 The winning nomination comes from Sunny Sunanthamethee, a 16-year-old exchange student from Thailand who is being hosted by the Derfelt family in Lindale, Texas. Her Local Coordinator is Diane Torres. The Derfelts' love, compassion and commitment to this student has given Sunny a new home away from home and glowing perception of life in an American family. AYA thanks the Derfelts for their dedication to cultural exchange and for opening their home to Sunny and AYA students to come. Their warm hearts have truly changed the life of this student and will continue to touch the lives of many others.
Below are some excerpts from Sunny's nomination essay. |
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"Since I have been here I really enjoy my
life time, my new experiences, new culture, and my host family. They are
very nice people and fantastic. I enjoy being a part of a family, everything
they have done for me , and we have done for each other, is impressive and
appreciated. This warm hospitality will be in my mind forever.
"I really have a
great time with my host family. Everything that we have done together and for each other, makes me feel a part of the family which I wish to come
true.
"Homesickness is something that all the exchange students or other people
who are away from home have faced...At this moment, I am in a foreign country which is very different.
I realized that it takes time to adjust myself into a new environment.
Sometimes I am homesick. I think of everything that I usually do in
Thailand, and also miss my family and friends...I tried to smile, but it was so hard. There
were many feelings that I couldn't define. My host mother came to my room,
and she seemed to know what was going on.
She understood me and explained it to me to see things extensively,
everything has to adjust, and absolutely, it takes time. It was as if there
was a hand from someone special who came to me and helped me out of this
nightmare. Sometimes I miss my family, and I just need someone, but when I
just turn around, my host family will always be there, smile at me, offer
their hands, hold my hand, and walk along with me. They are very nice to me,
I appreciate all their kindness, and I am glad to be at this point with
them.
"Through time, I have learned many things that I had not known before,
both tangible and abstract items. My experiences have taught me how to make
better decisions and to enjoy life. At this moment, I am in a foreign
country which is different from my own country, but one thing I have learned
is that life is a judgement which depends on ourselves and what we are doing
today. I am lucky to have my host family who always helps me pass through my
life time with experiences. They are very nice to me. I appreciate
everything that they have done for me. They are my family. Thank you for
everything that you have done for me. Thank you for the warm hospitality,
and thank you for being a part of my life. I want you to know how much I
love you, and there is nothing that can change our relationship. My mother
always says to me that happiness is somewhere in the house; the only one
thing to do is just find it and enjoy that happy moment with someone
special. I really enjoy staying here with my host family. All of us enjoy
having each other be a part of their life and from now on, I will be a big
sister for a new life which will open one's eyes to the new world." |
