Getting ready...

I am only 6 days away from leaving this rock that I call home, Hawaii. I was born and raised in Kailua, Hawaii on the island of Oah'u. I am an only child. Ever since I was a young girl, I was taught French in school. When I got to middle school, my passion for the language developed and never stopped growing. I have gone to French immersion camps and to France several times. However, I still want more. When the idea of studying abroad came up, my parents were hesitant but willing to consider the idea. With much persuasion, they agreed to help me follow my dream. When I told all my friends about my plan, they thought I was crazy at first, but have supported me all the way. Having family members, teachers, and close friends to talk to helped me realize that studying abroad is definitely the right option for me.

Everything has happened so fast. I have my visa, I have my host family, I'm almost done packing, and the goodbyes are soon to come. I never thought such an amazing experience would ever happen to me! When I first thought of studying abroad, it was just a dream, and it is now turning into a reality.

I am so thankful to have received my host family early. I have had the opportunity to talk to them over Skype, Facebook, and E-mail. I will be living right outside of Paris in a small suburb called Mandres-les-Roses. My school is in a neighboring suburb called Brunoy. My host family, the Lellouche's, have been great so far with communicating with me and helping me feel comfortable. They have everything set up so when I arrive, everything will hopefully go smoothly. The Lellouche's like to do many of the same things as me. They play tennis, they love to travel, like to ride bikes, and like to cook. They also have a daughter, Julie, and a son, Jeremy. However, Jeremy will be studying abroad in Missouri during my stay. Having a sibling is going to be a new and very exciting experience. I've always wanted a brother or sister, and I now have one.

As I am getting close to leaving, expectations start running through my mind but I keep telling myself expectations could be followed by disappointment. So, I'm going to go in this with an open mind and be ready for anything! Although I am very nervous and not sure what to fully expect, I cannot wait to experience the life of a French teenager. France, here I come!


This is a picture of the Paris region in France. The shaded region is Mandres-les-Roses, the place I will be staying for a year.


This is a top view of the school I will be attending, Lycée Talma. I am going into the 11th grade there. When you enter the 11th grade in France, you must choose a track to focus your studies on. There is the Scientific track, the Economic track, and the Literature track. I am going to be in the Literature track, which focuses more on studying French.