For most students, a normal school day is stressful enough. But for junior Henning Grannes of Stavanger, Norway, it is more so. Grannes moved to Overland Park to join the Blue Valley Southwest community on Jan. 3. Grannes switched host families after spending first semester in Lee’s Summit.
“School is different and confusing. You’re walking around and you don’t know where you’re walking and it makes me go crazy,” Grannes said.
Luckily, he’s in good hands. His host parents, Richard Sweeney and David Myers, have been hosting exchange students from all over the world for three years.
“He’s been very pleasant, very easy-going,” Myers said.
Although it has been difficult to get used to life at Southwest, Grannes is adjusting well. Just like most of the students here, Grannes is proud to be a Timberwolf.
“I like this school because it has so many subjects here,” Grannes said. “I have Philosophy and Psychology – those are my favorite subjects.”
School hasn’t been the only thing different about Grannes’ life since moving to the USA. The food here is completely different; Grannes is used to eating home cooked meals, which are healthier. Here, food is a lot more processed.
Along with eating unhealthy food, another change Grannes had to adjust to was dependence on other people. The exchange program he is with does not allow students to drive, so he is completely reliant on someone else to get places.
“He’s adapted quite well to a whole new neighborhood, a whole new state,” Sweeney said. “It’s almost like nothing’s happened.”
Just as Grannes has been learning about America, his host parents have been learning about Norway.
“It’s interesting to learn about another country and another culture and to share ours,” Sweeney said. “We get to learn how they live, and we get to teach them how we live.”
Even though he is faced with many difficulties, Grannes has enjoyed his time here so far. His family is another world away, but Grannes is determined not to let that get him down.
“[I miss] friends and family. Normally not that much, but sometimes it’s hard,” Grannes said. “It’s about motivation, attitude; enjoy it while I’m here because I’ll be back with them soon.”
