June 2023: Xenia from Moldova
Standout student and future surgeon
It is a privilege for PAX - Program of Academic Exchange to nominate Xenia, a FLEX exchange student from Moldova and Bedford, Indiana as the FLEX June Student of the Month!
Xenia has a passion for medicine and dreams of being a neurosurgeon one day. While in the United States, she has taken steps to help make that dream a reality—job shadowing a surgeon on rounds and even watching a surgery! In the classroom, Xenia is enrolled in several advanced placement (AP) classes. Despite the challenging courses, Xenia’s GPA is 4.6 on 4-point scale. The Moldovan has registered for two AP exams in addition to the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Exam.
Xenia’s academics are indeed impressive. According to Xenia’s science teacher Ms. Titche, "The entire faculty of the high school and connected career center feel that Xenia is the strongest science and math student in either building. Since the very first day at school, she has sought out ways to advance her knowledge of science and medicine and has never shied away from working with younger students or adults." Although Xenia seems like a character out of a superhero story, she shares a great anecdote to assure us she is a normal teenage girl: “Upon arrival, I had a nightmare week in chemistry, trying to learn what miles, feet, and Fahrenheit meant, as our measuring system back home is different.”
The entire faculty of the high school and connected career center feel that Xenia is the strongest science and math student in either building.
Xenia has made a lasting impression on Bedford North Lawrence High School by excelling both academically and socially. In spite of a tough schedule, Xenia started the Cultural Club and planned volunteer activities for its members. The young lady has also completed 105 volunteer hours of her own. Some of her efforts include helping out the Boys & Girls Club's robotics team and working with a local hospital outreach program, where she has given presentations that educate children on proper hand washing. She has also participated in fundraising for a new homeless men’s shelter—subsequently volunteering in its actual construction.
Xenia acclimated to her host family seamlessly. Host mom says, “Xenia has bonded with all of us. Most of my children are grown adults, and she has shown my youngest what it is like to live every day with a sibling. They tease each other but help each other, too.” Meanwhile, Xenia recalls an evening early in her exchange as the most beautiful moment of her exchange experience. She says, “I was sitting on a soccer field with my host mother, discussing life and ourselves. That evening, I felt that I totally belonged to this place and this family. I've never felt like a stranger, and I hope this bond is one for the ages.”
Xenia may not be a superhero, but she’s one of PAX’s super students. For this reason, we are excited to nominate her as our final student of the 2022/23 program year.
—The PAX Sponsored Programs team
I've never felt like a stranger, and I hope this bond is one for the ages.
