Students Find U.S. Isn't That Far From Home

By Jen Thomas09:30AM / Saturday, December 22, 2007Print Story | Email Story

AbdulSamad, Maryam and Svitlana Kohut

NORTH ADAMS - When 17 high school teenagers from eight different countries arrived in America last summer, they were expecting a world truly foreign, a country where everyone is wealthy, self-centered and unfriendly. Instead, the newcomers were surprised to find that they shared more similarities than differences with their peers. "When I was a kid, I saw some Hollywood movies and I thought America was like that. You have money and you have power and you live in big buildings," said Maryam, a student from Afghanistan who is spending one year at Mount Anthony Union High School in Bennington, Vt. "It is thought that Americans don't have respect and families don't even know each other. But that is not true. Of course, we have cultural differences, but [Americans] are the same as us," she continued. Here on a scholarship provided by the Youth Exchange and Study Program (YES), which brings high-schoolers from countries with a significant Muslim population to the United States for one academic year, Maryam, 16, is just one exchange student who has learned to dispel stereotypes in her short time in America. AbdulSamad, a 17-year-old budding violinist also from Afghanistan, said he was glad to know that American teenagers aren't exactly what he expected. "The stereotypes we hear are completely wrong. Lots of people back home think Americans don't have respect for others and are only interested in working on their own things. The U.S. is completely different than we hear about in Afghanistan," said the Mount Greylock Regional High School senior. For Svitlana Kohut, Drury High School is not unlike her own school back home. Here from Ukraine, Kohut is studying in America through the Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX), which brings exceptional students from the former Soviet Union to America to experience life in a democratic society. "People here are the same as in Ukraine or Afghanistan, but we just have different histories, different backgrounds. At the roots, we are all the same," Kohut, 16, said. "But it is one thing to study English in a classroom and another to think in English. At first, it was very difficult. Now, I do it well." Getting accustomed to interacting with other students was also intimidating at first, said AbdulSamad and Maryam. "In America, relations are different and I had trouble with friendships with American teenagers. In my country, the first day, you are friends. The second day, you are best friends and on the third day, you are like brothers." "The most challenging thing for me was making friends. The first day, the first week and the first month was difficult for us," Maryam said. After getting involved with local community service and extracurricular activities that run the gamut from Habitat for Humanity for AbdulSamad to spirit club for Svitlana to martial arts classes for Maryam, the kids felt they fit right in. "In my school, I am the only girl who has a scarf and it makes me feel good that my teachers and other students respect me for that," Maryam said. For the Experience While AbdulSamad said his parents agreed to send him to school in America so he could get a quality education, the three students agree that the high school curriculum here is far easier than their workloads at home. "In my country, I have to take at least 17 studies. Knowing a different country, especially the U.S. which is multicultural, is good experience," said AbdulSamad, who added that he also helps his family in their motorcycle repair shop after school. "This is not a program for knowledge but for experience," said Kohut. Part of the new experience is learning just what it is that makes our nation unique. "The greatest thing I learned here is that people can say whatever they want; it's freedom of speech," said Maryam. "The first day, students in my class were talking about the president and I thought 'If they are saying this, tomorrow they will be in the prison.' We can say whatever. In my country, no way, you can't do that." "America is the land of opportunity. Any talent you have, people can teach you anything and it can grow," said Kohut. "It's one thing, in Ukraine, to watch American movies and listen to American music. Now, it's just normal." AbdulSamad said he had learned his greatest lessons from his Williamstown community, where an emphasis on public service has taught him the value of helping others. "The first thing I learned is how to be helpful to other people. In Williamstown, a small town where everyone knows each other, it is important to do what we can," he said. In addition to studies and extracurricular activities, the exchange students are also required to perform at least 30 hours of community service, though many of them have already exceeded that number in a few short months. "We just really enjoy doing it," said Kohut. As part of the American experience, the exchange students are also eager to help bridge the cultural divide - by taking every opportunity to share their personal stories with new friends. With chances to speak at the Neighborhood Expo in the city, at cultural fairs and a Model United Nations Day in Schenectady, N.Y., the students have helped to foster intercultural communication across the region. "It gives us a good feeling to know about other cultures and share it," said AbdulSamad. "I didn't think I knew so much about my country when I was there, but now I can share it with others who don't know anything about it." At a time when Americans relate the Middle East with terrorism and war, these children are a voice for those who are at the center of the conflict. "There is no family [in Afghanistan] who hasn't been touched by the war," said AbdulSamad. Maryam, who lived as a refugee in Iran and Pakistan as a child, has seen explosions in Kabul, her hometown, and another Afghani exchange student, Asadullah, was forced to live in caves with his family during the Taliban regime. "In Afghanistan, not all children get to go to school, so we are very lucky. A lot of children are working, lots of teens are orphans and there are some who are the only ones who work for the family. The economic situation is very bad," said AbdulSamad. Looking for Homes The greatest obstacle to getting more exchange students to come to the region is a lack of volunteer host families, said Kara Lozier, the program's supervisor. "These kids are really, really motivated and they are good ambassadors for their countries. They've done a lot in the community and people are seeing what great kids they are. But the problem of finding host families is common with agencies across the country. These kids are amazing - but they can't come if we don't find families willing to host them," Lozier said. Many of this year's families were recruited through direct contact by Lozier but more volunteers need to come forward to house these students. "A lot of families disqualify themselves because they don't have teenagers, or because a they're widowed, or because they don't have kids at all," said Lozier. "My experience is, if you're interested, you'll be good at it no matter what your family is like." Though potential host families must set up an interview and home visit with Lozier, the only requirement for hosting is to have a bed and a study area for the student. "People are too quick to come up with excuses rather than solutions. The rewards far outweigh the sacrifices," she said. "We spend so much fond time with our host families and we try to enrich them with our knowledge and give them the love they give us," said Kohut. "Please host a student, change a life." Changing the World While in many ways just normal teenagers who struggle with homework, essays and exams, get homesick and have fun with their friends, these kids are special. When they go home at the end of their journey, they plan to make a difference. For Svitlana, that means developing a scholarship program that rewards what she called "talented people" in her country. "It would be for students who want to do something but are not able to pay for it, for people who have ambition and want to improve themselves," she said. "Really, life here changed us and I want to study more and see more and help talented people do that, too." AbdulSamad is determined to take his newfound love of community service to his home and encourage his family and friends to learn the joy of helping others. "Everyone has this idea of how we can be helpful in this world. When I get home, I will share my opinion, the experiences I have from here. We're coming back to lead our countries and they are looking to us. It's a big responsibility," he said. Maryam wants to fight for women's rights when she returns to her country, first asking her uncles to support education for women. "We are changed here and hopefully, we can change things in Afghanistan, especially for women who don't have much rights. I want men and women to have equal rights and the big problem is that we don't allow girls to go to college. If they don't get educated, who will run the country? Men alone cannot build a country," she said. AbdulSamad hopes his time in the U.S. will influence others to embrace a new philosophy, one that emphasizes a common humanity. "The big idea that I'm taking back to Afghanistan with me is that it does not matter if we are black, white, red or any other color; it's only appearance. On the inside, we are all the same," AbdulSamad said. "We all have such aim. We are not lazy," said Kohut. "We really want to change the world." Kohut, Maryam and AbdulSamad are just three of 17 students studying in Berkshire County and Southern Vermont, as far south as Great Barrington and as far north as Arlington. The students come from eight different countries: Afghanistan, Ukraine, India, Armenia, Russia, Ghana, Kazakhstan and Turkey. Five students are located in Berkshire County at Drury High School in North Adams, at Lenox High School, at Monument Mountain Regional High School in Great Barrington and at Mount Greylock Regional High School in Williamstown. AbdulSamad and Maryam's last names have been omitted to protect their privacy.

