FLEX SOM October 2023
Greek student giving it her all
With great pleasure, PAX - Program of Academic Exchange is nominating Parthena, a FLEX exchange student from Greece and Falling Waters, West Virginia to be the October FLEX Student of the Month.
From their first conversation together, Parthena’s local coordinator Jessica knew she was special. Since arriving, Parthena has gone above and beyond to integrate herself into her host family, school, and community. She lives with her host mom and dad and two younger host brothers.
Upon learning that she would have younger brothers, she grew nervous that she wouldn’t be able to find common ground with them. She sought out advice and took it to heart. Her desire to connect paid off, as they all now get along well. She enjoys doing things with them like sharing her culture, reading a book she brought with her about Greek mythology, teaching them Greek words, and laughing together when their pronunciation goes haywire.
She has enjoyed getting to bond with her host mom and dad as well through trips to state parks, baseball games, air shows, college football games, and boating on the Potomac River. Parthena’s host mom says that Parthena shows a positive attitude toward these new experiences, and she looks forward to spending the rest of the school year getting to know Parthena better.
Parthena has acclimated to life at a new school as well, joining an impressive array of extracurriculars that include theater, student government, leadership club, and the broadcast team—on top of taking a challenging course load.
Parthena is constantly seeking ways to make an impact in her community. Whether decorating the school halls for homecoming or helping with the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, she is always lending a hand, already building up 13 volunteer hours. One of the many ways that Parthena stands out is her innate ability to seek out individuals and opportunities that will help her gain knowledge and make connections to achieve her goals.
She has identified opportunities to volunteer at the Humane Society, library, homeless shelter, and 4-H Club, and is currently setting up a visit to a nursing home where she will visit with the residents and share traditional Greek music and dance. She makes the time and puts in the effort to connect with her new community.
Parthena has acclimated to life at a new school as well, joining an impressive array of extracurriculars that include theater, student government, leadership club, and the broadcast team—on top of taking a challenging course load.
Feeling comfortable in her new school, Parthena taught a mini-lesson about Greece to her English class, sharing the Greek origins of the words marathon, echo, and narcissist. Parthena’s English teacher stated enthusiastically that Parthena is “a pillar of our school community in so many ways.” Parthena is proactive, resourceful, and enthusiastic. Parthena shares, “The more I experience as an exchange student, the more open-minded I become.” Her attitude and sheer motivation are the epitome of what the PAX FLEX Program is all about.
Parthena has been a model exchange student and impeccable representative of Greece, PAX, and the FLEX Program. It is with great pride and joy that PAX nominates Parthena as FLEX October Student of the Month.
—The PAX Sponsored Team
