Student shares transformative Italian exchange experience during junior year abroad

The Thompson School District R-2J held a meeting on May 19, 2025, to discuss the experiences of senior student Presley Stevenson, who shared insights from her transformative junior year abroad. The meeting focused on her journey as an exchange student in Italy, highlighting the personal growth and challenges she faced during this period.

Stevenson began by explaining her motivation for studying abroad, citing feelings of burnout from school and a desire for a new experience. She detailed the process of securing a sponsor and completing the necessary paperwork to facilitate her exchange. During her time in Italy, she lived with a host family and attended an Italian high school, immersing herself in a culture where English was not spoken.

She recounted the initial difficulties of language barriers, expressing her frustration at not being able to communicate effectively. However, this challenge taught her patience and resilience. She shared a key lesson from her host mother, who often reminded her to take things "piano piano," or "slowly, slowly," emphasizing the importance of gradual progress.

Stevenson reflected on how this experience reshaped her perspective, helping her feel more settled as she approached college applications and decisions. She expressed confidence in her ability to adapt and change paths if necessary, having already navigated significant life challenges during her time abroad.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of Stevenson’s growth and the valuable lessons learned from her exchange experience, underscoring the importance of such programs in fostering personal development among students.