Page 20 - 2011MillardNorth

PAGES BY MADDIE LORENZEN

an, the Netherlands, and

ermany to the heartland, the foreign exchan

students experienced the ways of

America inside and outside the hallwa~s.

"I saw High School Musical, and to me, made it a struggle to open Lip to students.
Millard North was kind of like the same "I'm from Japan, and it was a challenge
thing!" senior Vanessa Ell mann said. communicating with people that I wanted
Coming overseas from Germany, to be friends with. I couldn't express how
Ellmann gained a whole new perspec- I felt," Kishitani said.
tive of America as she interacted with Although being in a new country came
the students and experienced their life- with the hardships of different languages
style. Whether it was getting in touch and contrasting cultures, it also brought
with American lingo, the "Miss-me" bling the benefits of learning about oneself and
trends, or animated crowds at the football where they come from.
games, the foreign exchange students "Being in a country with differences, I
adjusted to the everyday aspects of high learned so much about my own coun-
school thousands of miles away from try. The things that are normal here, like
their own. wearing socks and slippers together, is
"Oh my gosh, football is such a nice not normal in the Netherlands ," senior
sport! The spirit is amazing and I want to Erik Schapendonk said.
bring that sport to Germany!" senior Kaja Throughout the school year, the ex-
Vesely said. change students learned and experi-
When it came to sports and activities, enced America, using MN as their outlet.
the schools' spirit never ceased to amaze "It's very exciting to be on my own.
the exchange students. However, not When I made it all alone in America, I
"' said.
gained more self-confidence," Ellmann
every moment was awe-inspiring. Forse-
"' Saki Kishitani, the language barrier
nior
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a:

u

namevanessa ellman namesaki kishitani nameerik schapendonk
gradetwelve gradetwelve gradetwelve
countrygermany countryjapan countrynetherlands
shout out" I find it so funny shout out"The one thing shout out" In football, it's
when people ask me about that I miss about Japan are really violent, then the action
Germany. Ame rica and Ger- the showers . Every night, just stops, and then it starts
many are very different, but everyone takes a a hot bath, again. It took a little while to
some students have asked and the feeling is just great! understand, but it's very cool!
me if we had things like air- (However ), I also like the fash - I enjoyed watching it. The
planes and Pepsi [products]!" ion and food in America :' band was awesome , too!"

shout