School: Carmel High School
Grade: 11
Why did you decide to do IUHPFL?
I knew people who had done it and enjoyed it, and it sounded like a good opportunity to both practice my Spanish and explore a new place and culture. While I’ve been using Duolingo for over three years and tutoring Spanish, I think immersing myself the way IUHPFL offers is going to improve my Spanish in a much more efficient and enjoyable way.
What are you most excited about?
I’m excited to explore the town (and get ice cream) with my friends. I’m also really excited to eat Spanish food, especially paella and tapas.
What are you most nervous for?
I don’t know if I have the vocabulary to communicate everything I’ll want to say, especially with my host family when it’s just me and them. I’m also nervous about being able to understand other people, because of both the accents and speed they’ll talk, neither of which I’ve experienced before.
What is something interesting or unique about you?
My dad was in the Navy, so I moved 7 times before I turned 10.
What is one goal you have for yourself this summer?
I want to take lots of pictures and write in a journal every night, so I have ways to show everything we did to my family and friends back home, and look back on the experience in the future.
What do you plan/hope to do after high school?
I want to go to college and study something in business. I hope to study abroad again in college.
What’s your favorite Spanish word or saying and why?
I’ve been using “triste” a lot with my friends and family because it’s applicable to a lot of situations. It’s also fun to say, and a good way to respond to any minor inconvenience.