Sena Ünal

2009-10 Inbound from Turkey

Hometown: Istanbul, Turkey

Sponsor: Haliç Rotary Club, District 2420, Turkey

Host: Hallandale Beach - Aventura Rotary Club, District 6990, Florida, USA

School: Hallandale High School, Hallandale Beach, Florida

Bio

Sena's Bio

Hey! My name is Sena and I'm an exchange student from Istanbul, Turkey, the biggest city in Turkey. I'm 16 years old and I'm a junior in Hallandale High School. I now live in Hallandale, Florida which I really love so far. I play in my school's volleyball team now and I am gonna try out for soccer and tennis too.

I really love my host family. They are from Chile and they speak Spanish too which is a great opportunity for me because I have always wanted to learn Spanish. And I take Spanish class at the school.

From the first day that I arrived here I didn't ever want to leave and I know that it's only been a month but it feels like it's gonna end soon. But I'm planning to come back for college after I graduate in Turkey. The reason I became an exchange student was I wanted a change in my life and to meet new people and cultures. And I know that this year will be the most beautiful year in my life.

October 14 Journal

Heyyy!

I’m sorry for waiting too long with the journal, but I’ve been busy with making friends and getting used to everything.

It’s been 2 months and a day, and everything is going great so far. The first weeks were really great. My host family is the best. They are from Chile and of course they speak Spanish as many people do here, in south Florida. And I have a host sister who is at the same age as me which is great and I have a host brother he is 18, but he is in the college now. And I’m really happy that I’m going to learn Spanish too, because I’ve always wanted to learn and this is the best opportunity.

In my first 2 weeks they showed me around, and then the school started. I’m going to Hallandale High School, which is really different yet awesome. We don’t have to wear uniforms here. Isn’t that cool? And in the school, there are many people from all around the world, and I’ve made a lot of friends. I play volleyball for school and I’m planning to play soccer and tennis too when the season starts.

And last week I went to Rotary camp which was really fun and also tiring bit. First we went to Everglades to see alligators, and I even held the baby one. We stayed at Diane’s house who was a really nice lady. We stayed up late, and the next day we were on a boat. We swam in the ocean and tanned. Now my face is kinda red.

It was a really fun weekend and I was really happy to meet my exchange friends. We haven’t seen each other since the first camp. And I can’t wait for next month to next camp.

And I guess that’s all for now.

After volleyball practice

With my host family

Madeleine and me

New friends

December 7 Journal

Hello everyone. It’s been a while since I posted my report. Now it’s almost been 4 months. I can’t believe that time goes so quickly. So many things happened since I last posted.

On Halloween week I went on a cruise to Bahamas with my host family. It was awesome. And on Halloween there was a costume party on the ship. Everyone was dressed up. I wonder how come we don’t have Halloween in Turkey. It’s so much fun.

And last week was Thanksgiving which means, I think, so much food. The lady from my host Rotary club invited me and my host family to Thanksgiving dinner at her house. There was a huge turkey and sweet potatoes. I ate so much that my stomach was hurting. Anyways I think it’s a great holiday that the whole family comes together.

And after Halloween and Thanksgiving now there is another American holiday coming up in 2 weeks. It’s Christmas time! Unlike most of the other exchange students we don’t celebrate Christmas back home. Since the major religion is Islam in Turkey we only celebrate new year. My host mom decorated whole house including outside with lights, toys and of course a Christmas tree. It’s really huge and pretty. I can’t wait for winter break.

Besides holidays I’m going to school. I made a lot of friends and I love going school. Actually the school is much easier than back home. I have good grades here:) I was in the volleyball team but now the season is over. And since it’s over I started to play soccer. I have so much fun at the practices. And when soccer finishes I’m planning to play tennis.

On Thursday all the exchange students are going to Disney World. I can’t wait for that. I haven’t seen other exchanges since august. It’s gonna be so much fun.

Well that’s all for now!