The air is crisp and clean, not a cloud can be seen and the sun shines. A light frost dusts the growing grass. Small puffs of breath hover over the students waiting for their rides home. Despite the chilly spring atmosphere, kids are dressed in light sweaters, even shorts. Most kids, except the particularly tall senior with hair that sweeps upwards and a face splashed with light freckles: Mackenzie Vossen huddles in a thick warm jacket and jeans.

“In Hawaii it was always sunny and warm,” said Vossen. “The cold is torture here.”

Vossen shivers as he recalls the tropical weather of his homeland, the island of Oahu, located northeast off the mainland of Hawaii. He clasps his hands together not only for warmth, but also at the amazement of how Huntley, Illinois contrasts so greatly with the bright island of Oahu. One vast difference is the education. Vossen moved in with his aunt and uncle in the summer of 2012. He had hoped to find a better education because his previous school was not the best. He was in luck.

“Huntley is so much more challenging than my old school,” said Vossen. “It has a great system and the education is rigorous.”

Vossen’s old school was not accelerated enough except, perhaps, the language courses. In Hawaii, elementary students are taught to read, write, and speak the Hawaiian language and may choose to continue after elementary. Vossen did not continue for middle or high school and took summer classes instead.

Moving to a new school not only meant different courses but different people as well. Huntley does not have many people, though. According to Vossen, the population is much smaller here compared to Oahu’s. His home was a developing community with people constantly moving in.

The biggest shock for Vossen, though, when seeing Huntley’s people, was seeing so many caucasians. He grew up surrounded by Hawaiians, Filipinos, Japanese, Samoan, Portuguese, and Vietnamese people.

“The diversity of the school was really surprising, along with the attitude,” said Vossen. “People are so rude here. Hawaii is much friendlier. You would be greeted with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek.”

With so many changes it was a wonder Vossen was able to cope. Upon arrival he had no friends and was bitter, keeping mostly to himself. He often read and studied hard on schoolwork, ignoring most school activities and socializing. As time progressed he opened up, joined a club here, attended a pep rally there. He eventually gained confidence in making friends and balancing school work. With so much going on he had much more to tell his mother, who calls him almost every day.

“I keep in contact with my family,” said Vossen. “My father, mother, and older brother visit us here for the winter holidays and I travel to Hawaii during the summer.”

Vossen wraps his arms around himself in an attempt to block out the breeze. He sighs as the wind brushes his face and creeps down his neck. Despite the extreme weather, harsh citizens, and demanding education, he would not trade it.