‘This American Life’: Q&A with Rockwell’s Exchange Students

by Kaya Garza

Many of us have been personally touched by exchange students as we’ve learned so much about their cultures, way of life, and languages. When they come to Rockwell, they bring little pieces of their country with them and we are lucky enough to have them share that with us as they see our country through foreign lenses.

Marshal Magazine sat down with some of these foreign exchange students to find out more about where they came from and their time in America.

Fabio Malta, Brazil

Q: What do you like more about the U.S. than your home country?
A: The prices.

Q: What do you like more about your home country than the U.S.?
A: The parties.

Q: What is your favorite thing about the U.S.?
A: New family and friends.

Q: What were some culture shocks when first coming to America?
A: Americans are less friendly than Brazilians.

Q: Do you like America?
A: For sure.

Jeff Yuan, China

Q: What do you like more about the U.S. than your home country?
A: The way of government and school.

Q: What do you like more about your home country than the U.S.?
A: The food.

Q: What is your favorite thing about the U.S.?
A: School.

Q: Do you like America?
A: Yes!

Jun, South Korea

Q: What do you like more about the U.S. than your home country?
A: The food.

Q: What do you like more about your home country than the U.S.?
A: The driving/drivers.

Q: What is your favorite thing about the U.S.?
A: Food

Q: What is your least favorite thing about the U.S.?
A: I miss my friends.

Q: What were some culture shocks when first coming to America?
A: School is very different.

Q: Do you like America?
A: Yes.

Hanter, China

Q: What do you like more about the U.S. than your home country?
A: The culture and the respect.

Q: What do you like more about your home country than the U.S.?
A: Education

Q: What is your favorite thing about the U.S.?
A: Making good friends.

Q: What were some culture shocks when first coming to America?
A: Church. It is a big part of everything.

Q: Do you like America?
A: Yes!

Chrystee , China

Q: What do you like more about the U.S. than your home country?
A: America has a different culture, and the houses are very different.

Q: What do you like more about your home country than the U.S.?
A: The people are really helpful and nice.

Q: What is your favorite thing about the U.S.?
A: School.

Q: What is your least favorite thing about the U.S.?
A:The weather.

Q: Do you like America?
A: Yes.

Sofie Larsen, Denmark

Q: What do you like more about the U.S. than your home country?
A: I love the outgoing people, and I love that everyone speaks English. I love this language.

Q: What do you like more about your home country than the U.S.?
A: I love the culture, the habits, family, food, and drinking. I can drink in Denmark.

Q: What is your favorite thing about the U.S.?
A: Fast food places! Everywhere!

Q: What is your least favorite thing about the U.S.?
A: Having to leave and say goodbye to good friends.

Q: What were some culture shocks when first coming to America?
A: Nobody wears the same style, everybody wears Converse, and dinner is so early!

Q: Do you like America?
A: I love it. “Put, I’m loving it!“

Clemens Block, Germany

Q: What do you like more about the U.S. than your home country?
A: I like it that sports are more of a focus in school. You have much more possibilities to practice and do your sport in a competitive way because the school is respecting your sport and is helping you do it by the different high school teams. You can also practice during school which I think is very cool.

Q: What do you like more about your home country than the U.S.?
A: I like it that you have better possibilities to learn other languages.
Also, I like that you are not only learning the surface of a math topic.

Q: What is your fave thing about the U.S.?
A: I like that you can get your driver‘s license at 16.

Q: What is your least favorite thing about the U.S.?
A: It’s a little bit the racism in some states, which I didn‘t really notice, but I am often hearing some bad news over it.

Q: What were some culture shocks when first coming to America?
A: The first thing was definitely the food, which caused some stomach problems. It’s not bad, and it’s better than our food, but our food is healthier. It was also a bit hard for me to understand American English because I was used to British English.

Q: Do you like America?
A: I would say I love America. It is the country of many possibilities. The people are very relaxed and also very nice to non-native speakers, which surprised me.

Aom, Thailand

Q: What do you like more about the U.S. than your home country?
A: The people, they are so friendly and helpful!

Q: What do you like more about your home country than the U.S.?
A: The food.

Q: What is your favorite thing about the U.S.?
A: Kaya

Q: What is your least favorite thing about the U.S.?
A: Americans are very sad some days and very happy the next.

Q: What were some culture shocks when first coming to America?
A: Americans eat dinner together and do everything together!

Q: Do you like America?
A: Yes!

May, Thailand

Q: What do you like more about the U.S. than your home country?
A: Sidewalks! They make things easier.

