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Larissa "Elle" Chanrasmi
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2004-05 Inbound from Thailand
Date of Birth: February 7, 1989
Hometown: Yala, Thailand
Sponsor: Yala Rotary Club, District 3330, Thailand
Host: South Jacksonville Rotary Club, District 6970, Florida USA
School: Douglas Anderson School of the Arts
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| Bio |
| Arrival |
| August 24 Journal - "First time in
America, I have to say that it was not as I imagine it would be in the
movies I saw." |
| August 29 Journal - "Many things
happened in my life. This life, which is not as it seems to be like before,
new cultures, new people, new experience and new thoughts." |
| September 9 Journal - "Our friend’s
house is very beautiful; the inside is so nice and classic. I don’t have
pictures anyway so, just imagine a pretty house ah…whatever is on your
mind." |
| September 27 Journal - "I never
thought I was funny. Well I do like to tell jokes and make people laugh but
I never thought it would work for me." |
| November 29 Journal - "When we got
back home, me and my host sister decided to make hot chocolate with chili
pepper in it…The chili pepper really helped, it is really freshening." |
| January 8 Journal - "All of us went
down to the circle of the Landing, the guys ran to the stage where there was
a band playing, they started dancing, and made the other people dance too." |
| March 3 Journal - "Me, from a 15 year
old typical young Asian girl that has opened her eyes to the real world of
looking after herself, now has changed into a 16 year old grownup-to-be
lady." |
| March 12 Pictures - Lots and lots of pictures from Elle |
| May 18 Journal - "Thank you for
everything that you have sacrificed for me. I really appreciate it. This
year is going to be unforgettable; nobody shall take away this memory from
me." |
| June 18 Journal - "Getting on the
plane again for 11 hours, trying to think what will it be like when I get
back. How will my parents react? Most important to me, how will I react?" |
| Reflections from back home (August 12)
- "I walked halfway up what I have deemed my favorite mountain in the
world and drank water from a pristine waterfall straight from the mountain." |
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Elle's
Bio
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Hi! My
name is Elle and only 15 years old (am I the youngest?). I’m from the
southernmost of Thailand in a place called Yala, which is near Malaysia,
could say it sticks together. I hope the best for my one and only year
because I am all on my own to develop my childishness into a strong
girl.I do have
a lot of hobbies, such as singing, drawing, playing piano (not that
good). My real family, the members are my dad, my mom, my little sister,
my grandpa and my 4 dogs. I just hope that this will be my best
year…..and I believe it will be.
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Arrival
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Arriving in Jacksonville, Elle was welcomed by three host families. To
the left of Elle is our 2003-04 outbound to Thailand, Joy Lawrence. Host mom
Liz is at far right, while host dad Fitz is behind the balloons. |
August 24 Journal
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Oh well, here is my first journal ever. And all of you
are reading this. My name is Elle, of course you have already known me
when I introduce myself in my bio. First time in America, I have to say
that it was not as I imagine it would be in the movies I saw. America is
like a place for leadership, a place which nearly people from around the
world gather around here in the states. Even though I’ve been here for
like only a month but I’m starting to know more and more about it. (But
not from the American history subject, I just don’t understand at all!).
The people here are so nice to me, when I was all alone
at Chicago airport, I kinda got lost there, but well I have to look
after myself, luckily some people helped me out, Phewww!!! Since first
step to Jacksonville (At 1 in the morning), I was so excited to meet Al
and all of my host families, as I walked to the exit gate I kept
wondering… "Gosh, what will they think of me?, will I impress them?, Am
I going to get nervous"…who knew? But when I finally entered the exit
gate, a warm welcoming made me felt so good. Anyway, my host family is
so nice, Dad Fitz is very funny (Thanks for helping me on the Civil war
essay), he is a good cook too. Mom Liz is a very kind woman, funny and
beautiful, my host sister Masha is such of a goofball, she is pretty and
really funny. Their dog Sebastian is a real greedy dog but cute. Before
school started I had a chance to go to Warped tour, a punk rock concert,
I’m really not punk but anyway. You never find such cool concert like
these. Then I also had the chance to go to swing dance with Joy, rebound
student who was in my country last year. So happy I finally know how to
do swing dance! Yippee!!!
