the state level with a duo in acting. He enjoys the American school system as if offers many extra curricular activities within the school day. He is also on the varsity tennis team. We want to host again sometime.

Ramon says that this exchange has been life changing and he has thoroughly enjoyed this experience which he describes as “very cultural”; from church, to school, to weather, to food, to friends, and some hilarious differences he has greatly enjoyed learning about the American culture.

Ramon and the Stephens family visiting the Arch in St. Louis, MO

Fun in FloridaBy Thiwarat “Tia” Wimolsatitpong Student, Thailand Little Egg Harbor, NJ

This February, I went to Florida for a week. I went with my two host sisters, Tori and Shae Leitz, and my host parents, Rick and Sharon Leitz. We were there for mine and Tori’s birthdays. We went to Walt Disney World and had a ton of fun! It was my very first time on a roller coaster and I loved it! Florida is a lot different from New Jersey, but I like both of them. We went swimming a lot while we were there, which we could not have done in New Jersey, in February. While in Orlando, we met some new friends at our timeshare who we still keep in touch with. We did a ton of shopping while we were there, which is my favorite thing to do. I would love to go back again sometime. I think I will try to go to the Disney Land in Singapore or Hong Kong when I get home to Thailand. America is great and I will make sure to come back and visit my wonderful host family again.

Sharon (Host mother), Nina, Tori, Tia, Shae, Rick (host father)

AYA Scholastic News from West VirginiaBy Kay Thorsteinson Local Coordinator and Host Parent Charleston, West Virginia

to New York City for her and her art teacher. She is considered an “outstanding artist” by her teacher at school. She’s won other competitions; these are just the highlights.

On April, 2,600 students from all over West Virginia competed at Marshall University in Huntington, WV in different academic categories. Kai Xie from China won first in Chemistry and third in Math. Rahman Mustafayev from Azerbaijan won first in Math and third in Physics. I am hosting both boys, and I am very proud of their accomplishments!

My student, Yuliya Pozynich from Kazakhstan, poses in front of her painting that won her a $100 first prize in watercolor for the entire state of WV. She also won first in a poster contest on how to save money – also a state wide competition. In addition she competed for and won a prize for a national contest that included an invitation to travel

NASA Space AdventureBy Cinta Utami Student, Indonesia Tequesta, FL

My spring break was a perfect time for me to do some cultural events during the holiday. My host mother suggested I go to Kennedy Space Center in Titusville, Florida to learn about space shuttles. I was so excited to go. I went there on April 1 with my host mother, Joanna, my friend at school, and my neighbor. In Kennedy Space Center, I was not only seeing and learning the history about the first man who went to the moon or the first shuttle launch but I also learned some new things. I never thought that expeditions to space made so many contributions to this world outside typical space things. I thought space is only dealing with stars, planets and galaxies. But after I visit Kennedy Space Center, I learned that by exploring outside our beloved planet, Earth, we could possibly do much health research in places with zero gravity. They have discovered many things such as: tools for early detection of breast cancer, microorganism to prevent food poisoning, and many other enormous discoveries in our life. It was a very good opportunity for me to know and learn the facts and see how they work by visiting the place directly.

There are so many places to go in Kennedy Space Center area and I wish I could stay longer and come back later. I felt that one day was not enough for me to learn all of the cool things that NASA does. That’s also how I feel about staying in this country; I wish I could come back one day with my family to meet my host family.

The next day – still in my spring break – my host mother and I had lunch with AYA’s Regional Director, Matt Sacco, on his vacation to Jupiter, Florida. Talking about exchange year encouraged me to do many more things while I’m still here. This year, however, is the most unforgettable year ever in my life.

Cinta and her friend from school, Marcella Shull

TravelerBy Yanzi Zhu Student, China Liberal, Kansas

This is Yanzi Zhu. I come from Nanjing, China and I am hosted by Miles Boucher, who is a postman, during the 2008/2009 school year. Since I came to Liberal, KS in August, I have experienced a lot, and I believe I will experience more in the rest 6 months. Miles and I are not only father and son, but also friends. We both like to go traveling. We have been in so many places together in United States, such as KS, OK, TX, NM, AZ, and CO. We are good travelers. I enjoyed traveling to those places. I learned many things in United States. For example, if the route numbers are odd, they are north-south direction. I take trips not only out of Liberal, but also in Liberal. Though Liberal is not a big city, I can always find fun with my friends here. I have a best friend called Kevin. We go to many places in Liberal. It is very fun! These memories will live in my heart forever and I will treasure them always.

