GROWING UP IN A DIFFERENT COUNTRY IS NOT EASY

BY: SUHJIN YOON

This year has brought many international students from various countries to Highland Academy. One of these international students is Youjin Kong, a junior, who was born in South Korea and lives in Tokyo, Japan. Prior to arriving at Highland, she attended another U.S. Adventist school for 5 months, however after hearing about the academics, activities, trips, and overall family atmosphere at Highland, she decided to make a change. Leaving family behind is tough for everyone, but for international students, making a school feel like home and welcoming is crucial.

Youjin shares her thoughts on her experience,saying “Many staff know that I’m not good at speaking English and that it’s my first time leaving home, so I always ask them for help, but they never show discomfort, and they always help me with my problems. Caring staff members are among the biggest blessings. Living in the dorms has been a different experience. When you leave your home at a young age, you are going to struggle with how to manage daily life, keeping up with grades, cleaning your room, working and balancing fun. The deans would always make a point of asking me how

I feel and say good morning. It sounds like little things, but they help me a lot.”

Dean JP and Dean Jenn work hard to make a difference in the students’ lives, helping with problems ranging from a band-aid on a paper cut to being someone who is always willing to sit down to talk, no matter how much work is on their desk. Having a mother figure away from home immensely relieves homesickness.

Her first experiences with Highland Academy students, Youjin said, is that many people came up to her first to make conversation and invited her to eat with them. One particular example she gave was, “When I was doing homework in front of Dean Jenns office, Carlie, a senior and dorm student, asked me how my day was and said that she can help me with homework. It made me realize how kind everyone was, and they had a good influence on me. “It is the little things in life that touch and change people through small interactions. A friend doubles happiness and shares sorrows together.” said Youjin. Boarding school’s beauty is in being surrounded by these friends day and night, living alongside each other, and working together. Going to the same school all together opens up opportunities to make bonding experiences like no other.

Youjin’s experience in the girl’s dorm has been filled with endless memories and laughter. “I think it is pretty enjoyable, because I’m living with all my friends in one house, and everyday it is like a sleepover with my friends.”

Something dorm life teaches students is the importance of time management. Life is busy everyday at Highland, and it is very easy to become overwhelmed by school hours, and work time. Balancing social life and academic priorities all at the same time can be stressful. Learning to make the time to keep up with hobbies, homework, and friends is essential to a healthy lifestyle.

Highland Academy is a school that values academics as well as life skills. Youjin appreciates the enriching aspects of academics fulfilled by classes that help prepare students for the real world and higher education.” Youjin also commented about the English improvements she made while staying abroad, saying “We have class in English and my goal is to speak and use English really well, and I think I’m improving now.” Most importantly, Youjin has learned more about God during her stay at Highland Academy. Spiritually active environment allows deeper understanding of the Scriptures and encourages building a personal relationship with Jesus. “Before, I didn’t believe in God. However, having Bible class every morning and Sabbath school as well as attending both church and vespers has made me believe. Highland Academy has introduced me to Jesus.”

Although her stay as an international student looks to be filled with benefits, there’s one challenge all international students inevitably face; Home leaves. Every month, the school is cleared for break and Youjin is often stressed out by where she would spend each one. Since her home is abroad, she has to depend on others’ open homes each break. She shared that finding a place to stay can be difficult, and she feels bad for having to rely on other people.

Being a teenager growing up in a different country is not easy. There will always be problems that are hard to understand, but Youjin is trying her best to make the most out of this experience. Just like any other teenagers who are stepping on the border of adulthood, we cheer on their adventure in life as they get ready to start a new chapter of their lives. Leaving behind a family is tough for everyone, but for international students making a school feel like home and welcoming in this is crucial. where homesickness inevitably pounces on students under academic pressure and selfdiscipline, as well asbut having welcoming students looking out for new students reduces much of the initial nervousness. “I think the staff here really cares about the students and they really respect them and trust them. That’s why they really feel like they’re my family.”

“In the dorm we have a lot of free periods so we make our own schedule. For example, after supper I’m not in gymnix, so I have about two hours to do anything I want. But these days I try to be healthy so either I workout or do my homework. I think it’s a good way to use my time wisely.” For many, like Youjin, living away from home for the first time can make time management challenging. Without a parent figure who scolds at dirty laundry and fusses at keeping the room clean, or yells at you to prioritize homework before entertainment, students must challenge themselves to take responsibility over their time. However disciplined we might be, it’s also important to choose the people we surround ourselves with, as they have the power to lead astray or encourage self-discipline. This is why Youjin thinks careful consideration of potential roommates is crucial. “I would figure out what kind of roommate suits me and how we can share a living space comfortably. It’s actually really important, because you stay in your room everyday because it’s your house, you’ll spend everyday with her. If you want to have a good dorm experience, you have to think seriously about it.” The phrase “You become like the people you surround yourself with” is definitely true, especially when you’re sharing a very personal space with them. Having a roommate whose cleaning habits and sleeping schedules don’t align with yours can make things take a turn for the worse.

“In Highland, there are many classes like math or science, and a couple electives that we can take. For example, if I can go back to the past, I would take pre calc instead of Algebra 2 because I think I’m really good at math and I’m interested in that subject, also it’s an honors class.