EDITOR:
Growing up in Douglas County, I had a profound desire to learn about other cultures. While attending UNR I was able to expand my knowledge when I was chosen to be an exchange student to Japan. This experience became the most significant of my college career. Not only did I learn about myself and my country, I began to understand another way of life. These precious experiences shaped my future.
After graduating from UNR I moved back to Douglas looking for ways to share my international experiences with others. I found a way. In addition to my regular job, I was accepted as the Douglas County representative for the Program of Academic Exchange.
A nonprofit educational organization, PAX, has promoted and arranged student exchanges from over 40 countries for the last 20 years. Their vision is to actively foster and support international peace, friendship and cross-cultural understanding. Committed to a small, personal high quality mission, we work with one student at a time locating a host family that will house a student, just as my Japanese host family did.
I am now working hard to find a family for a wonderful 16-year-old girl from South Korea. An outgoing, very organized hard worker, Sung eun has had seven years of English with interests that include swimming, hiking, drawing and painting and would like to take art and drama while in America. With a warm spirit and gregarious personality, this delightful girl is sure to have a successful year in Douglas if a host family can be found Yet sadly, I have been unable to find a family for Sung eun.
An experience with such a wonderful young lady for this coming school year will be highly rewarded with many genuine returns over the years to come. I will be happy to furnish further details if you would contact me, Leah Madison at (775) 315-7958 or leahmadison@me.com
Leah Madison
Douglas County
