We're different
Jessica likes tubing and American Idol
In South Korea, they eat pretty much the same foods—like rice and vegetables—every day.
A few days after she gets to Minnesota we take Jessica to an American Idol concert. After that, she watches American Idol every time it's on.
She really enjoys the music with all of us. She has her favorite contestants that she votes for every week.
Her favorites win. She really cheers!
In Seoul most people live in apartments and don't have yards. If a family lives in a house that has its own yard, it's very expensive, and the yard isn't very big.
In South Korea, they go to school until six o'clock at night. Then they go to three-hour special English and math classes. They have to stay up to do homework until after midnight.
They don't have time for sports and other activities kids do in the United States.
Jessica likes the South Korean way of education better than the American way of education.
She likes doing more work because that is what she's been doing her whole life. This may sound weird to some people, but she really likes doing more work and overcoming new challenges.
That is one of the reasons why she catches on to English so fast—she likes the challenge of speaking a new language.
Jessica's tour of American life
Time to go
Jessica's last three months pass by quickly. The last day of school appears out of nowhere. She only has two weeks left in the United States.
She really enjoys the two weeks of summer vacation, because when she gets back to Seoul she will go back to school right away.
The last week Jessica's here, she ends her time in America at my uncle's cabin.
Jessica's supposed to go to a summer camp in Wisconsin with Anna and her friends for a week.
But the camp gets cancelled after three days because two counselors get sick with flu. Anna and Jessica have to come home.
So my mom takes Jessica, Anna, and their friends to my uncle's cabin for some time on the water.
When my mom takes Jessica, Anna, and their friends to the cabin, it's the last time I'll see her. We say goodbye.
I'm sad, but I make it through my day. I imagine Jessica in the air, flying back home.
Happy birthday, Jessica!
When we are all together as a family again, we're sad that there are only four of us. But we keep each other company and remember the good times we had with Jessica.
I'm so glad that we had Jessica stay with us for nine months. We've learned many things, like how to share.
I recommend that you talk to your family about hosting an exchange student. It's really cool to learn a new culture!
Click Abe's head for the answer.
age 13