Finally
school, I love the school I’m studying, because it
is an art school. Students at DA are so
nice; they are not racist at all. Not like other schools (as I heard
from other exchange students which I’ve met at inbound orientation). My
arts area is Vocal, I love singing very much. And I’ve also made many
friends here (two in the picture at right).
I think that’s all for now, it is really long for the
first journal. I even enjoy doing it. Anyway, this is dedicated to my
real family, my old friends, my host family, my American friends, my
exchange student friends and Rotary…
Pai laew norrrr!!!!!!! (Good-bye)
Elle ^_^
PS: Did I mention that Al Kalter looks like my dad?
Well take a look!

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August 29 Journal
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Life oh life, second journal. Time just keep passing by and I
already feel like I was here forever. Many things happened in my life. This
life, which is not as it seems to be like before, new cultures, new people, new
experience and new thoughts. I’m just still the little youngest girl, with young
thoughts in this program right now, but I believe that one day it will change,
as many other exchange students used to be like me before they came here, and
went back with the most precious memory and gift. Can you start your journal now
Elle?!…(Sorry).
Last Friday Karine (from Brazil) invited me to sleep over
at her house. Her house was very beautiful; the surprising thing for me
is that Ling (02-03) from Thailand used to live there! Whoa!!!…. @_@…
Anyways, I did have a great time there. Saturday I came back to my house
and someone else is inviting me out to sleep over again! It was Kathleen
(Joy), my second host sister and rebound from Thailand. She invited me
to watch movies at her house and make pizza. She invited other of her
friends, Rochelle who came back from France, Luisa from Germany, and
other of her friends. We watched Gremlins, it was funny+scary. I really
miss that movie. Gismo! Bright lights!!! Steven Spielberg rocks!!!!
School is fun, but sometimes can say it is boring. I had
many many tests to do and quizzes and home works. Gosh it is so tiring,
but well can’t help it. I gotta attend school for sure. I’m practicing
some songs with my chorus, it is fun to learn new warm ups I have never
done before. I am making many friends and they all help me.
I haven’t told you about the Inbound Orientation yet
right? Well, that’s the best thing for me because there, we are all
exchange students. We have the same feeling, same thoughts, might be
different cultures of course but for sure is, we all have the same
obstacles that are facing us. And each of us is all trying to fight away
the fear. I made a lot of friends there and the best part for me was
when we swam in the lake, dance at night and rock climbing and rope
challenges. I really wanna do that again.
A very long writing journal time for me has already
ended, I promise that I will be back to tell stories again in the next
episode. See you all around!
Adios! Hasta luego! Sayonara! Jaijian! Chao! Avidasen!
Guten Naugh! La-korn! Bye!
Elle…L
PS: Pictures!!!!!

Orientation - can you find me? |

Elle's "eight crazy nights" |

Family night - Bar-B-Q!!! |

Really crazy, my shoes! |
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September 9 Journal
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Ok, first thing I have to say in this third journal is…I HATE
Septembers. Everything bad happens, I haven’t attend school for so long,
Hurricanes are wiping out the city, people are suffering from living without
electricity, trees are always coming down, people are moving out and why do they
have to know that Elle?
My apologies, let’s start shall we?
Since
Hurricane Frances came to hit Florida, my host parents and me had to
move out for a while. We moved to Atlanta Georgia, to a friend’s house.
It was like 5 years whoops! 5 hours from here to there. Until we got
there it was already like 10:30 and we were all exhausted from the road
trip. Our friend’s house is very beautiful; the inside is so nice and
classic. I don’t have pictures anyway so, just imagine a pretty house
ah…whatever is on your mind. They took us around Marietta Road, which
nearly all the shops there was decorated in a country classic way, and
it is so nice and peaceful. I’m really glad I had a chance to visit a
beautiful place like that. Well when we got home nothing happened to our
house and the power is still working, lucky me…he he he.
I had a
chance to attend the Jacksonville Rotaract meeting; indeed I had to
speak there. I met Luisa from Germany and Karine from Brazil. Also I met
rebound students, there were Rochelle/France, Joy/Thailand (My land! ^^)
and Michael/Germany. I had a chance to give them the Rotary club of
Yala's flag. When I was there, many people ask me how on earth did I get
so many pins (by the time of that it was only passed 1 month). Maybe
that is also a reason why I want to be an exchange student, I wanted to
have a YE Blazer!
