Imagine arriving to a new city not knowing a single soul. This has been the experience for Italian student and fierce 12th grader Victoria.
Victoria is currently attending El Camino Real Charter High School, and since arriving, she has strived to live each day determined to seize every possible opportunity while in the United States.
Situated in Los Angeles County, El Camino has become the perfect place for Victoria to jump into the American high school lifestyle. An avid volleyball player, she has been able to participate on the Varsity Volleyball team throughout her year in California, which has been a source of joy amidst the balancing of school life and life with her host family. Juggling academics, sports, blossoming friendships, and a new family is no easy feat, but she has met these challenges along the way and has become more confident and independent.
One significant aspect of her time abroad has also been her host family’s welcoming of a new baby in the home. Even within this big change, Victoria has wholeheartedly embraced her host family with open arms. She reflects, “Living with a host family with a baby was a new experience for me, but I really enjoyed it. It made the house feel warm and it didn’t bother me at all.”
Spending Halloween carving pumpkins was another highlight for Victoria; in general, she loves being able to chat with her host family about her day and get to know her host siblings.
Kara, Victoria’s local coordinator, who has been coordinating host family placements for over ten years, echoes this sentiment:
“Victoria is an amazing girl! She has a lot of passion and drive. She dove right into the experience and program and joined volleyball at school which got her connected so well. It really gave her a true experience at our high school. She came here, knowing nobody, and all alone. She now has a huge circle of friends, a family that she can call her own and a full year of great experiences. She will go home a much stronger and independent girl!”
Victoria closes with the following advice for other and future international students on the PSE program:
“Be open-minded, try new things, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.“
Kara agrees. “I would like to encourage her to continue living life at full speed. I would like to encourage her to continue exploring and to continue making life one huge adventure!”
Written by Alexandra Joyaux; Edited by Lauren Lunt