Yanzi’s host father took him and two other friends to Glorieta, NM. Pictured from left to right are Nick, Yanzi, Luis, and host father Miles.

My Exchange Year in TexasBy Yannick Koester Student, Germany Victoria, Texas

For years I wanted to do an exchange year in the USA. I only had heard and seen about the U.S. on TV. I talked to my parents and they were immediately supportive. So in 2007 I signed in for the program and got an interview. I was so relieved when they finally told me that they accepted me. About two weeks later I got all the paperwork in the mail, and then the waiting started. I had to wait a couple of months until I finally got my host family information.

A couple of months later I walked off the plane and got immediately hit by a wall of heat. Then I realized that I was in the middle of Texas in a smaller city, where I would spend the next ten months. At the airport I was welcomed by my host mother and my supervisor. Both seemed really nice even though I had a hard time understanding them. A couple of weeks later we took another student with us in our home. He is from China. When we both went the first day to school it was confusing, but mostly I was just amazed by the size of my school. The school has about 3,000 students. My school in Germany barely had that many. But not only was the number of students impressive, but the campus was too. The school has even its own stadium while schools in Germany don’t even have their own teams. It was really interesting to experience what I had only seen on TV, actual school pride. Students, and people from town, would come and watch and cheer for the home team.

I still learn something new every day and almost everything I do is an adventure because I do it with my American friends, the American way. I just fell in love with Texas and the people that live there. I actually don’t miss Germany at all and would love to live here, but I can’t be without my friends and family, even though I have now a second family here in Texas; not only a family, I have a second life here! But now I am looking forward to going home, even though it’s going to be so hard to say good bye to my friends here.

The whole year was a lot of hard work, stress and disappointments but it was even more fun, exciting and joyful; I don’t regret one bit of it. And I only can encourage everyone who has the opportunity to be or to host an exchange student to use this opportunity!

Top StudentKevin Kelson Teacher Ranchview High School, Texas

As a teacher, rays of hope stream into your room daily but every once in a while you meet a young person who just lifts your spirit. Such was the case in my encounter with Erxin Du from China. I was playing the piano in my room and Erxin quietly peeped in and asked if she could play. Well playing would be an understatement. Delightful music filled the air as she played with such poise and effortless ease. I was in charge of organizing a band to perform a benefit concert for the basketball team and immediately asked Erxin if she would help. She graciously accepted and performed on such classics as “Crazy” and “Love Is.” It was easy to recognize her innate aspiration to succeed and so I recruited her for the Texas UIL Number Sense team as well. Once again she accepted. Besides playing piano for The Lonesome Wolf Band, a collection of the schools most talented musicians, she also played piano for the orchestra. I am truly thankful for the exchange program in acquainting me with a delightful young lady whose quiet spirit soars with a genuine kindness rarely seen. I’m proud to be included in her circle of teachers.

The members of Lonesome Wolf Band are Devin Coker, Erxin Du, Christiane Zamudio, Siam Chowdhury, Roberto Galindo Perez, Kevin Kelson, Hamilton Pyburn, Ashley Peterson, Christyl Mohler, Stephanie Inmon, Ethan Van Wright.

Living It Up in FloridaBy Stacy Pelham Local Coordinator and Host Parent Lakeland, FL

On December 6, 2008, LC Debi Hardee and I had an exchange student get-together for the holidays. We had around 40 exchange students that attended. We had a great time eating BBQ and dishes from different countries. Then we did a White Elephant gift exchange with the students. We enjoyed a bonfire to end the wonderful evening.

I also took a group of students to Sea World in November. We had a great time. The kids really seemed to enjoy themselves and loved riding the roller coaster.

I also took a group of students to Universal Studios in December and they had a blast. They LOVE riding roller coasters and they thought The Hulk was the “bomb!” We also enjoyed the Spiderman simulator.

Our Girls’ Special AccomplishmentsBy Pat Evans Local Coordinator and Host Parent Ubly, Michigan

During the holidays, our girls went to 3DYC (3 District Youth Conference). During this time they participated in basketball, in which they won a first place medal, volleyball, ping pong and Worship Group performance. Buabongkoj “Annie” Punnanan (Thailand), Hyun Jeong “Helen” Lee (South Korea) and Gabriela “Bela” Wiesent (Germany) took first place in the Worship Group. Annie began taking guitar lessons and learned to play with Bela, who plays the piano, and Helen, who plays the violin. This gifted trio we fondly call “The Foreigners” routinely plays at our church for specials and youth services. We are so proud of our girls. Bela and Annie live with my husband Clayton and I, while Helen lives with John and Cheryl Rzendzian.

