By Alissah Poppema
It’s an exciting year this school year as MMCRU has 3 foreign exchange students. They are all excited to experience America and our school.
Lillian Benke, 16, is from Frankfurt (Oder), Germany and is liking MMCRU a lot. The people are nice and she loves the school spirit. Lilly wants to learn how to speak English fluently, she wants to learn about American culture, and meet a lot of new people. Lilly’s family consists of her mom, step-dad, sister, and her boyfriend. Her family is super fun and they are always there for her when she needs them. Lilly was not in any sports back home. At MMCRU she is on the volleyball team and is thinking about becoming a basketball cheerleader. Lilly likes to read, meet new friends, and play the piano. Lilly claims she is both an introvert and an extrovert. She is outgoing, but sometimes she just wants to be left alone. She would like to visit Paris one day. Lilly likes America so far. The school spirit is a whole different world, which is not that present back home. She said everyone at MMCRU is friendly and welcoming.
Arianna Chiechio, 17, is from Italy and is happy at MMCRU. Ari wanted to come to America not only to learn English but to also see other cultures, meet new people, and to become more independent. Her family is kind and helpful. Ari did not play sports until about a year ago. She loves to play sports because it is healthy for the body and the mind. She is on the MMCRU cross country team, and would like to do more speed athletics. Ari likes to listen to music, draw, play sports, hang out with friends, and cook. Ari is more of an introvert. She likes to be around people but she likes her space, too. Ari wants to travel to Florida or California. Ari’s least favorite things about America are junk food and too much air-conditioning. Ari likes America. There are many differences to Italy. The teachers are sensitive and helpful, and they are more interested in the students.
Alexander Maximilian Stridde (Max),16, is from Hamburg, Germany and so far likes MMCRU. He wants to experience American life and he loves the MMCRU school spirit. Max said that his host father, Roy Tucker, is very passionate about what he does. Back home, Max did martial arts, such as Jiu Jitsu, on a regular basis. He also skied and windsurfed. At MMCRU, Max is on the football team and is thinking about playing basketball. He likes to bake, cook, play sports, programing, photography, and videography. Max is an extrovert, he is very outgoing. Max would like to visit the Great Wall of China. Max’s least favorite thing about America is that America is missing the commitment to protect the climate. Max likes America because it is different.