By Chrissy Payne
Round Table editor
Viola Corradini who is from Italy joined Middletown High School’s junior class this year as part of the foreign exchange program.
“I’ve enjoyed my first semester here very much. I love Middletown, but it definitely took a while to get used to America,” said Corradini.
One of the first things Viola noticed was that schooling here in America is very different than in Italy.
“Schooling is completely different here in America. Back in Italy we only go to school in the morning, even on Saturdays. We also can’t choose our classes and we don’t have school sports teams. If you want to participate in sports, it has to be outside of school,” said Corradini.
For Corradini, football games and other sporting events were new to her, and so was Homecoming and spirit week. She didn’t understand the purpose of spirit week.
“It was a bit confusing at first why we were having spirit week and Homecoming, but I caught on and was really fun,” Corradini said.
It’s hard for any new student to fit in at school, but is exceptionally hard for those who aren’t familiar with the language. Corradini came to America with little knowledge of speaking English.
“It was hard making friends at first. I didn’t know the language well, but I eventually learned,” said Corradini.
MHS junior Savannah Hargett has become one of Corradini’s good friends.
“My first impression when meeting Viola was that she had the most adorable style and was so funny and nice,” said Hargett. “I’m so glad I’ve become such good friends with her.”
Style in Italy is very different than it is in the United States. In Italy, one of the fashion capitals of the world, it’s all about wearing designer clothes.
“Fashion is so important in Italy. You would never see anyone wearing flip flops or shorts like they do here in America, and designer clothes are really in,” said Corradini.
Although she enjoys America very much, she said she misses her friends and family back in Italy.
“I do miss a lot about Italy, but I’m very happy that I have this experience to visit here, said Corradini.
Corradini is in Middletown until the end of June, and will be missed by many of her friends in Middletown when she heads back to Italy.
“She’s become one of my best friends” Hargett said. “She will be missed by everyone when she leaves.”
