Editor’s note: Edoardo Romani, an Italian exchange student, is enjoying his experience as a junior at MIHS while living with his host parents, David Barbee and Carolyn Friedman Barbee, and his host brother, Michael Friedman.

Being an exchange student is sometimes difficult to describe: too many experiences, too many emotions, too many intangibles, and therefore, a challenge to put into writing. However, I will try in hopes that people will be able to understand this wonderful journey.

It all begins in another country, among another culture, way of life, and people — in my case, Milan, Italy. When I was first told I had finally achieved all of the requirements necessary to leave for this Mercer Island High School experience, I was really fired up and excited, but very nervous as well. I knew little about Mercer Island, and I did not know exactly what to expect. I tried to somehow visualize the experience I was about to begin, and what came into my mind was the classic profile of an American high school, full of lockers, cheerleaders and overall a very cheerful and active environment. I had no idea yet how cheerful and active.

It’s 7:35 a.m. on the first day of the new academic year. After some relaxing days having a great time with my new host family, fellow exchange student Camilla Duranti and I are about to take the bus for school. It’s hard to describe how nervous I was as I took the first of many rides to my new school. From that moment on, it was show time — on that day I truly began to understand the sense of being an exchange student. Many, many things have surprised me, but what has so far struck me the most is the pace of life. Yes, the rhythm at which life goes on this little island — it is too fast. Activity after activity, non-stop — school, friends, basketball practice, more friends. I guess I am living Mercer Island life to the fullest.

And I’d say, so far, so good. Actually, not good, but great. The time I am having is amazing, and I could not ask for anything better. Ups and downs, movie nights, basketball games, crazy assemblies and spirit weeks. Not the usual life for an Italian. I am just blessed to be in this place. This program at MI is really changing the way I look at people and at life. I still have a long way to go, though, as I look forward to new experiences in my second semester on Mercer Island.

For more information about hosting an Italian student, contact italexchange@gmail.com. Italian families are in turn happy to host your child during summer vacation.