Yana Maraka- Foreign Exchange Student and Knight Life Reporter

The best things that happen to you are the things you didn’t plan,I never planned to apply to become an exchange student; it just happened. But it is the best thing that has ever happened to me and I would never change it for anything, I’ve only been here for two months but the amount I’ve grown, the things I learned and the amazing people I’ve met in that short amount of time is fascinating.

If I had to describe being an exchange student in one word that would be ‘bittersweet’ because you’re a thousand miles away from everything you’ve ever known, your family,friends and your daily life you’ve gotten used to. But, at the same time, you’re here with your new friends and your host family and you’re starting to get used to your new life.

I believe the people who help me the most throughout my year are my host family, especially my host parents Walt and Allison Parker, I appreciate everything they do for me and without them I don’t know how i would go on with my year.

The other exchange students in Florence make my experience much better too, My favorite thing to do on the weekends is hang out with them and my local coordinator, Dina Berg she’s like my adult bestfriend.