Group photo of the Lakeland/Winterhaven Florida group of Debi Hardee and Stacy Pelham

Xingman Liu from China, Annika Volkmann from Germany, Daniela Rusteberg from Germany, Alicia Hoff from Luxembourg, Jian Long (Ben) from China and Makayla, Stacy’s daughter who is adopted from Guatemala

Bela, Annie and Helen proudly display their first place medals from the 3DYC Conference

Attention AYA Students:Do you want other AYA students to have a wonderful exchange year like you? You can “Pass the Torch” by helping AYA find loving host families for students arriving this August. You can even earn money for referring each family that agrees to host!

Simply tell us the names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of people you know who could be great hosts for an AYA exchange student, and we will contact them about hosting. You will earn $100 for each family on your list who hosts a 2009 AYA student.

E-mail your referrals to Stella Jacaruso at sjacaruso@aifs.org or call her at 800.322.4678 ext. 5164

My Two SonsBy Laura Wier Host parent Victoria, Texas

I am a local coordinator and host mom in Victoria, Texas. I have been a host mom to 15 students during the past 17 years as a local coordinator. My son Anthony has grown up with brothers and sisters from all over the world. This year I had the opportunity to host two amazing students, Yannick Koester from Germany and Roy (Luo Yuxuan) from China. I first picked Yannick to become my German son. Last August, I was asked to consider taking Roy into my home as a welcome family. I can remember him arriving here at the airport. He was so tired from the flight all the way from China, being on the plane and in so many airports along the way. About a week later, because of Hurricane Ike threatening the Texas coast, we were asked to evacuate. Here were these boys, being in a different country with a new family and having to deal with a hurricane too. It was an adventure that we all survived together. We stayed a couple of days in a beautiful state park in the middle of Texas, and had a chance to start getting to know each other.

After a couple of weeks I decided to host Roy permanently as one of my sons. I’m glad I did. Here we are, three different cultures living in one house, learning about each other’s way of life.

Even though I’ve had so many foreign sons and daughters in my home, I am still learning new things about different cultures and history every day, and teaching them about ours. It’s so interesting, listening to the stories they tell. The boys are so different in their ways, they get along together most of the time, but every once in awhile they have their differences; that’s what brothers do. Yannick is tall, 6’1, with blonde hair and blue eyes who loves to sleep, and gets through his classes without having to study too much. Roy, who is short, has dark hair, gets up early and studies hard and is on the A

honor roll. They are both musically talented and very special people who have become my sons during their stay here and for the rest of their lives.

They are attending a large high school here in Victoria. I am so proud of each one for their accomplishments. We enjoyed attending the high school football games and basketball games during the year together. Soon they will experience their first prom that is coming up in a couple of weeks. Oh, they’re going to look so handsome in their tuxedos.

Now this year is almost over. Time goes by so fast. I will have to say goodbye to each one. They arrived as strangers who have grown and changed and become members of my family. My life is richer for knowing them. I want them to know that I love them and thank them for their friendships, love and joy they’ve brought into my home. The most difficult time as a host mom is to let them go at the end of their stay. You remember all of the good times you have had together, treasured moments, and forever friendships. Thank you Yannick and Roy for the experience this year. I will never forget you.

River Plaza | 9 West Broad Street | Stamford, CT 06902-3788

800.322.4678 | www.academicyear.org

AYA Staff DirectoryMelanie FrenchDirector

Alexis MasonField Staff Administrator

Patti StackProgram Operations Manager

Mailyn CalvarPlacement Coordinator

Christophe PetibonInternational Enrollment Coordinator

Sheila FomenkoCBYX and AYA Outbound Program Administrator

Michele RossaPlacement Manager

Sarah FergemannCompliance and Grants Manager

Annie SmithApplications Coordinator

Alisha CollinsRegional Director

Ana DislaGrants and Compliance Coordinator

Matt SaccoGrants Regional Director

Melissa GulledgeTraining Manager

Lori BergherrDeputy Director

Heather GriffithCompliance Coordinator

Laura MoorhouseRegional Director

Lisa DeBeradinisRegional Director

Charlene GarciaRegional Director