We are pleased to announce Liepa Ramoskaite from Lithuania as the FLEX December Student of the Month! She was placed by American Councils and is hosted in Berryville, VA.
Liepa is known for taking initiative around her host community and never turning down an opportunity to get involved. Described by her host mom as responsible, prepared, and friendly, Liepa is excelling at school, with A+ grades in all her classes. She’s enjoying the challenge of succeeding in a new school system, especially in written assignments in her philosophy class. She’s also active in a variety of extracurricular opportunities like cheerleading, ceramics, and Color Guard.
Volunteering has been one of the most important experiences in Liepa’s FLEX year so far. As of early November, she already completed 54 community service hours. Of all her volunteer projects, Liepa says, “My most meaningful volunteering experience was my first day volunteering at an animal shelter. I try to give all my love and warmth to them.” She is now a regular volunteer there! Liepa’s local coordinator (LC) praises her initiative in organizing volunteer projects for her cluster and friends at school. Her LC says, “I’ve seen Liepa firsthand always stepping up to help. She has a can-do attitude. She doesn’t wait for someone to tell her when and where to volunteer. She’ll reach out and find opportunities; for example, she rounded up the exchange students in her cluster to help out at a local fire department open house for the community.” Her LC expanded on her can-do attitude, saying, “She pays attention to the small details. Liepa bravely joined the cheerleading team with no experience and despite her busy schedule, she keeps up with her academics too. She’s a go-getter and a model exchange student!”
Liepa’s biggest realization was to discover how much Americans take initiative and how encouraging she finds them. “It was surprising for me how they support their local communities by participating in bake sales, getting their car washed at a cheerleading car wash, going to away football games even though it is two hours away, and doing garage sales.” On the flip side, Liepa’s host community has been impressed with her level of support, initiative, and encouragement! Liepa’s host mom says, “We have been so impressed with Liepa. She is responsible for schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and volunteering. She has quickly formed new friendships and gets along great with our family. She is always prepared and makes time to contribute to the community and household. Liepa is trying to experience as much as possible and always has a smile!” Exchanging a smile can go a long way in developing mutual understanding.
