First Thanksgiving Foreign Students Visiting America Express Thoughts On Our Holidays And Traditions

Thu., Nov. 27, 1997

By Marny Lombard marnyl@spokesman.com (509) 927-2166

Thanksgiving Day is, above all else, familiar. Most of us gather with loved ones year after year, the same dishes crowding the table. Most of us ask for the same favorite cut of turkey every year.

But a handful of teenagers are spending their first Thanksgiving ever in the United States. The Valley Voice asked four foreign exchange students attending Valley high schools to write essays reflecting on their first months here.

On pages 2 and 3 of the Voice, you’ll find those essays. They touch on school, on the adjustments these young students have made in their first months in the Valley, on their impressions of America’s customs, and on holidays from their native lands.

But most of all, these young people write about family. The families they miss at home and the families here who are loving them and supporting them this year.

Enjoy! And from the Valley Voice staff, happy Thanksgiving.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: THE STUDENTS Daniel Samaniego: From Mexico, attends U-Hi. Riki Selle: From Germany, attends CV. Odett Polo: From Mexico, attends EV. Bernd Himperich: From Germany, attends WV.

This sidebar appeared with the story: THE STUDENTS Daniel Samaniego: From Mexico, attends U-Hi. Riki Selle: From Germany, attends CV. Odett Polo: From Mexico, attends EV. Bernd Himperich: From Germany, attends WV.

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