I read
Jacob's latest journal, I believe that he is having a lot of fun there.
So what I think is that I will talk about the difference of cultures.
Back in my country, of how we eat we don’t bite it too big because we
could choke easily, but what I saw here is many of ’em American fellas
could be in some hurrying time. For example, my host sister, yesterday
we went to Subway bakery and she had a very large sandwich, for me would
be like 7-9 minutes until I can finish the whole thing, but for her
would be less then 3 minutes. Unbelievable! This is not TV Champion
guys! (TV Champion is a Japanese TV show when people do a competition
race about food and other stuff). Oh well, but what I know is that I’m
starting to eat faster now. (Maybe it is me who is racing the
competition).
Oh well,
enough with this talking, it is very long though, so I will have to stop
for now. I promise I’ll write more cuz things are going to happen soon…
BYE!
Ellester
(As host dad Fitz likes to call me)
 Down on Marietta Road |
 At our friends' pretty shop |
 A running toy train above me in the gelato shop at Marietta Road |

The Orthodox Church in Atlanta |
 
My art work! Actually not my art work. I took these
two from a picture but people keep thinking I went to Greece! |
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September 27 Journal
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I’m kind of glad that
September is about to pass; things just really get worse for this
month. Like last night, my host family and me had no power. It was not
that bad but, yeah it is. Oh well, while that situation happened, I
took the chance to do my peaceful-concentration sitting. OK well it
works for me to have a quiet time with only one single candle in front
of me. After that I took a nap. Then, I woke up and sat outside with
Masha looking at the dark and gloomy night with rain falling all over.
Candles everywhere (not really). Then when it was time we went to
sleep, who knows it is so hot inside with no air conditioning. This
happens sometimes back in my country, but not that long for me. This
is some experience for me.
Last night my mom called
on my host dad's cell phone, she asked me what happen and I told her
all about it, She was worried, but I am safe. This morning I received
e-mail from her; she told me that my cousins from Australia are coming
to spend the holiday summer at my hometown in my house. Christopher
(bro-cousin) is taking a friend with him. And of course Margot, an
exchange student from Canada bound to my country might meet them. What
a pity I won’t be seeing them all, but I won’t say that I’m unlucky to
come and explore the states myself. I am happy to be here, and it is
an honor to be with the Rotary program. You’re the best!
I read Karine’s journal,
I’d never be able to write that much like her. She is amazing. One
thing that I am surprised about is that she said in there that I am
one of the funniest people she has ever met; I never thought I was
funny. Well I do like to tell jokes and make people laugh but I never
thought it would work for me. I am so happy about it, and Karine is
actually my best exchange student friend.
Since I started writing
this journal I thought I wouldn’t have much to tell about, but now it
just keep popping in to my head. I went to Rochelle’s birthday party,
it is fun. Not much people but it is still fun. I met Pierre there.
Then Friday (can’t remember when) Pierre came to my house to teach
Masha French. Masha’s friend Michael came along too. Michael is one of
them funny guys I have ever met. We all had fun together. I taught
them how to do my famous hand clapping and Masha taught us hers. It
was so much fun.
This month we had a
special Rotary meeting, which is that, the Rotary International
President came for a visit and met all of us exchange students. We
talked about Carlo's birthday party of how to get there, it ended up
that I didn’t go because there is no ride back. Many of them couldn’t
go because of no ride back though. Anyway then, happy birthday Carlo!
You’re getting older and older everyday! (nah just kidding).
Oh well, I guess that
should be all for now. I really enjoy doing this and the truth, I
really enjoy this year. Oh happy day!
Love the life and the
life of mine
Elle |
November 29 Journal
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Dear people, how long has it been? Sorry I never count or
care. Anyways I admit that I have been having so much fun during an exchange
student’s weirdest life time. Many things have been happening. Well see right
now is 10:53 and I just drank 2 cups of coffee to work on this thing and also my
project. Warning; too much coffee equals too much caffeine. Too much caffeine
equals too much sickness. Hey, I don’t drink too much, only the time that I get
frustrated. Ha ha I’m just joking on ya. I’ll just go along whatever pops in my
head.