Q: What do you like more about your home country than the U.S.?
A: The culture and the importance of respect.

Q: What is your favorite thing about the U.S.?
A: The weather.

Q: What is your least favorite thing about the U.S.?
A: Little children are crazy.

Q: What were some culture shocks when first coming to America?
A: Water fountains. We don’t have those

Q: Do you like America?
A: Yes!

Daniel, China

Q: What do you like more about the U.S. than your home country?
A: It is much bigger.

Q: What do you like more about your home country than the U.S.?
A: Everything is very convenient.

Q: What is your favorite thing about the U.S.?
A: Basketball, friends

Q: Do you like America?
A: Yes!

We’ve Got Spirit…How ‘Bout You?

by Sidney Bernabeu

Rockwell may be a small school but their school spirit makes the school seem a lot bigger.

Rockwell’s students are enthusiastic about cheering on their school. They cheer on their peers whenever the chance to arises. Students aren’t afraid to show some school pride; they cheer on the school’s teams as much as they can. Student government organizes activities and assemblies for students so they can show school spirit by getting involved and have some fun while doing it.

Rockwell encourages its students and community to get involved in service, each year the school does a “change wars” fundraiser to raise money to bring holiday cheer to Rockwell families. Rockwell’s students always come out to support their school it doesn’t matter when it is, students always come.

“I love Rockwell,” said senior Aubri Bailey. “I love how small it is. I love the teachers and I love how everyone knows each other. I also love playing volleyball and softball here. Honestly, I’m not ready to leave high school. High school is my safe place. I’m graduating, and I’m excited, but I’m scared at the same time.”

Rockwell students love to support the school at various events.

“I think Rockwell has a lot of school spirit. We come together at basketball games and make sure we support the teams. But I feel like we need to support the school as a whole – not just the athletic events. School spirit isn’t just about cheering on the athletic teams – it’s about cheering on the school.”

– Katherine Pinheiro, junior

Whether students have been here since 7th grade, or have transferred in mid-year, they love what they find here at Rockwell.

“I came from Orem High mid-year, and I love that the teachers are a lot more accessible here,” said junior Peyton McCann-Ashton. “Having moved in the middle of the term and being socially anxious, it is difficult for me to start a conversation to make friends, but here, I didn’t have to. Everyone is friendly and that makes it easier to talk and have fun with others.”

Humans of Rockwell

“Long notes rise and fall, like empires! I love Rockwell because the smallness of the classes works perfectly for me and the teachers are all wonderfully helpful.” – Tyler Luckau, senior

“My real question is why, when we ask for equal rights, everyone assumes we want to be treated like a man.” – Katherine Pinheiro, junior

“One of my favorite things to do is see movies. I love movies. They are something special to me.” – McKay Marinos, sophomore

“Every single day your job as an American citizen is not just to fight for your rights; it’s to fight for the rights of every individual who is taking a breath.” – Cassandra Nelson, sophomore

“If you want something you’ve never had, you have to do something you’ve never done.” Xena Nelson | “Give me the worm.” – Megan Nelson, senior

“I live for the cold. Winter is my favorite season, I work in a freezer every weekend. The cold is just kinda something I’ve loved my whole life. I was born in January, so maybe that has something to do with it. But everything I do is in preparation for Winter.” – Kade Santiago, junior

“ Some people think I’m Asian but I’m not.” – Porter Thompson, sophomore

“My current goal in life is to not worry about if Ross and Rachel are ever going to get back together.” – Destiny Dipo, aspiring Friends reunion writer

“I love music. I spend a lot of time making my own music and practicing my guitar. I’ve taken choir for years so I can work on vocals and being in front of people. I try to get gigs and stuff. In August I performed at a tribute concert for Chester Bennington. It was also for suicide awareness. I love being able to devote my life to music. I hope one day I can go to Juliard.” – Al Nielson, sophomore

“Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day.” – Malia Sellers, junior

“I love to do archery. How I got into archery was that I read the Hunger Games and I was like ‘Hey, I want to do that.’ So I joined an archery club in 7th grade. Our club got third in 7th grade, first in 8th grade, and second in 9th grade. I have been doing it ever since. I often go shooting with my dad at a range. Go Hunger Games! (If you’re wondering, I’m team Peeta.)” – Sierra Maldonado, sophomore

“I like to do student government because I like to put on activities for other people to enjoy. I like to find new ways to do things.” – Cassidy O’Neill, freshman

