Ciao Italia!!!!!!

I just thought I would do a quick post to say that Im here and I am ok!!! I have been soo busy with everything here! I will write more in the next week and post pictures :) Tomorrow is my first day catching the bus by myself to school so I need to go to bed!

Buonanotte!
 Shanté

Goodbye...

 So This is it I believe. My last post in America. I will not have access to an actual computer until the night of September 11th. I cannot believe how far we have come!!! It seems like only last week I was crying that I wouldn't be going due to my tuition, and now look at me, packing my bags and saying goodbye!!! I went to my school for the last time yesterday and everyone gave me their words of wisdom. I loved Ms. Slak's! Here is how that conversation went:

 *As we are hugging*
      Ms. Slak: "Remember, be good"
      Me: "Yes"
      Ms. Slak: "Be safe"
      Me: "Yes"
      Ms. Slak: "....."
      Me: "Wait a second! You need one more thing to say! You can't end it with two!"
      Ms. Slak: " Oh ok, ummmmm ok Be True.... to the red, white, and blue!"


   No matter if they were funny, serious, or just simple, each goodbye had the same message " You will have the time of your life, and I am so proud of you."  I just can't believe this is really the last time I will see all of my friends until next year. So now you may ask, what is my schedule for the next few days:

     Saturday, Sept. 3rd (Today)- Spend my last day with Kenya and Joey/ Finish my packing
     Sunday, Sept. 4th- Have my family going away party ( not doing a going away party with friends)
     Monday, Sept. 5th- Leave for New York City via road trip with My Mom and Rose (family friend)
     Tuesday, Sept. 6th- See NYC with mom and spend our last day together
     Wednesday, Sept. 7th- Leave mom and go to Orientation with the other AFSers
     Thursday, Sept. 8th- More orientation stuff and then departure flight from NYC
     Friday, Sept. 9th- Lay-over in Zurich Switzerland and then Land in Rome
     Saturday, Sept. 10th- Welcome orientation in Rome
     Sunday, Sept. 11th- Leave for Host Family via train and see them for the first time at 5:36 PM

Here are some Photographs from my last day at North High School:

( RANGER FOR LIFE!)

(Hodges, Me, Jackson... I Will miss these guys)

( One of the coolest girls I know)

( Mr.Blair!! I will miss you!!!)

I will be posting again most likely after my first few days there. I love everyone here and I will miss you so much! Just remember, It isn't goodbye, it's see you later.

Ci Vediamo America <3
  Shante'
   

 

Italian Lessons From My Host Sister :)

 Today was the AFS Picnic in my region! I had such a great time! They even had a pretty little sign about us 3 leaving for an exchange :)

     (That's me: Shante'-Italy!)

 One of the best moments of the picnic was meeting my host sister Lucia!!! I found out I have been saying her name wrong all this time! It isn't Lucia like (Lew-see-a) it is Lucia like (Lew-Chee-a)! She said I can just call her Lucy though :) We practiced my Italiano and I found out I am worse than I thought I was :( Here are some of the things she taught me:

                                                                  Ho Fame- I'm Hungry

                                                                  Ho Sete-   I'm Thirsty

                                                                  Ho Sonno- I'm Tired

                                                                  Sono Stanca- I'm Tired

                                           Puoi Ripetere Per Piacere- Can You Repeat Please

                                           Puoi Parlare Piu Lentamente- Can You Speak More Slowly

( Lucia and I, Is it me or do I look like an Amazon!)

Probably the most fun thing of the day was the Bingo game! All the new foreign exchange students had to go around finding people that matched the description on there board. So under "Going to Italy", they needed my signature! All at once, they came up to me saying "SIGN THIS PLEASE!" "WRITE YOUR NAME HERE!" and I felt like a celebrity giving my autograph! It was practice for the future when I will be signing autographs on a daily basis ;)

All of the other AFSers were soo nice and I really appreciate the amazing welcome/going away party!

                                                                    I <3 AFS!

Ciao :)

  Shante'









HAVE A PIECE OF ITALY IN YOUR HOME!

