“Anano has the confidence that she will figure things out and won't let the fear of the unknown stop her from reaching her goals,” said her host dad. Anano believes that by sharing stories of her homeland with her host family, The Joneses, she strengthens the bonds they are forming this year. She has shared Georgian food, videos, and language, eagerly introducing the rich cultural traditions of her homeland to her family, her school, and the wider host community of Franklin, Indiana.
“Anano’s motivation, positivity, and core values make her a fantastic exchange student and family member,” shares PAX, her placing organization. Loading the dishwasher and packing lunches without being asked are two small examples of her generous spirit. At school, Anano earns straight A’s. At the end-of-season banquet, the school golf team awarded her “Little Miss Sunshine” for her cheerfulness and positive attitude as a first-time golfer. Anano also received the Rotary Youth Leadership Award, and attended a retreat where she made friends from across the state and participated in activities focused on leadership.
With 30 community service hours already completed, she hopes to reach 100 by the end of the year. Anano has joined the Interact Club, which focuses on making an impact on the community, the Environmental Club, and National Honor Society. She enjoys using her volunteer experiences to exchange cultural knowledge and has given multiple presentations about Georgia, even before the start of International Education Week. She led a “Library on the Prairie” event, during which she donned period garb and delved into early U.S. history through interactive sessions with the participants. Anano will soon serve as a volunteer at the historic Artcraft Theater, which screens films and hosts educational programs about historic renovation and preservation.
Anano adds, “I have become more confident, social, and independent and have learned a lot about American culture!”
Congratulations, Anano!
Placed by: PAX
Placed in: Franklin, Indiana
Host Family: The Jones Family
Attends: Franklin Community High School