lowa sojourner returns to Waiouru

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 601, 29 August 1995, Page 7

lowa sojourner returns to Waiouru

After a year in Io wa on a Y outh For Understanding exchange, Terina Abbott of Waiouru and formerly of Ruapehu College, has a heap of experience under her belt and a date in 1997 to keep. "Even if I'm just visiting I have to be there (lowa)," Terina said. She has to be at a friend's graduation, a ceremony Terina was allowed to take part in. "Graduation is a very big deal over there. It can take a whole weekend," said Terina, flipping through the local paper that had printed a photo of every single graduate for the year. Terina graduated with her class of 51 students,

taking part in the full cap and gown ceremony and being presented with a certificate of attendance. During the year Terina became track manager for the girls' track team and also became a cheerleader for the football team. "That's a great game. Those pads are for their protection and they still don't work," she laughed. The school curriculum is totally different from here with compulsory subjects including American history, American government, American economics and speech. Classes are vertically grouped with students of different ages learning together. "Which is good because everybody helps each

other," Terina said. Classes Terina chose to take included computer-aided drafting, parenting and vocal (singing). "Classes I wouldn't get to do over here." Terina also completed a term paper that was a detailed plan of a travel itinerary, a very detailed plan. Of all her experiences Terina said the friendliness of the people of lowa topped the lot. She said the community of about 2000 people all got behind school activities, with the school of just over 300 being the focus of the summer community. 'There was heaps of town and school spirit. It was wonderful," Terina said.

A year overseas has done nothing to change Terina' s mind about her future. "I love kids. Baby-sitting here made me want to be a nanny." she said. On 1 1 September Terina starts a 14-week course at Wellington Nanny's College which will hopefully lead to travel. Terina would like to thank all her sponsors whose contributions made her trip possible: RSA dart club, the RSA, Turner's bookshop (then), Waiouru Motors, college Board of Trustees, Rae Terewi, Pat Akurangi, Dr Carol Nicholson, Maggie Vine, Margaret Cross, Michelle Woon and the Bulletin for writing about her trip before hand.