We are pleased to announce Eduard Serban from Romania as the FLEX November Student of the Month! He was placed by World Link and is hosted in Keota, IA.
Eduard is described by those in his host community as ambitious, open-minded, kind, and “a delight in general!” His community knows him well through his 50 hours of service and multiple cultural sharing presentations. He’s flourishing in school with straight A’s and as a member of FFA (formerly known as Future Farmers of America) and Student Council.
When Eduard heard that a new afterschool children’s program needed help, he was quick to volunteer. He visits the children twice a week and has used creative and engaging methods to teach them about Romanian wildlife and his national flag.
At the West Chester Heritage Association, he helped clean up a storeroom and put on a presentation and a meal for 25 of the members. He presented on the similarities between Romanian and Iowan food and introduced his first fundraising project, collecting donations for homeless youth. So far, Eduard has collected $1,000 through this presentation, a donation box at the local coffee shop, and by harvesting grapes in turn for contributions. Great job, Eduard! Eduard has also been helping fundraise for other causes in Keota. As part of a community pool project, Eduard served at a hamburger supper and joined Romanian students participating in ECA’s American Leadership Experience (ALEX) program during their service day, making 200 pretzels to raise funds. Also with the ALEX group, Eduard introduced his compatriots to the juniors and seniors at his host school for their cultural presentation and met State Senator Kevin Kinney, who talked about his experience in politics, law enforcement, and agriculture.
He’s enjoyed volunteering with his host dad for the Keota Sesquicentennial Fundraising Committee. They registered teams for a Poker Run event, served food at the Chicken and Biscuit Dinner, and baked six double batches of Keota’s famous old-fashioned brownies to sell. For his host dad, it’s been more than volunteering, “I never dreamed being a host dad would be as rewarding as it has been. I am truly blessed to be sharing this with him. [He is] positive, upbeat, outgoing, and always willing to lend a hand. Every day we are learning and growing together.”
During a presentation to the Philanthropic Education Organization, Eduard talked about his application experience and the Romanian educational system. He also discussed agriculture courses he is taking to learn more about American farming practices he can use in Romania.
Eduard is an excellent FLEX program ambassador. “I am grateful for all the unique moments in Iowa, and I am eager to participate in every initiative in the local community.” Iowa is undoubtedly grateful for Eduard and his contributions!