If any of you out there would like to host a foriegn exchange student from Italy, please contact me ASAP! A girl from my host town of Mantova needs a host family or she won't be able to go! Her departure date is Sept. 2nd. I know many people out there want to share in my experience, and this is the perfect way! This young lady can teach you so much about her cultural, while learning our own :)

If you are interested, or know of someone who may be, contact me at:

 Email: shantefencl@yahoo.com
 Phone: (216)355-4777
 Facebook: look up Shante' Fencl

Grazie!
 Shante'

These Last Days are the Craziest

I Can't Believe that I have only 16 days until I am at the gateway orientation. This whole "exchange" seems like something that you just talk about, but isn't really going to happen. I realize now that it is! I have been trying to pack and buy things that I need. Here is a picture of my luggage:

(Small one is the carry-on and big one is the checked of course)



 All of my friends are going to pick up their schedules this week and school starts on Monday. It is somewhat bitter sweet, but I'M GOING TO ITALY! I have been going lots of places with friends so here are a few photos:

(Joey and I at bowling)

(my attempt at bowling)

( Keileigh and I at the Lake County Festival)

( Standing next to a cow)

*Just noticed that in a few days my pictures won't have American flags in the background*

   I went shopping today for a few outfits, but I was not successful. I don't think I am going to buy winter stuff because I need room in my suitcase for other stuff, and I can buy all of that in Italy. I did get my host sister Cristina her gift today! I still need to get the rest of my host family gifts, but it is sooo difficult. I want it to be thoughtful and when you are trying to find something for people you have never met but already care so much about, IT'S HARD! I just want to find something that represents where I'm from and at the same time, something they would like.

   Ok, That is the end of this post! Back to the pain and agony that is packing!

Ciao <3
 Shante'
   


                                    

Paid In Full!

 It has been a long and winding road, but WE MADE IT! Thank you again to everyone who has helped me along the way. I don't know what I would've done without all the help. I'm so excited that I don't have anything else to post. :)

Grazie...

Crazy Days

Since my last post, I have got a lot accomplished! I got my visa, paid almost all of my tuition (still waiting on one more donation to go through), ordered my contacts to be here in the next week, gave my health form to the doctor and will pick it up later today, went to my school and gave them my sending school questionaire ( and found out I will get full credit for my classes abroad), and watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2 again in theatres!

I think that is a lot!

As the day until I leave gets closer, I realize that there are going to be a lot of people I will miss. When I first applied with AFS, I  didn't think I would miss this many people! I have grown closer to just about every friend I have. Two of them, Kenya and Joey, I am with almost everyday. Then there's Meghan, Ashley, Laurianne, Melanie, Keileigh, Stephanie, everyone from Academic Decathlon, the North High Drama Club, my teachers, lots of others, and most of all, my mommy... I don't know how I will function without her.

I know that all these people will miss me too, but I also know that they are sooooooo proud of me.

I love you all :)

Ciao <3

GOT MY VISA!

I  guess it took me to blog about it for it to come! It only took a week and a day! I can't believe it! I just signed for it when it came in the mail :)

Just made my day!!

1 Month to go :)

I have just one more month until I'm on that plane with the other USA --> Italy students experiencing the adventure of a lifetime. I still have a few things to finish first.

1. Paying my tuition. Iknow where all the money is coming from but I still haven't finished it yet. I still need to recieve the donations from two more people/groups. My "Sponsor an AFSer" widget expired so I would have to allow them to go into my account and make the payment.

2. Visa. I sent it in last week and hopefully it will be here soon. One of my friends got her's back very quickly, but she went to the consulate in Miami, which is open Monday-Friday. I went to the consulate in Detroit, which is only open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, So I expect it to take longer. I just hope not too long.

3. My Contacts. I need to go get my contact perscription so that they can get here before I leave. I plan to go in the next week.

4. Health Form. I also need to make another appointment with my doctor so that she can update my health form.

5. Visa Prepaid Card. I ordered it, but then they said to fax them some copies of my drivers licsence and stuff, so I should do that.

Ok I think those are the major things I have to do.

I wish these things could all be over with, so I better get a move on!

Ciao :)

Updates Updates Updates!

