Yurika (Yuri) Ozaki

2009-10 Inbound from Japan

Hometown: Takahashi, Okayama, Japan

Sponsor: Takahashi Rotary Club, District 2690, Japan

Host: Mandarin Rotary Club, District 6970, Florida, USA

School: Mandarin High School, Jacksonville, Florida

Bio

Yuri's Bio

Hello! My name is Yurika, please call me Yuri. I'm 17 years old and come from Japan. I live in Okayama which is part of west of Japan. My prefecture is so country and small, but white peach and grape is so nice!

Now, I live in Jacksonville and I go to Mandarin High school. My school is so big and I' m so surprised by many things everyday. I study English, Algebra2, American History, Chemistry, Chorus, Nutrition&Wellness, and Hope. I enjoy school life because teachers and my friends are so kind for me.

My host family is the Lindells. They are so kind and so funny. I love them. Dad always helps my homework. I always thanks for them. While on exchange, I hope to have many adventures, including make many friends, skill up English, grow up and enjoy Florida life. Thanks for everything!

October 20 Journal

Hello:) Do you enjoy Florida life? Naturally, I enjoy that. How time flies!

Last Saturday (October 17), my host family and I joined Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. That was a running race. It was cold in the day morning. We ran 3 miles. I had never run 3 miles, though I had run 2 miles before. I was excited because that was first time! My time was 29:30.I don't know the time is fast or slow. I believe it is fast....haha.

And the same day, I went to my friend's birthday party at first time here. She is a best friend of mine;) I rode limousine for first time. I was excited very much! That was wonderful, I love it!! We went to Japanese restaurant. Though was a Japanese restaurant, all waiters and waitresses were Chinese. That's funny. I taught them how to drink Miso soup. The party was very very nice. We had a great time:)

Yesterday, my host brother's birthday. We went to Mexican restaurant. I gave him birthday card that I wrote Japanese calligraphy. I believe he was pleased with it...

Anyway I really enjoy and love here. I can't thank everything enough. See you soon. Yuri☆

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

Limousine!

My friends and me at birthday party

My host family and me

February 14 Journal

I don't know what I have to say the beginning of this Journal... We met you guys just a few weeks ago but I feel it’s very very long time ago. And I'm missing you since we left for Seacamp:((

I had a lot of things from last time journal. Then, at first I have to talk about Disney World trip!!!! It was awesome:) a lot of fun and I was in a dream!!! I really loved there and wanted to live there in the Cinderella Castle! We had a great time with exchange students:)

I'll talk about the Christmas and moving second family. The Christmas was very very busy because we had two Christmas parties. So, I made two cakes, set the table (about 30 seats) and packed my stuffs. Because I would move after the Christmas. We were very very busy however, I met a lot of people and I got a lot of presents! But after the Christmas I had to move second family, so I was little nervous during the Christmas parties.

When I moved second family, I cried a lot of times because they were very very nice and host parents were like my real Dad and Mom. I was so nervous to move the second family, but the second family is nice too:) There are only two people but they show me a lot of movies and shows. We watch "Nunb3rs" and "Lie to me". Those are very interesting!! Especially I like "Numb3rs" better than "Lie to me". And the second host mom tells me how to cook Mexican food. We can spend time only a couple month but I bit I can have many experience!

Finally, We have a clear memory of Seacamp!! I think every student had a great time with all students and new people who are from Key West, Michigan etc. ... the Keys were very beautiful and nice place ever. And fortunately it was very good weather the first 3 days:) though the sea water was ice cold to snorkeling ... but I liked snorkeling! The most fun was dance party, I believe all students loved that! The Seacamp was so much fun but it was last time we could see all exchange students:((

I think my exchange year is best experience in my life forever. I can just say thank you. It's for Rotary and all exchange students in Florida. Thank you very very much everyone. I hope everyone has great time the rest of months.

Yurika:)