Anne Arundel County HS Hosts Students From Japan
GAMBRILLS, Md. (WJZ)—Arundel High in Gambrills has been a model United Nations this week. The school has hosted 23 students and two teachers from Kanagawa, Japan.
Kai Jackson has more.
It's a student cultural exchange where east meets west. Students are making a global citizen.
"They love to do the same things. We have fun together, laugh, talk. It's just a lot of similar things. Similar clubs, sports, everything," said Emily Twigg, 12th-grader.
The Japanese students left the day after the deadly earthquake and tsunami hit the island nation. They admit it was hard to leave, and with the threat of a nuclear disaster it's been equally hard to talk about it.
"I'm so grateful for American people's kindness," said Minami Tajima, 11th-grader.
"It really broke my heart in just seeing all the people in distress. I couldn't take it," said Chanel Vanzant, 12th-grader.
Students have spent the past week sharing their respective cultures and have discovered the things that unite are greater than the miles that separate.
"Understanding each other will lead to helping each other," said Hiroyuki Hayashida, teacher.
When asked if American students are much different than Japanese students, 11th-grader Misato Sugawara said:"I think that they are little different and a little the same."
"I've worked at Arundel High School for 11 years and this is by far one of the most amazing experiences for us," said Sherri Billheimer, Arundel High teacher.
Next year Arundel High students will travel to Japan for the cultural exchange.
As part of WJZ's Continuing Community Commitment, you can support disaster relief efforts to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and the Pacific tsunami. Text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation, visit RedCross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