Ok... let me take a breath before I start this... so I have been doing a lot lately. First off, I'd really like to thank some people. I would like to thank the ladies in the Kent chapter of AFS for their wonderful donation. I am truly grateful for how generous you all were. Thank you to the NE Ohio Area Team for your donation. I would also like to thank a kind woman named Barb for sending me her donation, and last, but not least, I'd like to thank the contributor who donated to my blog ->
I will not know who you are until the end of the month when I recieve an email telling me who donated, but thank you so much. All of you will be getting a letter expressing my gratitude.

Now, I should tell you about my visa stuff. I went to the Honorary Vice Consulate of Italy in Cleveland on Tuesday. She basically stamped some papers and told me to send it to Detroit and I should get it back in a few weeks. I really hope my visa gets here before I leave. I would be horrified if it is like two days before I go and I still don't have it. Speaking of days, ONLY 42 DAYS UNTIL I'M ON THAT PLANE!!!

This isn't really about my exchange, but has anyone seen those Harry Potter movies! They are really good. I saw the first two when a couple years ago, but then my friend took me to se the last one the other day, and I have been watching them all to find out what happened in between. I can't believe I've been missing out on such a wonderful series!! I really love Harry Potter :)

All of my friends have been fighting over me to spend my last days with me before I go. My good friend took me to Olive Garden the other day. It was my first time ever going there! OMG they had awesome salad!

I really want to hear from my readers, so comment below and tell me if you love Harry Potter too!

That's all for now :)

Ciao :)

Thinking about my choice.

I think that today is going to be one of those days that feels out of control. So many things are going through my mind. I feel like I have so much to do in the next 52 DAYS! I have been making a packing list, learning more Italian, and trying to hang out with as many people as possible. I always have that voice in my head that says " Shante'! What on Earth have you gotten yourself into?!?" but I tell that voice to keep it's mouth shut! :)
It is only natural to be nervous before you go on the greatest journey of your life, but I know I am more anxious than anything. I have been thinking lately about why AFS is the best orginization to go abroad with, and I believe I know why. AFS sends you to a place you have never been, with no family member by your side, but at the same time you don't feel alone. They give you so many resources and ways to connect with other AFSers that you never feel all by yourself. I can't even begin to mention how many great friends I have that I haven't even met yet. I have friends all over the USA, in Italy, and several other countries! This experience is already the best part of my life so far. I am a very lucky girl.

Ciao!

Thank you everyone!

 I would like to thank all the people in the AFS Scholarship department along with a good friend of mine Marie for helping me so much with my tuition! This means I am officially $ 3,822 away from having it paid in full! I would also like to thank my landlord Dave for his donation as well! I am so blessed to have people that care about me and believe in my dreams as much as I do! I could never do this without you.

Visa Documents/ Fundraisers

 I recieved an email yesterday telling me that the visa documents are being sent to me. This means I can really start getting the visa appointment going. I also have been planning more into fundraising and reaching my goal. I still need to raise $5,722. Considering my original tuition of $13,000, I would definitely say that my goal is reachable. Please consider making a donation to my "Sponsor an AFSer" widget on the right hand side of my blog. The money goes directly into my AFS tuition. Also, spreading the word about my cause and my blog is highly appreciated. the URL to my blog is http://www.shantefencl.blogspot.com/  and you can also follow my blog for updates. If you know me in my town, I am willing to do any summer yard work, or babysitting to help pay for my tuition. Any "odd job" that you need help with is fine by me :) Just leave a comment on this post, or email me at shantefencl@yahoo.com. The AFS program is a huge part of my life, and I would love to bring back the Italian culture to our community by going on my exchange. This program not only benefits the life of the exchange student, but also the enitre community in both the student's home and host country. Thank you again for all your support!

Happy 4th of July!

It is so strange to think that next year, on this day, I will not be surrounded by barbeque and fireworks. In the U.S., we celebrate the 4th of July to recall the day we gained our independence from the British empire. We all have grown up having cookouts, listening to Chicago, and watching the fireworks with loved ones. That is why it is almost impossible to believe that only the people in the United States are doing it. I know that next year, I will share this day with my host famiy and friends as a normal day, but I will show them some of the things we do here. As of now, I can live for today, and enjoy my last Independence day in the USA! uh oh, now Bruce Springsteen is stuck in my head (BORN IN THE USA!)