“Why do we take things for granted? I always ask myself that question, and then I complain why I don’t have a car or brand new things. Then I take a step back and notice that there are people that have completely nothing and still find a way to enjoy life. There are some of us that complain about not having the newest technology, but we should always take a moment and think about others and try to figure out how to help them out. Love everyone even if they have a different background than you.” – Keegan Beck, senior

“Growing up, I had a huge passion for art. I’d sit down and draw for hours. I loved it. When I grew older I saw other artists far more talented and my envy grew. I got discouraged and stopped doing what I loved. It wasn’t until this past year that I’ve learned to never let judgment or the fear of judgment affect me.” – Baylee Percell, junior

“If you really want something, you’ll be able to get it as long as you’re willing to work hard and never give up.” – Alyssa Smith, junior

“I think it’d be awesome to travel to a German castle. They’re pretty cool. Also, I like to eat mustard.” – Jensen Webb, freshman

“We all have been through getting bullied and I just want you to know you’re not alone in the world. I know sometimes it feels like you’re alone, but you have great people in the world who love and care about you. Just don’t let the bully control your world because you’re perfect just the way you are.” – Kristin England, sophomore

“The only thing people should get addicted to is good vibes.” – Riquel Owens, sophomore

“Knowing that my sister is going to move out is probably one of the happiest moments of my life but on the other hand, my parents getting divorced is the saddest. But through all of that the most influential person in my life is my mom. I feel like the fact that I make sure to put a smile on my face everyday would surprise people.” – Madi Meese, 8th grader

“Ignorance in society is the reason we are so divided. I believe in love and equality. I want to make a positive difference in the world and live the most of life with love and laughter.” – Peyton Giessing, freshman

“I guess you could say I’m afraid of failure…and, sometimes, peanut butter.” – Josiah Hansen, senior

“Pursue the dream you want for yourself, not the one that’s already built.” – Kylee Hancock, junior

“I love Rockwell. I love how small it is. I love the teachers and I love how everyone knows each other. I also love playing volleyball and softball here. Honestly, I’m not ready to leave high school. High school is literally my safe place. I am graduating, and I’m excited, but I’m scared at the same time.” – Aubri Bailey, senior

“I think the best advice I’ve ever gotten is to not really trust other people as much as you trust yourself. If you can’t trust yourself then there’s no way to really learn to trust other people.” – Sam Hancock, 8th grade

“The pursuit of knowledge keeps us human. Without uncertainty and a lack of knowledge we wouldn’t have curiosity. It’s a blessing and a curse.” – Braden Hintze, sophomore

“There are two types of people in the world. Those you love and those you don’t know well enough yet.”- SaraKay Larsen, choir teacher

“Listen, I know exactly where you’re coming from. On the outside, I may look like a rock god, but on the inside, I just want to play with my ants in my ant farm.” – Tait Schramm, sophomore

“You must look within yourself to save yourself from your other self. Only then will your true self reveal itself.” – Jake Meese, junior

“My favorite thing to do is play basketball. It is my getaway from everything going on in my life. The best feeling in the world is when you step out into the court with your team. It brings such a great sense of unity and you feel like you couldn’t be happier. Being on the team gives me another family that I can have on and off the court.” – Ethan Hadlock, sophomore

“Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing. -Theodore Roosevelt “ – Mr. Beck, director

“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that nothing ever gets handed to you. You have to work hard for things you want in life.” – Cheylee Johnson, junior

“I find it funny how the women’s studies class is held in the only room in the school where there is a kitchen.” – Mason McKean, sophomore

“Sometimes life gets hard. People will tell you you’re not good enough and that you should quit. I’ve learned that, in that case, it’s best to do the opposite of what I’m told.” – Sidney Bernabeu, sophomore

“Mephobia: the fear of becoming so awesome that the human race can’t handle it, and everybody dies.” – Acacia Jacobs, junior

“I grew up in West Jordan and moved to Lehi when I was around 10 years old. I lived there for a couple years and then moved to Eagle Mountain. My mom and I were deciding what school I should attend, so we went to both to see how we felt. As soon as we got to Rockwell, we knew this was going to be the best option. The staff was really nice and welcoming and I’ve loved the school ever since.” – Bree Wachter, junior

“Just do it.” – Mr. Parker, basketball coach

“The best advice I’ve ever gotten was to go and have fun and don’t care about what anyone thinks because you will probably never see most of them again. The best part of high school has been friends and extra curricular sports.” – Rhain Boulter, senior