Exchange Student from Guatemala Reflects on Her Time at APH
Each fall, an APH family hosts an exchange student from Guatemala and this year, we were delighted to welcome Claudia G. While she was with us during the past two months, Claudia did an excellent job of immersing herself in all elements of school life. On Friday, December 7th, her final day at APH, Claudia gave a presentation to the entire school during Morning Meeting. She shared family photos and described what her school and social life are like back home. We are all grateful to have gotten to know Claudia and wish her all the best for her very bright future!
Claudia shared the following reflection about her time at APH:
At first I wasn’t sure about coming here because I’m really close to my family, but at the same time I knew it will be a big step in my life. The first couple of days were a really big challenge. New family, new school, and not so many friends as I’m used to having. Days felt like an eternity since I was trying so hard to fit into a completely different culture. I used to count the days to see how many I had left before going home, but now I don’t want to leave. I have mixed feelings; I’m excited to see my family and friends because I miss them so much, but I got to meet such good people here and now I’m worried I may never see them again. Sometimes I wish I could be in two places at once; that way I won’t miss anyone, but life doesn’t work like that.
Coming here was probably the best experience I’ve had in my entire life. I had went to my first USA concert, a charity event, and I met some amazing people there, a high school football game with a really good friend I met here, and I even tried my first salad. If you ask, I’m not just proud of myself for having the courage to come here, I’m really thankful for the amazing opportunity I had. I am 100% sure I won’t forget every single one of you and you will always have a very important place in my heart.
The feeling is mutual, Claudia. We will never forget you and you always have a family here at APH!