My name is Frida, and my home school is Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, but my hometown is Elmhurst, Illinois. Elmhurst is a suburb twenty minutes away from Chicago. At home, I live with my parents and little sister, but I also have an older sister. For fun, I like to listen to music, watch films and series, volunteer and pass time with my family and friends. I also play the trumpet and have been doing so for the past eight years, which I plan on continuing as a hobby. As for sports, I swim recreationally and was the manager for the golf team at my home school. The past three summers, I have been a caddie, and I find it to be a very enjoyable and rewarding job.

When I first transferred to Andover this past year, I was aware of the “Learning in the World” programs Andover offered, but I was then made aware of SYA by a teacher. Before learning about SYA, I did not realize studying abroad in high school would be a possibility, and I had always known that I wanted to go abroad as part of my academic journey. The day I heard about SYA, I immediately emailed my school coordinator to set up a meeting and further discuss. My hopes for this SYA experience are to make lifelong connections with not only my friends, but my host family as well. Another goal, of course, is to continue speaking French for the rest of my life. This year, I am most looking forward to trying new foods (especially escargot), traveling and seeing new places and immersing myself fully within a new culture.

To the donors, I would like to express my gratitude for giving me the opportunity to experience this year abroad. Words can not describe my gratitude. Thank you for believing in students like me. One day, I hope to pass this gift forward, making a difference for someone else the kind of difference you have made for me. Thank you for helping me move forward. May all the good you do come back to you.