HAVE FUN AND BE SAFE TODAY! :)

New Things Going On

So there are a bit of updates I need to get through in this post. so I will just write them in seperate pieces ( haha like the book A Seperate Peace) and explain them that way:

Finances:

I am still trying to come pay my tuition, and with the help of friends and family, I know I will be there soon. Please remember my Sponsor and AFSer Widget is on the right hand side of my blog. Just click the "Chip In" button to donate to my tuition :)

Visa:

I am going to call my Vice Consulate on Monday and schedule an appointment for 3 weeks before I leave. I am doing the Visa by mail instead of going to Detroit because there is a Vice Consulate in Cleveland, which is like 20 Minutes from my house. I highly anticipate having to reschedule for a closer date because my placement is moving soooo quickly! I can't wait to get that over with.

Academic Decathlon:

For the past 2 weeks, I have still been going to AcaDec for the Summer Sessions to support the new players. I would have been the one of two returnees, and the other returnee won't show up. A lot of the team signed up not only to be on the team, but because I was in it. I have a feeling they are plotting against me in order to keep me from leaving! I love them all and I know they will do great without me.

Luggage & Packing:

Even though it is a little early to think about this, I have no clue what I should pack! I can only bring a 44lbs. checked bag and a carry on. If anyone knows some good things they are packing, please comment below.

Airplanes! Oh My!:

Ok Ok, so I know this should be the least of my worries, but I am still nervous about getting on an airplane. I feel like the only person in the world who has never been on an airplane before! I will be leaving my home on Sept. 6th with my mom and our good friend Rose to travel from Ohio to New York City by car. We will arrive that night and stay the night in New Jersey. In the morning we will probably do some sight seeing and bonding before I go to the Gateway orientation at 4 P.M. My mom can't be the there and that is the last time I will see her for 10 months... I think a tear just rolled down my cheek. We stay there until the night of Sept. 8th when we leave from JFK for Zurich, Switzerland. We get there at about 11 A.M. and the depart for Rome at 12:30 P.M. We officially land in Rome at 2:05 P.M. on September 9th, 2011!


Ok, I think I cover it all :) I am so excited and ready for this that it is insane. I will miss everyone here at the same time, so let's make the most of SUMMER 2011!

Unrelated Post!

I know this isn't about my exchange, but I have to say it; PATRICK THOMAS SHOULD HAVE STAYED ON THE VOICE! I was watching it last night and I can't believe he was sent home! In my head, I told myself he was definitely staying. I am still a fan of the show, but I was a little heart broken after last night's episode. Ok, thanks for dealing with my random post.

Ciao for now :)

Pre-Departure Orientation

I went to my PDO on Saturday and I had an amazing time. I got to meet the other two students going abroad from my chapter and we talked about doing a fundraiser. We are going to do a profit night at a resturaunt and take in some of the profits. We also thought of a car wash together as well. I noticed I am the only person in the world who has never been on a plane! This should be the least of my worries, but I really am nervous about that. One of the things we did at the orientation was right our name tags with our non-dominant hand. So since I'm a lefty, I had to write with my right hand. We also had to draw little pictures too. When we were done, our chapter leader asked us what was tough about it. Guess what? It was a representation on what we will experience abroad with a brand new culture :)


Oh, I also found out I don't have to drive to Detroit for my visa. Instead, I can go to Cleveland and visit the vice consulate. All of this seems so involved and crazy, but I have to get everything done.


I recieved a lot of information from Italy and I read through my welcome booklet. In the booklet, I read that there is something called exchange week. This is when you can go somewhere else in Italy for a week and stay with someone else. The only thing about this is you have to pay for it yourself and I don't know how much it would cost.


Speaking of different host families, I found out that I may not be switching host families after all. We will see what is going to happen though.


Ok Ciao for now :)

Really Interesting News!

Ok, so I just got an e-mail from AFS and they said I have what is called a  "Permanent Multiple Host Family Placement" which means I will be staying with two host families. My host family that I mentioned earlier will host me until January 11th, 2012 and then I will get a new host family most likely in the same community. This is actually really exciting :) I get to experience Italy with two different families!