Starting with what I remember, Last Friday which was still
Thanksgiving holiday. Me and my DA Chorus went to perform for the tree
lighting at the landing at downtown Jacksonville. Man it was freezing down
there! All of us could hardly sing, like I can’t remember the words for the
song because of the frikin’ cold weather that gave me headaches. But oh
well, I had a great time there and the fireworks were wonderful. When we got
back at home, me and my first host sister Masha decided to make hot
chocolate WITH chillipepper in it…like we got this from a movie called
Chocolate staring a French actress and Johnny Depp. It was a very good
movie, I suggest you to watch it. The chillipepper really helped, it is
really freshening.
I had a great time for thanksgiving, even though there
were only the four of us (add the dog in too, makes it five). They said that
inside the turkey has this thing which makes you sleepy…I don’t know what it
is called but it does make me sleepy and that’s why we had coffee after
dinner (here you go again Elle) . Phew! I was really stuffed, but I did
really have a great time with them. Now that I have moved already to my
second host family, things will be more exciting.
God! The pressure!!! (From the coffee…just joking). I have
so much homework from school, like nearly everyday (Now that is real
pressure Elle). I really try to work hard and do my best; I hope I will pass
my hardest life time soon. I have so much improvement such as from my piano
playing, my singing, my drawing and my dancing…all came straight from DA.
And for the other things such as punctuality, responsibility or
leadership…um…I don’t really know how I’m doing with it…want to know? Go ask
someone else’s opinion.
Friends? So many! I was in the school’s newspaper, there
was this girl that I know and she was in creative writing. She wanted to do
an article about me, and of course I would be really glad for her to do
that. Then out came the newspaper. People started to know me more and
better. Indeed I am so happy to be in this school. I love DA, probably I
will send my little sister next time to study in DA. That will work.
Oh well, getting late, 2 cups of coffee is receiving its
weakness, getting tired, tomorrow school day, and soon will be Disney!!!
Hang on there Disney!!! I’m coming for ya!!!!
Loveeeee my life and love your own, no one is crazy enough
to kill their own. (um… too much coffee I guess) (Get over it will you!!!!!)
Elle, Larissa, Estella |
January 8 Journal & Pictures
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Elle’s “A special December journal”
This Journal won’t be like the others, I’ve been planning
to do this especially for Christmas. It will be containing all about my
December…
First of all, December is special of when it comes to the
time that I move to my second host family. The Lawrence family is a crazy
family, they would have many things going on…as my host sister Kaitlyn Joy
Lawrence used to go to my country. Which is funny, cos I couldn’t remember
when I actually talked to her? But anyway, it’s great being with them.
Second, My favorite part of this journal; Disney!!! I had
a great time in Disney, it was the blast man! What I really enjoyed was that
I met this Thai girl from the other district named Polly; she is cute funny
and smart on stuff (?). Then, the other district from New York, it surprised
me cos I met 2 of my Thai friends that were in the same district with me
back in Thailand. We all hanged out together till we met another bunch of
Thai kids that was in the AFS program! And most of all surprises, 2 girls go
to my school back in Thailand!!!...............wow………..Anyway then we All
hanged out together. Like what Disney is all about “It’s a small world after
all!” We started at Epcot, I learned a lot there. Can’t tell ya what I learn
but I know that I learned a lot. My favorite thing about Epcot was that they
have these beautiful places around the world. I love it there. Then Animal
kingdom, I love it there too. There was this 3D show called its tough to be
a bug, it was very cute. And all the places there how they make it was so
exotic. Magic Kingdom was the best of all. How beautiful they make it, cool
places such as the Haunted mansion, and…I can’t remember but there was so
many cool places there. My favorite part was really the Fireworks at the
Cinderella castle, it was beautiful. Then MGM studio, the most of it I can
remember was the Rock’n roll rollercoaster, Aerosmith my man!!! Then also
the Hollywood tower…It was a blast!!! My favorite part was the Muppet’s
show, it was hilarious. And also, one of my favorite movies comes to a stunt
show, Indiana Jones. My favorite movie forever…I had so much fun there and
it was a great memory that I cannot forget…meeting friends, seeing things
you can’t imagine and having a good time so you can tell the story of a
greatest lifetime…
I am so happy because for so many years I was dying to
watch this cool series “Buffy the vampire slayer” It was like my favorite
series that my host uncle let me borrow all the seasons he have, I was all
crazy over it. Watching and watching it over and over again, well not really
over and over, there are so many seasons and episodes I have to be patient
to finish it. Like right now I just finished the third season and I have 4
more to go…it seems like I know a lot about vampires now. LOL!
