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Larissa "Elle" Chanrasmi

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
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."
 

Elle's Bio

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.

Arrival


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

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!

   

August 29 Journal

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!

September 9 Journal

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!

September 27 Journal

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

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

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"

 
 
 

March 3 Journal

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

March 12 Pictures

     

May 18 Journal

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…

June 18 Journal

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

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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