Principal Mr. WAN was invited by Hong Kong 01 to write a “Principal’s Notes” earlier. The topic of this article is “Sisterhood in Different Places – Giving and Receiving of Spanish Exchange Students”, which details the friendship between our school’s S2 student HE Yining and S5 exchange student Amara Erostarbe.
This is the second year that our school has participated in the AFS program. This year, we welcomed Amara, an exchange student from Spain, which made us feel the beauty of sisterhood in different places! HE Yining, a secondary school student, became Amara’s host family. The two were as close as sisters, supporting and understanding each other.
On the first day of school, Amara introduced herself to the whole school. The principal mentioned the “Growth Mindset” and encouraged everyone to embrace challenges and be brave to learn! Yining helped Amara adapt to life in Hong Kong with empathy, celebrated her birthday with her, and shared Mid-Autumn Festival customs with her, allowing Amara to deeply appreciate the profoundness of Chinese culture.
During the National Day, they also enjoyed the magnificent night view of Victoria Harbour together and felt the enthusiasm and vitality of Hong Kong people! Amara also actively gives back to the school by becoming a Spanish teaching assistant, promoting cultural exchanges and giving students more opportunities to communicate in Spanish and enhance mutual understanding.
This precious sisterhood has left the best memories in their lives. The power of education lies in connection. Let us cherish this special friendship together!