by Sara-Jessica Dilks

Junior Kathy Zhang sits in the St. Teresa’s Academy Commons, smirking at the plate of syrup-drenched pancakes in front of her (video of this is available here). Surrounded by ten eager classmates, she is bombarded with carefully articulated questions about herself. When asked about her favorite television show, Zhang responds simply, “Gossip Girl. I like Chuck and Blair.” When another student inquires why she doesn’t have a Twitter account, Zhang must explain that most social networking sites, including Facebook, Twitter and Youtube, are “not allowed by [the Chinese] government”. With a Dart videographer, camera and tripod nearby, Zhang’s reaction to her first taste of an American-style pancake has stirred up much anticipation. After taking a bite, Zhang flashes a smile to those who surround her. “It’s good…yeah.”

It’s one of the first uniquely American customs Zhang has experienced since she arrived as an exchange student from her home in the metropolitan city of Guangzhou, China through the study abroad program CIEE. The program matched her with a “host mom”, Jennifer Dye, a Kansas City local who works at Operation Breakthrough.

“I had always [thought], ‘Oh, if I stay in America what will I do? How to make friends? How should I stay with my host family?’” Zhang said. “All because this is a very important [step] in my life.”

According to Zhang, the primary reason why she wants to attend high school in the United States is because she “wants to learn more about the American life”. However, American pop culture is not entirely new to Zhang, who enjoys watching the Twilight movies and listening to Taylor Swift. Her favorite songs include “You Belong With Me” and “Never Ever Getting Back Together”.

On Zhang’s first day in America, she describes how she felt “nervous and scared”, especially since English is not her first language.

“[There were] many things I didn’t know and I felt horrible,” Zhang said.

Despite her initial anxiety, Zhang recognizes St. Teresa’s students and teachers in helping her to transition to her new life here, which she describes as being “harder than I thought it would be”.

“This school is so nice and the girls are also. The teachers always help me because sometimes I don’t know [how to do something].”

In addition, Zhang plans to live in Kansas City for one year and is also hopeful to attend university in America once she finishes high school.

“I knew what [Kansas City] would look like [because] I googled it and saw pictures and thought, ‘Ohhh!’” Zhang said.

When asked about her favorite part of the United States so far, Zhang replies with a smile. “I like the people.”