Georgian Takes the Initiative
FLEX Student of the Month (May 2022)
It is with much excitement that PAX nominates Mariam, a FLEX exchange student from Georgia, and Indianapolis, IN, to be the May FLEX Student of the Month.
Although Mariam returns to Georgia in less than one month, she will always have family in the United States. Mariam acclimated quickly to her host family and the American culture and immediately began sharing her own. Her host family reports Mariam has taught them that other cultures and countries, although different, all want their freedom and to lead a happy, fulfilled life. Her host mom says, "Mariam is one of us. We feel extremely lucky to have had this opportunity to host her. She will go on to do great things in life."
Mariam is a wonderful student who challenges herself. She takes difficult classes including physics, advanced calculus, German 3, and chemistry, and gets all A's. She has been on the honor roll each quarter of the school year. The teachers appreciate Mariam’s inquisitive participation in class. Outside of academics, Mariam is involved in Key Club, the International Club, and was a member of the swim team. Mariam has never competed in a team sport, nor had she ever swum competitively! Even as a beginner, she took to it naturally. Recently, Mariam was invited to meet Goga Bitadze, a Georgian basketball player for the Indiana Pacer's NBA team.
Mariam has immersed herself in volunteerism. Currently, she has completed 91 hours and is determined to reach the goal of 100 +hours of volunteer service. Mariam has volunteered in many places, including with the Red Cross, tutoring at her school, and a food pantry. Mariam shares, "I love volunteering. I became a volunteer in Red Cross where I got such amazing information. I plan to share my knowledge in my home country.” Mariam founded the first Red Cross Club for high school students in Georgia and has created one in her host school with support from the local Red Cross in Indiana. In addition, Mariam is finishing her leadership activities working toward PAX's Distinguished Leader Award.
Mariam founded the first Red Cross Club for high school students in Georgia and has created one in her host school with support from the local Red Cross in Indiana.
Mariam’s coordinator says, “I feel like if you take the best of the best, Mariam will give just a little bit better than that.” Mariam says her favorite quote is: "The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain." She goes on to say, “My experience is so far full of challenges that grow me personally and shows me how our respectful attitude is contagious. During my exchange year, I learned how to show gratitude and build ties with people coming from different cultures and backgrounds. I am proud to be the representative of my country and exchange my culture in front of the audience."
It is in this spirit of respect and gratitude that PAX nominates Mariam as the May FLEX Student of the Month.
—The PAX Sponsored Team