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It is very refreshing to see such views from young people, who have not been touched by politics of us against them from both sides of the divide. People are just people anywhere and we should not let our fears or lack of understanding define us. Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to you all
from: Aziz	on: 12-22-2007 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

These are the true leaders of future. They are going to change a whole lot in Afghanistan and Ukraine. Their motivation brings tears into eyes. It is absolutely inspiring. It doesn't matter if they are touched by politics or not. They don't need to given how old they are. The thing that matters the most is their positive thinking, their understanding, their experience and their commitment to do good. Well done, very well done! These 16 and 17 years old high school exchange student are the bridge between their country and the rest of the world! They are going to do great! I am proud of you all! Keep it up! Thank you Mrs. Lozier. Thank you very much. Yes, please do host an exchange student for a year. It is going to change lives! It, literally, brought me from secret schooling under Taliban now to one of best U.S. liberal arts college -- Middlebury College. Thank you.
from: Shabana	on: 12-23-2007 12:00AM I Agree (1) - I Disagree (0)

It is absolutely fantastic. I am very happy to see such kind of motivation, positive thinking, and hope in your eyes and dreams. I am sure these major factors can have a significant influence in bringing peace and prosperity to the entire world. In deed, youth are the strongest part of a community; hence, I wish you guys good luck in your future progress. "Think positive, it is good for your health"
from: Ibrahimy	on: 12-24-2007 12:00AM I Agree (1) - I Disagree (0)

Northern Berkshire Celebrates Spirit of Caring Award Recipients

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
06:22PM / Friday, May 10, 2024

NBUW Executive Director Patti Messina recognizes two 'dynamic' women retiring this year: Janice Broderick and Christine MacBeth.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Northern Berkshire United Way on Thursday saluted members of the community who have stepped beyond their roles to help and support others.

Among them was state Rep. John Barrett III, former longtime mayor of North Adams, who was recognized not only for his efforts on behalf of the city for so many years but a "softer side" not always apparent.

The celebration was NBUW's sixth annual Spirit of Caring Awards, held at Norad Mill and attended by its member agencies, sponsors and community members. The room was packed at 3 West for the presentations of the Spirit of the Future Award to Officer Stephanie Mirante, the newly named Steve Green Spirit of Community Award to Wild Oats and the Al Nelson Spirit of Caring Award to Barrett. Also recognized was Adams Heating & Plumbing for campaign of the year. Barrett also provided a proclamation from the House to his fellow recipients.

Executive Director Patti Messina first wanted to recognize two women who are retiring after years of serving the community: Janice Broderick of the Elizabeth Freeman Center and Christine Macbeth, president and CEO of the Brien Center.

"They leave behind a legacy of dedication, commitment and hard work to this community," she said. "We salute you and thank you for your accomplishments."

Sharon DeMyer-Nemser and Ellen Sutherland, both members of the board of directors, presented Barrett, elected to the House in 2017, with the award.

"Although John really needs no introduction, we would like to take a moment to review John's past and storied history in our community," said DeMyer-Nemser, ticking off accomplishments including fighting for the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art and convincing political leaders that arts and culture are vital components in building a strong creative economy in the Berkshires during his 26 years as mayor and representing North Berkshire on Beacon Hill.

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