Country Girl
Kaayla Maliang–INA KL-YES to USA YP 23/24
I’ve been living in a city for my whole life and now I got to experience life as a Southern Illinois country girl. On the 7th of September, my journey started. I finally arrived in Vienna, Illinois and met my new family. They’re wonderful people. I never knew how it felt to have a dad and siblings. It’s such a different experience, It’s very fun! We have cats, dogs, chickens, and a bird at home! I love animals! This is totally the life that I’ve been dreaming of.
People here dressed like cowboys! Yes! Exactly! Boots, hats, jeans and plaid shirts. Legend Of The Fall is one of my favorite movies. Now, I feel like I’m one of the characters in it! They also have a different accent than other American people, they use the Hick accent. Here, deer hunting is a very popular thing to do in October-January. There are so many deer in this area, we can see them everywhere! Even on the road.
At Vienna High School, I have taken classes and joined clubs that’s very unusual for me to do, such as: Law Enforcement, Natural Resources, Spanish, U.S History and Future Farmers of America, Adventure club, Drama club, Cooking club and PEP club. As a junior, we took many field trips to college and career fairs, it’s very different from my School in Indonesia. Also we don’t have to wear uniforms at School and the lunch is FREE!
Homecoming is a big event for American Schools. On homecoming week, We do dress up days. In Vienna High School we do Class color day, Neon day, Nerd day, Rhyming day and Spirit day. We also play games after lunch like dodgeball, Silly Surfers, Hungry Hippos, Volleyball, Lipsync, and Skits. At the end of the week, we vote for the Homecoming king and queen. Homecoming dance is the dance that any student can attend, It’s super fun!
As an Exchange student, International Education Week is very important and the moment that all of us are waiting for. I presented about Islands, culture, religion, tradition, places, education, habits, history, foods, and languages in Indonesia, my hometown. I wore my School uniform, kebaya, and batik. I brought Indomie, candies, batik, and Indonesian rupiah. I did these presentations in my History class, Spanish class, Future Education club and at my host mom’s workplace, Autumn Ridge. Autumn Ridge is a supported living apartment for people 65 years and older. They enjoyed learning more about Indonesia!
My Host family took me to lots of wonderful places in America. We went to Garden of the gods, the Bald Knob Cross, Paducah’s Noble Park, Patti’s 1880’s Settlement, Camp Ondessonk, Fort Massac, Coffee shops, St.Louis trip, and many more! So grateful to have them!
I never thought I would experience life in a different way, as a country girl. I’ve enjoyed it and I can’t wait to do more adventures in America!
