Arriving at a new school in a new country can be a difficult thing to do, especially when it comes to meeting new people and adapting to the culture. Learning a new language and lifestyle may be one of the most difficult factors when living in a new country.
Batrice Calcagno is a foreign exchange student from Italy who has the chance to live in America and experience life at HHS. She received the opportunity from her English teacher in Italy which brought her to Illinois. Calcagno is at HHS from January to May before going back to school again in Italy.
“I thought Americans would not be sociable,” Calcagno said. “I thought ‘I’m in a new school. I will be a stranger, and nobody will talk to me.’”
Calcagno was wrong about nobody talking to her. On her first day of school, when she got her ID photo taken, someone in the hallway walking by randomly complimented her hair and outfit.
Calcagno finds it fascinating that everyone hands out compliments, even to strangers and teachers. She recalls that it would not happen back at home.
“I love looking forward to [our] class because I know I can always have a good time and talk to her,” classmate and friend Noelle Zajak said.
What makes Calcagno stand out is her bubbly personality and eagerness to meet new people. Despite being nervous about
“She’s very conscientious, very engaged,” math teacher Laura Jenkins said. “She’s very active with her group, which is really impressive to me.”
One may find it difficult to learn and use the vernacular of a new country, but Calcagno’s English is fluent and extensive. She took it upon herself to read books, watch films, and even use social media to help her learn it.
“People talk so fast,” Calcagno said. “I didn’t care if I did [said] something wrong. I just thought, ‘I just have to talk here, because I’m not going to make it at all.”
The media shows a lot of American culture, like Prom. Calcagno has always dreamed of going to Prom, considering they do not have it back in Italy. Because Calcagno is a senior, she fortunately gets to experience this dream of hers.
“Italian people are so excited about it,” Calcagno said. “Like we dream all the time about Prom dresses. I want to feel like a princess. I want to have the little parties there, and I am so excited to see the school and [the theme].”
Her sweet and sparkling personality allows her to connect with others wherever she goes. She may have only been here for almost three months, but Calcagno has had a strong welcome in America while sharing her Italian culture with those around her.