Christmas shopping for me was a big thing; I had to shop
for presents and new stuff for myself. At this time, nearly every mall is
well full enough for you to find some place else. But hey! I love shopping.
It was hard for me to choose a present for my host sisters. And all that
wrapping I had to do, it was fun.
Now till it was Christmas day, my little host sister woke
us up like so early. All I remember that I said to her when she woke me up
was “umm…huh...whahh??...what day is it...err…oh…ok…5 more minutes”. Oh
well, I woke up and went down stairs which the time was about like 6. We all
had a Christmas cookie and we opened our presents. I got a new black & pink
wallet, black PJ’s, a pair of Golden earrings of memory, a Jaguar ball cap
and the most special of all…the Beatles #1 hits CD!!! I love that one the
most, gosh Dad’s gonna love it. Anyway, after that we all went to take a
shower and got ready for the big family breakfast, it’s kinda a tradition
for the Lawrence’s Christmas day, all their cousins came over and ate
breakfast with us. It was great to meet them.
Swing dancing, again. It was pretty cool this time cos I
did the side to side dance which was actually pretty hard to do it. You jump
and the guy will swing you from one side to the other side…good exercise eh?
555!!!!! (5 means ha).
Now I believe that everyone knows about the earthquake in
Thailand; WHY?!!!!!!!!!!!! Why it has to be my
country?!!!!!!...........................................................Oh
well, luckily it didn’t hit Yala, and even though it is Phuket I’m glad that
Jacob is ok. But my cousins!!!! I hope they are alright. This never happened
before, and it really made me feel sorry for those that faced the
earthquake…As so I have read Jacob's journal about it, luckily he is ok.
Anyway, things like this can happen…such as last time bird flew ruled the
city, my province has been attacked in the night by head cutter terrorist
around Malaysia, now Mr. Earthquake is trying to kill the people…pray for
them!....
Now best of all, New Year's Eve party held by Rotary. Man
it was awesome! I really enjoyed it. It was Friday; we joined the Gator Bowl
parade and carried our country's flag. I really enjoyed it. Then after that
we hanged out at the Landing for 3 hours, mostly all of us went down to the
circle of the Landing, the guys ran to the stage where there was a band
playing music, they started dancing and made the other people dance too.
After getting really crazy dancing and wondering if we had too much
caffeine, we walked to the parking lot to meet up with Al, Ken, Audrey Helow
and her friend to bring us to the party. I just knew that Audrey goes to my
school also! Anyway, when we got there, we all hanged out, we ate, we turn
up some music, some of us went down to the basement to play some instrument,
and we all had a great time. Then we all started moving upstairs to dance,
we danced a lot; it is part of my exercise…555. Then it was time for
Countdown, we all had Champaign (Don’t ask me). Say, I’m kinda alcoholic
hater, I don’t really like it. But well, after counting down we continued
dancing. Then it was time for the guys to go to Ken's house…well change of
plans the guys wanted to stay so…they slept in the basement…………………..Morning
comes!!! We woke up around 8:30 to 9:00 am and changed our clothes. We had
breakfast together and I put in the Beatles CD for some morning
refreshments….It was cool. Then it was time for departure, everyone started
leaving. It’ll be one of my greatest memories ever. And for everyone I can’t
forget
For all these times that I have received I want to thank
someone who is precious to me:
“Rotary” |
Elle's Photo Album "from the
past few months"
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March 3 Journal
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Wow! How long has this been? There are so many things happening
during this time period…school, family, friends, weight, even my language.
How about we start at my history fair. History fair was
really interesting for me, it is the time when we do a project about the
National History, which they would be events from everywhere. I worked with
two girls in this project, we chose The Black Death. Why? Because it is not
like anyone else’s, most of them would pick the kind that I call “Brighter
side” (Let's say we were a little crazy). We worked on this for 3 days, and
it was a great experience to do something challenging like this. Even though
we did not win to District, I didn’t really care because the work we did,
we’re proud of it. And we got A+ on it anyway.
