Turk Finds it All a Bit Surreal
Exchange student from Turkey poses with other members of homecoming court in Indiana

Hoosiers, homecoming, and the yellow school bus

I remember my first days in the U.S., and it feels like a dream. I was so excited and happy, because I was making my dreams come true. My host family was so cute when they met me at the airport. My double placement was excited as well.

We visited a lot of places in Indianapolis and saw many beautiful things around the area. When the yellow bus came, I felt like I was in a movie.

When the yellow bus came, I felt like I was in a movie.

Everyone was curious about me as an exchange student and wanted to ask me a lot of questions. I made some friends on the first day of school and love them so much. I joined the Spanish club and the health and science club.

I was selected for homecoming court, too. Everyone told me that it's good to be on the homecoming court as an exchange student. I have learned that I'm strong, and I can handle most things in life.

—Utku (YES, Turkey), hosted by the Christie family (IN)