Simona Giupponi’s Story: from San Giovanni Bianco (BG) to Grove City – Ohio (USA) for a year with Intercultura and the support of Fondazione Pesenti.
SECOND QUARTER: DECEMBER – FEBRUARY 2021
My relationship with my host family – My relationship with my host family is getting better every day. I have felt welcomed as a daughter from the very beginning; they treat me as if I’ve always been part of their large, worldwide family. They care deeply about my experience and do their best to make it as positive as possible. They always include me in their conversations, they are interested in my opinions—even on family matters—and never judge my thoughts or ideas. Sometimes they remind me of “Sandra and Raimondo Vianello” because they tease each other in a funny, light-hearted way. I’ve never heard them argue or raise their voices. Often in the evenings, we play board games together and have so much fun. They asked me which states I’d like to visit and, within reason, they’d like to show me all of them. Everything they do and say shows me that they truly care about me, and I can’t help but feel the same in return!
Interaction with my host community and friends – My interaction with the host community is very positive, even if limited due to the pandemic. Most of the interaction happens during school hours, as I spend most of my day at school (I stay there until 3:30/4:00 p.m. every day). However, on Wednesday evenings I take part in a youth group organized by the church I attend. This group is similar to what parish youth groups do in Italy. At school, I’ve grown very close to two girls—I spend most of my time with them, and they’ve been by my side since my first days here in Grove City. My host parents trust me to go out with them by car (since here teens get their driver’s license at sixteen). Given the current situation, for now what we can do is go to the movies or meet up for ice cream or something similar.
My school progress, both in terms of academic performance and interpersonal
relationships (with classmates and teachers) School is going very well, I couldn’t be more satisfied. I received my report card, and my grades were all A’s and A+’s, except for one B+ in Spanish, which I aim to turn into an “A” in the second semester! I really like the subjects I’m taking. In particular, I love American history because it allows me to study history from a different perspective. Another subject I find fascinating is photography: it’s a unique way for each student to express their creativity and imagination.
My free time – In my free time, I like to read books in English. I’m re-reading the Harry Potter series (they’re my favorite books) because I’ve only ever read them in Italian, and never in their original language. I must say that I find them even more fascinating in English, and I feel like I read them even faster than in Italian. I also enjoy going out to explore my host city, Grove City, to discover every detail of what has become my “second home.” I also spend time hanging out with my friends and going to the movies with them. I help out around the house too, assisting my host-mum with cleaning and cooking. On Sundays, I’m the one who prepares lunch—of course, using Italian recipes. This way, I share our culture and at the same time give my host parents a chance to relax. Finally, I also help my host-mum, who is a kindergarten teacher, prepare crafts and activities for her students.
The things that particularly impressed me in this country (both positive and negative)
What surprised me the most is how people are willing to do anything, even for people they don’t know personally. In these past months in the USA, COVID-19 vaccinations have started. My host-dad was unable to book an appointment, and the mother of one of my host-mum’s students took it upon herself to find one for him. Another time, for example, the garage door broke one evening and, in the middle of the night, another teacher came to our house to help us fix it.
Three words that describe my experience so far –
- love
- fun
- family
Anecdotes/Open Commentary
I truly have an extended family: my host parents have welcomed as many as 12 students from different parts of the world, and with almost all of them (except for one who left voluntarily), they’ve maintained strong ties. We have a WhatsApp group where we exchange messages almost daily; we all feel like siblings and it seems like we’ve known each other forever. This is honestly a bit strange, but it’s also the most wonderful thing that could have ever happened to me! Having siblings all over the world who invite you and wait for you with open arms in their homes!
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