Sea camp? Fun? No doubt. Sea camp was one of the
activities that made me know more about the underwater of how the life goes
on. I get to meet Polly again, my old Thai girlfriend. And not only I met
her, I met a lot of new faces. I had a great time there. We did a lot of
research with the water quality, Marine biology…Wow! So many things I can’t
describe. At the end of the research day we had to prepare the presentation
for the conference. I volunteered to the visual art work (since you know
what I really like to do). Then the evening came along for us to embarrass
our wacky accent of speaking in English (and a couple of made-up jokes). It
went along well. Then the last day has arrived, guess what? Key West baby,
It was da bomb!!! Geez I wanna go back there again…we shopped for souvenirs
and some pretty weird things (?). After that, home we go…
Douglas Anderson's Extravaganza week, real crazy. My
chorus had a performance with the chorale group. The song piece was called
“The Battle Of Jericho” You won’t believe how lucky I am to attend this
school, I love it!!! The piece was a very challenging thing for all of us;
we had hard practice, more voice training and more sight reading. We had
special rehearsal on Monday and I get to see all the other performances from
the other arts area, they were like amazing. The day I performed I didn’t
realize that there would be so many people come to watch the performance. So
this is extravaganza! Nicccceeeeeee……Anyways, we had another chorus
activity, District Choral. It is like a competition to make it to state.
Well guess what? We made it to state! Happy.
Church, Celebration church is a crazy cool church. I am
now joining the Choir group, singing spiritual songs to the lord. Thank you
for giving so much to me.
There is something really interesting that I have learned
here, my favorite decade. The 20’s, F. Scott Fitzgerald who wrote The Great
Gatsby, The Harlem renaissance. I have learned how the Americans set their
literature, novel piece in to great reality. Their serious problems made me
realize how the Americans went through a lot of depression. Which now I am
honored to be here, and to represent my country and to create the
friendship.
Time just keeps passing by; sometimes I keep looking back
to yesterday and those days that have already been passed by. Life just
keeps growing up like a tree. Me, from a 15 year old typical young Asian
girl that has opened her eyes to the real world of looking after herself,
now has changed into a 16 year old grownup-to-be lady. This little girl has
now already noticed herself, her talent, her responsibility to her life, and
is ready to face it on her own…(tears).
All for now, I give the best to those who are in Thailand,
the American people, and all from around the world
Love and hope to your life
Elle
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March 12 Pictures
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May 18 Journal
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Wow, is this it? Is this nearly the end already? Why is it so
fast? I can’t believe that I got through all these challenges, through each
level I did not only meet obstacles, but I also learned new things, made more
friends, and went through my worst rough times. You might think mine would be
like typical exchange students experience, but I refuse to say yes because no, I
have had the best year of my whole entire life…
First of all for my scariest life time. Car crashing. Now,
I did not watch it (and I did not take pictures). No, this did not happen in
front of my eyes, no I did not receive the news from anyone, and no I did
not watch the news. Yes, I was the one who got hit by the car (amazing eh?).
It was just the part I was crossing the street to take my host sister Erin
home from Pizza Palace at night. The moment I knew that there were bright
lights in front of me. That part I thought that this is it, the heavenly
spirit has arrived to take me above the clouds and say that I’ve died
already. The moment I knew that I can touch myself, I was lying on the
ground. I was shocked that this happened, shaking more than feeling the cold
wind at night after it rained, more than Antarctica the freezing cold. I
wasn’t really worried about myself, but I was worried about Erin, I knew
that it was all my fault for volunteering to bring her back to safety. I was
responsible for all this and I felt like I wasn’t ready to face danger. A
lot of people gathered around and some of them came to me to call the police
and the ambulance, all I could do was shout out loud, yelling for someone to
take care of Erin, I didn’t care about myself, what I thought was that at a
time like this I should care and worry for those that went through this with
me. But after all that, I am now still walking and talking normally. The
people that I want to thank the most are my third host family, Jesus Christ,
Mother Maria and My dear lord almighty God. Thank you so much for saving me
and Erin. Thank you for seeing that our lives are worthy. Amen.
Now that was long, time for some cheering up. Guess what?
