By Aubrey Barry
When you think about the normal high school experience, most people imagine spending four years at the same school with the same people. However, some kids choose to spend a year in a different country.
For the 2024-25 school year, Louisville High School has its very own foreign exchange student, Elena Alonso, for her sophomore year. Although she didn’t know anyone when she came here from Spain, she has involved herself in the school in many ways.
Back in Spain, Elena was part of a club volleyball team. She used her skills and landed a spot on Louisville’s varsity team. Although Elena had already played volleyball many years back in Spain, she noticed many differences here.
“We don’t have, like, high school sports [in Spain], and here, it’s like a big social moment,” Alonso states. There are also many new things she is trying out while she’s here. This includes basketball, one act, cheer, and possibly track or soccer, “What am I most excited for? Probably being a cheerleader,” Alonso said.
Alonso has already made many lasting memories in Louisville. With the school year already halfway over, she said, “My favorite memory so far has been the whole homecoming week, which was very fun.”
She has made a lasting impression on those around her, by building strong bonds with her classmates, especially those she participates in activities with.
When asked about her favorite memories with Elena on the volleyball team, sophomore Brylee Peterson says: “We also had a team dinner where we quizzed her on American culture. That was cool.”
It’s clear that one person can have a drastic impact on a school environment. Even at a small school like Louisville, Foreign Exchange programs can offer unique opportunities and experiences.