Sofia Cordoba
Sado High School students and Mt. Eden’s Japanese Club pose for a photo alongside Principal Dr. Walton.
Mt. Eden welcomed five exchange students from Sado High School in Sado Island, Japan. From March 1st to 8th each student shadowed a Mt. Eden student throughout the week to receive a taste of the American high school experience.
“I’m really looking forward to taking her out after school to hang out with my friends,” said Mt. Eden junior Alyannah Mabana, one of the exchange students’ hosts. “I really want her to have an authentic Mt. Eden student experience, and I want her to feel like one of us because she is.”
A ceremony was organized by the Mt. Eden Japanese club to give Sado High School students a proper introduction to the school. After attendees filled the STEAM Makerspace, each student gave an introductory speech and received a handwritten letter and a lei courtesy of the club.
Some exchange students shared presentations, with topics ranging from the Sado Gold Mine to Onidaiko. One of the presentations was given by Sado High School student Yuusuke Takano, who expressed how much he had enjoyed his visit since landing in San Francisco.
“I went to Pier 39 and ate clam chowder,” said Takano. “I loved it. It was very big.”
Some look forward to experiencing more than just the American high school experience.
“I’m a big movie fan so I hope to find movies to watch here,” said Sado High School teacher Youhei Shiga. “I saw some in San Francisco when I went.”
At the welcome ceremony, Mt. Eden’s choir sang three songs including “Furusato,” or “Hometown,” a song held dear to many Japanese people. Takano said the performance left him with goosebumps.
Sado High School student Momoe Ono followed with a keyboard performance of “Let It Go” from Disney’s Frozen soundtrack.
“I think everybody came together during the ceremony and was very welcoming,” said Mt. Eden teacher Randy Seifert. “Afterwards, after they had gotten to know them, they pretty much wanted to embrace them and take them with them to various classes.”
Seifert also said he was excited for the students to see the positive aspects our school has to offer.
“I mean, for all of the media and publicity they get about the United States, I think of being violent and scary and crime ridden,” said Seifert. “I hope they gain experience about how warm we can actually be here in the Mt. Eden community.”