Exchange student enjoys time, friendships during year in U.S.
Valentina Carducci met Briana Bunner during basketball season and the two seniors forged a bond that they believe will survive the test of time – and distance.
Carducci, 18, is a foreign exchange student from Italy and has been studying at Southmoreland since last summer. She and Bunner, a senior destined for Robert Morris University on a softball scholarship this fall, became close friends as basketball teammates.
“We call each other ‘fam’ which is short for family,” said Bunner. “She says that my home is her home away from home.”
Bunner says that shen and Carducci have done “many” things together including sleepovers, watching each other’s sporting events, and even prom dress shopping.
“I can’t say enough great words about Valentina. She’s a wonderful friend and person,” said Bunner. “I am going to miss her deeply, because she is one of my best friends.”
The decision to become a foreign exchange student was “scary” for Carducci.
“I was very excited to come to the U.S., but I was worried that I wouldn’t like it here,” said Carducci. “But now I realize that I couldn’t have made a better choice.”
One thing Valentina will “miss” is the school community.
“I was on various sports teams such as soccer and basketball, and I am currently on the track team,” said Carducci. “I feel like we have become family, and they have helped me a lot.”
Principal Mr. Daniel Krofcheck said he is impressed with Carducci’s work ethic.
“She brings with her a different perspective of the world and the things we do,” said Mr. Krofcheck. “Valentina seems to have transitioned very well.”
Mr. Krofcheck says that foreign-exchange students are “positive” for our community because it “gives our students the opportunity to interact with people from around the world.
“We are a very accepting school community,” Mr. Krofcheck continued. “They are definitely welcome to come here.”
Mrs. Amy Brown, English teacher, believes that Valentina’s presence has a “positive impact” on the student body.
“She is a great role model,” said Mrs. Brown. “She provides an international perspective rather than viewing topics from a national stance.”
Carducci has developed strong perspectives on American politics.
“I despise Donald Trump,” said Carducci. “I have been in several arguments over him.”
She believes that the Presidential race in November will come down to Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.
Although there is sometimes a language barrier Brown feels that foreign exchange students easily “blend in” to the American classroom.
“I have found that Valentina is well-rounded, intellectual, and kind,” said Mrs. Brown. “She speaks fluent English. She is an excellent student and is highly inquisitive.”
Mrs. Brown feels that Valentina “has provided us with insight into the Italian culture. She has been able to help us disregard Italian stereotypes.”
Mrs. Brown joked that Valentina helped students learn that “spaghetti with meatballs is an American creation.”
Carducci said she will return to her home in Italy this summer.
Tiffany Stone
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Great story!