A Long Experience With AFS

To the Editor:

I would like to thank Nancy Crevier for writing such a lovely story, “AFS Experience Has Long-Lasting Rewards” [August 15]. I have a small anecdote related to the story.

When my husband and I were searching for our first home here in Newtown, what really struck me about the Smith house, which was for sale on The Boulevard, were the pictures on the walls depicting students from all over the world. I saw their AFS involvement as a good omen and wanted to buy the house. These pictures of students and Mrs Smith’s family made me feel an instant connection to the home. I knew I wanted to raise my own family in this home that had embraced students from around the world.

AFS has been a part of my life since an early age. My father, a high school principal, was a staunch supporter of the AFS program when I was growing up. Each Christmas he would invite the AFS students from school to our home to help our family decorate our Christmas tree. This cultural exchange became our family Christmas tradition and one of my fondest memories of our holidays together. These experiences not only made long-lasting relationships, it instilled in us the excitement and wonder of worlds beyond our own experiences. It certainly made an impression at an early age as our family continues to be involved with cultural exchanges at various levels.

For those individuals who are contemplating becoming involved with a cultural exchange program of some kind, whether it be AFS or Rotary International, the rewards of these programs are beyond measure. I would agree with Ms Bout that individuals involved with cultural exchange programs are the true ambassadors of our country.

Sincerely,

Linda McClary

17 The Boulevard, Newtown                                       August 21, 2008