PAX Press Dec. 2020

PAX Press Dec 2020 Cover Original Ratio 1200

DEC. 2020, VOL. XXVI, NO. 2

It’s that special time of year. Thanksgiving has just passed—Ander (Spain) and the Jewett family thoroughly enjoyed their turkey al fresco in Massachusetts (cover image)—and everyone’s gearing up for the holiday season, especially Christmas! Lucky for us, Komachi (Japan), Jareena (Thailand), and Victoria (Germany) shared what they’ve been up to in Iowa, Texas, and Indiana respectively. Find their stories in “The Holidays” at the bottom of the page. Also in that section, you’ll find some holiday reflections and advice from alumnae Fatima and Rabab.

There’s something else “special” about this time of year…in 2020 at least: fresh COVID-related restrictions in many areas. From online shopping to home organization, “Quaranteens 2.0” contest winner Natalie (FLEX, Georgia) shows us how she’s been keeping busy in a witty ditty of a video.

Like Natalie, many contributors in this issue are participating on the Virtual Program. A U.S. Department of State program designed for FLEX and YES students who could not join us in person this program year, these good sports are sharing their culture in honor of International Education Week (November 16-20). In fact, there were so many outstanding contributions that we’re sharing seven of them with you here—six of which include engaging videos. Be prepared to be transported to the hinterlands of Indonesia and through Polish kitchens. Ralitsa’s touching video—a poetic ode to Bulgaria—is also not to be missed.

Rounding out the issue are more "in-person PAXers" here in the U.S. They’re sharing their talents with their American communities and all of us. First up (initial story below), is “PAX’s Got Talent!” winner Riku from Japan. If his cover of a popular American pop song weren’t enough, he performs at sunset with monstrous Arkansas trees and (slightly smaller) birds of prey in his backdrop.

Click on any story below for the full article and accompanying video (more times than not). Enjoy, and thanks as always for your support of our students!

–The PAX Press team