I have moved to my final family, the Nowikowski’s. They’re really nice,
except things are always happening for them, especially their daughters.
Erin is the eldest and has Downs Syndrome so from Monday to Thursday she
goes to a special school for the blind and deaf. Meredith is the youngest of
the house, except of course she does know how to look after herself, she
does crew pretty much everyday after school, so I don’t get to see her much.
Even though, I feel good because this family always has something going on
for me to get surprised. Even myself I start to get more busy.
District conference has just passed and it was a great
experience for me, parading our countries flags and being proud of
ourselves, the best thing happened when Luca was nominated for exchange
student of the year!!! Congratulations Luca!!!
Prom, well nothing much to say about it, it was ok.
I was so glad I got to be involved with the church’s play.
It was called “Where’s Waldo?” It was so much fun. I get to sing two songs
and I know I did great.
Rotary Presentation, I was proud of myself presenting my
country and my Province, what a shame I couldn’t attend State for chorus.
But hey, I’m glad I finish the presentation so I don’t have to stress, but
it was a good experience. Also I presented a song that I wrote. Now, that
was the worse part for me, if I want to be a super famous singer in the
future I need more practice then. But ok, whatever.
My Biology project was weird. I had to teach the class,
isn’t that fun or what? Anyway, I don’t think I had a good grade on it
because I wasn’t so sure what I was talking about. But when I looked at the
quizzes the other students did, the results came out clear that they have
been listening and they understood it, I did it!!!! I love my Math class
now, I got a B in my fourth nine weeks test!!! That is the best thing ever
happen to my study life. A B+ in Spanish?!!!!! I can do way better than
that, I got like 88.7 and I was THIS close to getting an A. - -. OH well,
I’m still proud of myself.
The last meeting with my fellow Rotary exchange students.
Gulf coast weekend was the best because of no rules, happy time hanging out
with each other, no stress and the last time we will meet each other, even
though we will meet again but you know what I mean. It was so much fun
there, boat rides (and some speed racing), Bar-B-Q on the boat while we get
to swim at Grassy Island, watching the guys slamming on the bathroom doors
yelling “Dude! Get out!!!” while I have already finish my shower ^_^,
Stepping on peoples back (not like what you think, its just a massage),
talking about what will it be like when you go back to your own countries
which it is not like you would fit in again, definitely culture shock. Then
the last trip to University of Florida for a visit to the butterfly museum.
Then it was the saddest thing, saying goodbye and promising to keep in
touch. I was crying, a lot of them were crying, but we were also happy to go
back and see our family again, that including me. I’m very excited to see my
family and friends again.
Last words I would like to say to all, THANK YOU!!!!!!
Thank you for everything that you have sacrificed for me.
I really appreciate it. This year is going to be unforgettable; nobody shall
take away this memory from me. I just can’t believe how I made it through
this year, it is just…….unbelievable. I now know how strong I can be and I
shall tell the story to the others to let them know if I can do it, they
can. And it is not only a challenge; it is an experience and a life time….
Shout outs to my people in Thailand:
-Mom, Dad, Laurinda, Granddad and my 4 dogs.
- Grandpa, Auntie Wah, all my uncles and aunts and my
cousins P’toi’ P’Khao and P’ Kwan.
- My cousins in France. Pan, you’re growing up to be a
lady now, and Punn, my dawg. Also to Aunt Anita and Michelle
- To my best friends Aerl, I also got your back no matter
what. Poon, I miss you girl. Penny, we will be together again for a crazy
life. And Nan, the goofy chick who I hang out with turns in to be 2 goof
balls.
- My school Wattana, I’m coming back for you!!!!
And Shout outs to ya’ll in America
- First, second and third host families, thank you for
brining me in to experience crazy lives of American families. I love you
guys!!!
- Masha, you are the best host sister forever. Love you!!!
