A Very Busy April for Ani and Our Greenheart Students

4 min read

Posted May 14, 2024

J-1 High School Cultural Program

Every year, our field staff works closely with hundreds of students from all over the world to match them with host families. They often share with us many inspiring stories that show the positive impact of the high-school program on the students and on the host families. Our Regional Director, Tara Jasinski, recently shared this short blog with us about Ani and other Greenheart students!

April was a whirlwind of excitement and unforgettable memories for Ani and our incredible Greenheart students here in Nebraska! From prom night to camping adventures, they soaked up every moment, creating bonds that will last a lifetime.

Ani and her host sister Tara Jasinski, Regional Director with Greenheart, embarked on a chilly April morning camping adventure at Czechland Lake in Prague, NE. Despite the brisk weather, they embraced the outdoors, reveling in the beauty of nature and the warmth of their friendship

Our dedicated team, led by Area Coordinator & Grant Cluster Leader, Lou Ann Bauer, and supported by Local Coordinators Rae Voelker and Jody Hintz, who are also host moms, organized the final grant enhancement of the year at the prestigious Nebraska State Capital. It was a day filled with learning, laughter, and cultural exchange as students from around the globe came together to celebrate their experiences. Ani and her fellow Greenheart students had the opportunity to explore the historic landmark and learn about its significance in Nebraska’s rich history. It was a day filled with pride and appreciation for the diverse cultures represented within our community.

Adair’s highlight of the month was finally getting to go camping and fishing, a dream he had eagerly anticipated since arriving in the USA. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect as they pitched tents, roasted hot dogs around the campfire, went fishing, and shared stories under the starlit sky.

Nebraska State Capital tour: (Left to Right) *(Front Row – Axany (Egypt with YES); Maria (Colombia); Marie (France); Ani (Georgia with FLEX); Back Row – Bozhidara (Bulgaria with YES); Nerea* (*Spain); Aftandil (Kyrgyzstan with FLEX); Viviana (Italy); Aidarbek (Kyrgyzstan); Lisa (Germany); and Ernazar (with FLEX from Uzbekistan.)*

Our Greenheart Grant’s Enhancement at the Nebraska State Capital after Proclamation Day (Left to Right: Front Row – Nerea (Spain/ Cedar Bluffs High School; Axany (Egypt with YES/ Fremont High School); Tara Smith Jasinski, Regional Director with Greenheart Exchange/ Fremont, NE; Maria (Colombia/ Lincoln Southwest High School); Second Row – Aftandil (Kyrgyzstan with FLEX/ Lincoln Lutheran High School); Viviana ( Italy/ Lincoln Northwest High School; Marie (France/ Lincoln Southwest High School; Bozhidara (Bulgaria with YES/ Cedar Bluffs High School); Lisa (Germany/ Lincoln Northwest High School); Ani (Georgia with FLEX/ Fremont High School); Nebraska Govern Jim Pillen; Aidarbek (Kyrgyzstan with FLEX/ Lincoln Southeast High School) and Ernazar with FLEX from Uzbekistan/ Cedar Bluffs High School.
The Office of Governor Jim Pillen offers proclamations as a courtesy to Nebraskans. Proclamations honor organizations and highlight issues and causes about which Nebraskan’s care. These honorary documents do not carry the force of law. (Source)

Ani and Axany were elegant as they attended prom with their friends at Fremont High School. Decked out in their finest attire, they danced the night away, creating memories that will last a lifetime. *(Ani with her double placement, Axany from Egypt in a maroon dress (YES) —Ani’s friend from School, Victoria, is also from Georgia (the country); hosted by Steve & Lou Ann in Fremont, NE.)*

As April came to a close, Ani bid farewell to her newfound friends and embarked on her journey back home to Georgia. Packed to the brim with memories and experiences, her luggage served as a testament to the incredible adventures she had embarked on during her time in Nebraska.

Sunset at Czechland Lake in Prague, NE with (Left to Right): Front Row – Maria (Colombia); Axany (Egypt with YES); Lisa (Germany); Ani (Georgia with FLEX); Back Row – Aidarbek (Kyrgyzstan with FLEX) and Ernazar with FLEX from Uzbekistan.

From prom nights to camping trips and everything in between, April was a month for Ani and our Greenheart students to remember. As they continue their exchange journey, we look forward to the countless adventures ahead, knowing that the bonds forged during their time here will last a lifetime.

Cheers to a month filled with laughter, friendship, and unforgettable experiences!

If you are interested in hosting an international student, please visit HostwithGreenheart.org to meet students who look forward to being here the next academic year.