NAPHANSORN (ELLE) YODSANGA took the opportunity to introduce herself and her country – Thailand.
Elle, who is only 16, is from Khon Kaen in north east Thailand.
The capital of Thailand is Bangkok (Krung Thep). The actual name is about three lines in length.
The country has a population of about 69 million, and is known for its food (often spicy) and its temples (as Hubert, Martin, Tom and I can attest).
Elle if from family of four. Her father is a photographer and her mother owns a wedding gown studio. Her older brother is attending university in Bangkok, and working on a medical degree.
She noted that her family’s goal is to have one annual vacation with the whole family – and therefore she has travelled a lot.
What keeps Elle busy – Elle has attended a small bilingual school (300 – 400 students). With the small size, the students are very close and have a good interaction with the teachers. Her hobbies include photography, watching movies, trying new foods, and participating in a volunteer club.
Here sponsoring Rotary Club spends considerable effort of a feeding and a clean water program. It raised considerable funds from a running marathon.
She came upon the possibility of becoming an exchange student when she attended RYLA.
Elle’s bucket list is long, and includes learning to speak English better (we think she does a good job already, playing in the snow, ice skating, taking 1,000 photos this year (she is already planning to increase this goal) participating in road trips, learning to bake cookies as good as Martha’s, and attending concerts. Unlike an earlier student it does not include riding a polar bear.
Remember to consider including Elle in your plans – she looks forward to meeting you and learning more about Canada and our culture.