- All my exchange student friends: Karine, Stella, Tom,
Luisa, Luca, Aya, Miwa, Mark, Carlo, Tibor, Ruth, Rikki, Vicky, Javier,
Pierre, Ema, Rafaela, Nick, Gokhan, Hanna, Bruno, Livi, Asya and last but
not least, Christopher. I love you guy’s foreverererererererererererere!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- DA Friends, Majlinda, Sarai, Mia, Erin, Zack, BJ, Farrin,
Frederick, Jeremy, Theo, Maria, Austin, Brittan, Ben, Wallace, Carl, Sasha
(Russian), Charles, Rodrick, Casey, Annilou, Kirby, Saiph, Taleah, Terri,
Jack, Raquel, Darci, Jerly, Anna-Marie, Jessica, Julia, Shannon, Jeanne,
Kayla(Walker), Bianca, Lori, Darrin, Mackenzie, Baby turtle-Chris, and a lot
more………
- Ken and Sarah Weiss, thank you so much for your help in
every way
- Al Kalter, you still look like my dad!!!! Love you!!!
- Last here but not least, ROTARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I will miss all you people and I will never forget you…
“Don’t be afraid, you know what to do, the hardest
challenge can always come to you. If you may fall, you can get up, walk
ahead and you will win. It’s a lifetime to remember, it’s a memory to think,
it’s a challenge that is possible to win. You can live your life just fine,
all you need to do is find the key to your heart, you will learn that
anything is possible to your heart.”
- Celeogacia-
Elle…
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June 18 Journal
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A diary of a girl who is back in to her own place
To me it is such an adventure for going to somewhere I've
never been to and going alone. Now I know, how worthy the choice I made was.
A choice that most kids would stick to their parents, but those that decided
to take this chance and learn something new, something challenging,
something that will make you remember till the day your children,
grandchildren, till the next generation go for it. I am so happy to have
seen things that could never been seen. Try things that some kids might not.
Cultures and Languages, any problems can turn into good memories and when
you look back at it you laugh and say "How weird am I?"
Now I'm back, changed, and filled with knowledge other
people might not know.
The time I got out of the flight to Chicago, I remember
how it works because I passed through it already, waiting for 5 hours as I
used to. Getting on the plane again and sitting there for 11 hours, trying
to think what will it be like when I get back. How will my parents react?
Most important to me, how will I react?
When the flight to Japan was over, then my heart starts to
beat like the sound of drums. Kept wondering how am I going to survive life.
I kept thinking that just until I realized I am already in Thailand, staying
with my parents.
The next day, I met my Thai friend Polly. We hung out
and talked about all that we've been doing together. It was fun to review
our memories. Somehow we plan to come back to visit this world.
I received so much and all that I have will be useful for
the future. If I keep looking up at the sky I know many things are waiting
for me and I will catch the successful things in the air. Even if it's hard,
I can do it, and all other kids in the world will give hands to build a
bigger and brighter future. |
August 12 Reflections
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Dear RCOF (Rotary Club Of Florida 6790)
It's been a long, long time, and I have been busy on my
life.
Here in Thailand, I never stop thinking about the other
world of mine. Yes, I miss the place. A bunch of precious memories to
remember and people to think of.
Back in Wattana Wittaya Academy, my beloved boarding
school. I now have 2 years left (since you knew that I was supposed to be a
Sophomore), and ready to face the fear (Thai exams). First step back in to
school, Just when I walk in to my class, just when I saw my friends ...
EX: Someone goes "AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! ELLE, I HATE YOU,
why didn't you tell me you were back?!!!!!"
Or "AHHHHHHHH!!!!! Elle I miss you!!!"
Especially "WHOA!!!!!! You grew!!! (Fat)"
Yep, that's what I meant, and of course they all changed a
lot too. Not surprised (but they are). Anyway, since I got back I knew I
grew up a lot, from my thoughts to my speaking and acting. I'm somehow
working on a bunch of stuff, my Chinese, singing and piano, also my weight.
I lost a lot, as we should say that. The hardest thing is to get used to the
studying again, such as Math, sooooooo difficult. But I'll live. The food,
very easy to get use to (because I love eating).
I started going out to my favorite places in Bangkok, Siam
square, Discovery, Emporium and Central. Memories started coming back, about
the times when I hang out with my best friends. Laughter and joy came back
to me, taking pictures with them and walking around.
It's such a life for me, interesting and colorful no
matter what happens. Even if the sky is dark, I know in my heart there will
always be colors of harmony and melody. Today I write this to my mother,
saying that everything she did for me, it is worthy and priceless. I am so
proud that God has given me a wonderful woman in my life, one that gives me
the most of love ... Happy Mothers day Mama
Elle Rak mae ka!!! |
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