Italian Exchange Student Mati SalviBy Railey Demery
On August 31, Matilde left everything she knew for the chance to experience a country we all love and know as America. She said the reason she decided to leave for the new culture, improve English, to challenge herself to stay away from home.
Maltide stays with her host parents, Roy and Janell Dykes. Her host parents have taken her to New York City, Hawaii, Disney and other tourist places.
Sept. 3 was Mat's very first day at Legacy. She said, she was most nervous about not making any friends. But the excitement to see what an American high school was like gave her comfort.
Friends. Friends. Friends. Mati says her favorite part about coming here was all of the wonderful friends she made here. "There is nothing better than a supportive community when you're going through a massive change." She said she cried the entire night before because she was so scared of not making any.
She was excited to experience her first Texas Homecoming. "It was like the American dream like going to prom. It was a new experience. The dance was completely different from dance back home." Getting ready with friends and dressing up was her favorite part.
At her first Friday night lights she said, "It was so fun, watching the football game was another part of the American dream. I had no idea what was going on, but I just loved how the whole school was like cheer, the media, students, teachers, etc. come together for Friday Night Lights at the end of the week." She said she loved going out to eat and mingling afterward as well.
She went to Disney's Epcot with all the different cultures, and she visited the Italian part. "It was so weird seeing people speaking Italian here, but it was pretty accurate because it was owned by Italians. It was magical because it reminded me of watching the Disney movies when I was younger."
The Big Apple
Enchanted Rock
New Orleans: It reminded her of Europe because of the buildings. She learned from the tour that a lot of it was built by Italians. "The music at night and just the culture just wow, Bourbon ST. was unbelievable just so much culture."
She was also looking forward to trying American fast food. Italy don't really have fast food besides McDonald's and Burger King. She didn't like it too much back home but she loves it here! "Canes is my favorite. I especially loved the sauce.