July 1, 2015

FLEX Student of the Month – April 2015

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Ion (center) poses with two other Key Club volunteers Ion (center) poses with two other Key Club volunteers
Ion Oboroceanu, a PAX-placed Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) student from Moldova, strived for excellence in every opportunity he was faced with in his host community. According to Ion, “the biggest achievements here in the United States are related to volunteering activities and academics.”
 
Utilizing his leadership qualities and passion to serve others, Ion held the office of general secretary for the Key Club. Key Club is a student-led international organization that pledges to provide service to schools and communities, build character, and develop initiative and leadership. Through this club, Ion prepared blankets for a local animal shelter, made bracelets to sell and collected donations for the American Heart Association, and served at a local nursing home. 
 
With a goal of reaching 200 community service hours, he went above and beyond the programs offered through the Key Club and volunteered with his host family whenever he could. Glowing with joy when asked about it, his time with the Stone Soup Kitchen and Food Bank seems to be his favorite. He helped prepare food, cleaned the building, packed lunches for the homeless, prepared boxes for families in need, and radiated warm welcomes to all those he interacted with.
 
Pursuing academic successes, Ion challenged himself by taking several AP classes and became involved with Model United Nations through his high school. He was fortunate to attend the Model UN Alaska Conference in Anchorage at the end of February. Involvement in the conference led to a new understanding of leadership, diplomacy, and friendship. He was very proud to share that the resolutions he presented got passed to the General Assembly.
 
His host family attributes his numerous accomplishments to his perseverance, openness and willingness to help others. Positive, enthusiastic, and passionate, Ion embodies the principles of the FLEX program. 
 
Congratulations, Ion!
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