Scholarship

For many years my family and I have been a host family for Red Leaf and have hosted students from Spain, France and Mexico. Since I have two brothers, we always host a boy and it is always my room that is given to the visiting student. I don’t mind though because it is fun helping them improve their English and I love meeting people from all over the world.

Last summer, I decided to enter Red Leaf’s Scholarship contest. After hosting students for so many years, I wanted to see what it would be like to be on the other side of things. The summer was nearly over and I had almost forgotten about this contest. I had other things on my mind….my 14th birthday was coming up.

My parents told me shortly before my birthday that I was getting a ‘big surprise’! I just assumed they meant a present for my birthday. Was I ever surprised and stunned when Red Leaf called to tell me that I won the scholarship! Immediately I phoned my dad who told me that they already knew and that was my ‘big surprise’! I was still so shocked and very happy. This is way better than any present!
I decided to go to France as both my brothers have already visited this country and we’ve also hosted 3 students from there too. I wanted to see for myself what everyone is raving about! I will be staying in Montpellier, France for 2 weeks this July. Instead of staying in a hotel, I decided that I want the experience of living with a French family. I have heard the scenery and landscape of Montpellier is beautiful. It is my hope to take long walks with my host family and I would love to see a sunset.

My goals for this trip are to make friends, improve my French, and to take advantage of every opportunity I am given. If I am asked to go to the grocery store, I’ll go. I will not let any opportunity pass me by. I heard that they like to eat frogs’ legs and that they are really good. It sounds nasty to me but I would definitely try it!
Lately I’ve been paying real close attention in French class! I’m focusing on learning the past and future tenses so hopefully I can communicate with my host family. I hope to conjugate my verbs correctly! However, I know from my experience hosting, there are many ways to communicate so I’m sure I’ll be just fine.

I am also looking forward to seeing the famous fashion trends that France is known for. I want to see how the people of France dress and the different styles that they have. It would be interesting to see for myself if it is really true that people in France have bread and cheese with every meal.
My trip is only a few months away and I’m really getting excited to go. My friends are all so happy (and jealous)! They can’t wait to hear if I will actually try frogs’ legs. I hope to write again after my trip to let you all know about my experience and if I was able to eat the frogs’ legs.

Until then, au revoir.

Vanessa

The 2 week scholarship Vanessa won is offered to all teenage children of Red Leaf summer program host families. For more information on your son or daughter entering this year’s contest, please contact your Local Coordinator.