The War Memorial stadium is stacked as waves of crimson and white face paint proudly show off their school spirit in the student section. The flags reading “P R H S” that are held by the high school’s cross country team blur across the field as the scoreboard records another touchdown. Gemma De La Cruz dreamed of this “American high school experience” from another corner of the world, 6,534 miles away in Taranto, Italy.
“In Italy we have this American dream that everyone wants to come here and live the American life in high school. I want to learn the language and culture here which was my main reason to travel,” De La Cruz said.
Along with the new “American life,” De La Cruz is also experiencing other firsts with PRHS’ differing school system. In Italy, along with their different ways of teaching English, there is one class of 27 students that stays constant, while the teachers change for each subject. With new classmates each period and a more open campus, De La Cruz has had a “long journey” when it comes to adjusting.
“The first part of being an exchange student was really hard, you know? Because you come here to be a part of the world without your parents or friends and you don’t know anyone, but I know with time I’ll get used to it and make more friends,” De La Cruz said.
“The first part of being an exchange student was really hard, you know? Because you come here to be a part of the world without your parents or friends and you don’t know anyone, but I know with time I’ll get used to it and make more friends”
De La Cruz said.
Because of the new changes and new possibilities, De La Cruz came to Paso without expectations. She hopes to join clubs and continue running cross country for PRHS, but most of all, she is looking forward to going to the football game and dances. Back home in Taranto, De La Cruz spent her time going out with her friends, playing games, and watching movies. In California, she has already visited Los Angeles and San Francisco, but still misses food the most.
“The food here is good too but it's really unhealthy. I never noticed the health difference before coming here,” De La Cruz said while missing her favorite dish, lasagna.
Testing the known stereotype that California is the “best state” and also has a similar temperature and weather to Italy, De La Cruz is staying with junior Christine Brennan and her family for the next ten months.
“I really want to see everything while I'm here. Even the small things in life can have a big meaning.”