Fadear Sama of Thailand is a YES student who is making the most of her American experience! She is hosted in Frankfort, IN and attends Rossville Consolidated School, of which she says, “The teacher and friends are nice. They always help me when I can't understand the lesson. And maybe you won't believe me if I say that the U.S. Government class is one of my favorite classes!”

To describe her time on program thus far, Fadear reflects, “It's almost two months of being here. Many different things came into my life. Some of them were new, fun, and exciting. But some weren't what I expected. I call all these things together as an 'EXPERIENCE' that I'm sure I couldn't find if I didn't catch this opportunity of being an exchange student.”

Fadear has joined several school and community clubs including Student Council, Young Folks, School Newspaper and Theatre, where she has a role in a production of "Charlotte's Web." "I'm so excited because other students in the school will come and watch us. I love this class soooo much!! It teaches me to be more confident and I can talk a lot in this class. I went to the Indianapolis Repertory Theatre to watch Shakespeare a few days ago.'

She also notes that during Newspaper Club she “interviewed the new teachers at school and wrote articles about them in the paper.” The most hours of community service she has completed in one day is six! Recently, Fadear volunteered for a 5K run at the School for the Deaf in Indianapolis and also helped at the Senior Fish Fry to raise money for her school's senior graduation and senior trip.

 
Fadear has also enjoyed spending time with her host family together at home and during family outings, meeting her neighbors, attending an adoption benefit and going to local AFS events with other volunteers, exchange students and host families. She has most enjoyed going on camping trips with her host family, especially to a Michigan state park where she were able to enjoy the Great Lakes with her host sisters.

"Last week we went to Warren Dune State Park in Michigan for a family camping trip. It was soooooo fun!! I climbed the hill, walked in the woods about 3 miles, played in the water at the beach while the weather was 10 degree celsius. I was freeeeeeeezing all the time, but it was fun though. Then we had hot chocolate and marshmallows around the camp fire and we slept in the tent ! We spent three days there. It was one of the best memories with my family."

Photo: Fadear volunteering at her high school's Senior Fish Fry benefit