Meet Rotary Exchange Student, Ana Carolina
It was a great pleasure to interview lovely Ana Carolina Mendes Barcelos Silva, a recent graduate of secondary school in Brazil, now attending Conifer High School as a Senior. Ana Carolina has come to our mountain community from the heart of Southeastern Brazil. Since temperatures in her city of Contagem usually range between 60-80 degrees, she is looking forward to the experience of snow! You can be sure that this adventurous young lady will make the best of it. Her trip to Colorado was her first trip alone and the first outside of Brazil! Here are some highlights of our conversation:
How did you find out about the exchange program and how did you pick the US?
“The program and Rotary are very famous in Brazil. I was allowed to give my top choices, and then given four countries to choose from. I’ve always wanted to come to the US, and it was on both lists.”
What was the first thing that you said to your friends and family when they asked what life was like here?
“It is so safe to walk the streets, even at night.”
What is the worst part of this experience, so far?
“Having my friends and family so far away. I do have friends here at school, and my host family, who are so good. Also, we exchange students get together a lot and talk on the phone and Facebook, and give each other lots of support.”
How is school in Brazil different than in Colorado?
“Here, my classes might be with students from other grades. Also, Brazil’s secondary school is only three years. You often have up to thirteen classes. Teachers change rooms, not the students. We wear uniforms and must study a lot. School is so hard in Brazil. You have to do lots of homework, but don’t get any points for it, only for tests. Students have to really focus and teachers don’t care if you like it or not. In middle school, students start looking for colleges. It is very hard to get in to college. After you graduate from secondary school, you have to take very hard tests for almost two full days. The tests are over everything you have ever learned in school.”
Do you know what you’d like to study at university?
“I would like to be a veterinarian for horses, or an architect. I have to take just one type of test for both professions, but have to decide before I enter university.”
What is the best part of Brazil, and what should people know before traveling there?
“Brazilians are very friendly and laugh a lot. If you have a problem, we will help you until you say, ‘I’m ok.’ We hug a lot. We have the best food, especially barbecue! When we get together for anything, there is dancing playing games, and singing. Kids are so fun: when they get together they talk a lot.”
What are some of your favorite things to do?
“ I just love to spend time with my family and my friends. I play tennis, go to horse competitions, and play the violin. Also, I have many fun activities and parties with my church youth EJSC group. My friends and I have lots of pajama parties, too.”
What is your family like?
“ We spend lots of time together. I am close to my uncles and aunts. I have a sister, Ana Paula, who is fifteen, and a brother, João Vitor, who is eight months old. My parents will soon be hosting an exchange student from Mexico, and currently have one from Alaska. My mother and sister may come to visit me here in June or July.”
Why did you want to do an exchange?
“I wanted to experience life without my Mom and Dad and family. I knew that it would not be the same. I wanted to learn how to take care of myself. I am growing so much! I am more confident and open minded. I also knew that it would be difficult because of my English.”
(Interviewer’s note: Her English is awesome!)
Ana Carolina is a joy to be with. Your life will be enriched by including her in outings, events, and meals. Contact info@evergreenrotary.org for more information.
Interview conducted by Holly Brekke