Visa

I have recieved information on how to get my student visa. Once AFS sends me the paperwork I need, I have to drive to Detroit with my mom to apply in person. I am kind of looking forward to a road trip :) Plus, I've never been to Detroit. I really want to see the Detroit Industry Murals on the Ford building. Diego Rivera here I come!

I AM GOING TO MANTOVA!!

My host mother wrote me for the first time today! Her name is Antonella, and she doesn't speak English, which I am really excited for. My host father's name is Peter, and I have two host sisters, Christina and Lucia. Lucia is coming to Ohio in August and I can't wait to meet her. I wrote them back and I am just so excited!! AHHH!

I Need Help.

I am officially saying that I need help. All of my plans for fundraising are not coming through and I don't know my next step to take. If anyone has good ideas, please let me know.

This is my dream and I know I can make it come true.

I'm not going down without a fight!

Well, my mother did not get the loan, but there is still hope! We have a few more options before we call it quits. I should be posting more often as soon as I get word of what is going to happen.

Thank You everyone who is supporting me in!

Just Keep Waiting!

My mother is going to apply for another loan tomorrow which I am hoping for. If we don't get the money, I can't go :( I would like to congratulate Catelyn Slayback on getting her host family! I can't wait until I get mine. Thank you second contributor on your donation! Wish us luck on the loan tomorrow!

Thank You First Contributor!

Someone donated $10 and I would like to thank you for it :) You are my first contributor and I really appreciate it!

Fundraising Efforts!

The only thing holding me back in the money! I did not end up making the AFS match for the $500. The donations that I counted on for that did not follow through, and I am appealing my scholarship to see if I can recieve a larger reward. Keep your fingers crost for me and, if you can, donate to my Sponsor an AFSer widget on the right-hand side of my blog. ----->

Thank You everyone!

P.S.

I will be selling my newsletter all the way through July!

Newsletter Fundraiser :)

I am selling subscriptions to my newsletter for $5. The subscription will entitle you to 10  newsletters with a photo via email every month I am in Italy. You will also recieve a powerpoint of my entire trip upon my return. I have a sign up sheet with me in school that you can pay to or you can pay by clicking "chip in" --->
button on my blog. Send me your email address to my email shantefencl@yahoo.com, messaging me through Facebook, or by commenting on this link. Thank you everyone who is helping me out in my hopes of going to Italy!

ACCEPTED TO ITALY!!!!! YESSSSSS!!!!!

I just got an e-mail saying I have been accepted to AFS Italy!!! (they like me, they really like me) I'm sooooo happy. My mother is going to see about the bank loan now and that's what will really decide if I go! I'm so nervous but excited at the same time!


Remember this month is AFS matching monthe and money donated over there ------>
will be matched by AFS up to $500 dollars so please donate to help me pay tuition!

I'll update with more info!

AFS Italy Meeting!

I went to an AFS Italy presentation tonight and had a great time! I met three students from Italy ( Giulia, Carlo, and Filippo) They were just so amazing! The food was SPECTACULAR! I cannot wait to see everyone again and thank you to everyone. Also, I met Katie and Mary. They made me feel so welcomed and I hope we stay in touch!


my Sponsor an AFSer widget is on the right side of my blog. just click to donate directly towards my tuition
Thank you in advance!

Accepted to AFS!

I have officially been accepted into AFS and my application has been sent to Italy!!!! I will definitely post as soon as I here word about my acceptance!!!!

Please remember that my Sponsor An AFSer widget is on the right hand side of this blog. If possible, make a donation to help me see the world! Thank You So Much :)

With Love,
    Shante'

Submitting my App!

I'm going to the library to scan all of my paperwork so I can finish my application! I am really excited!

I know this is a short post, but it's all I have to say until I find out more!

Wish me luck!

Sponsor an AFSer! ( i.e. Me)

The widget on my page is a way for you all to help make my dream of traveling abroad come true! Just click the button that says "Chip In" and donate anything you can (every dollar counts). I really do appreciate all of your support and cannot thank you enough in advance!

Thank You So Much!

In-Home Interview

Our local AFS team came to my house for the in-home interview. It went amazingly well and made this trip seem much more real to me. All I am waiting on now is my financial aid information and my medical paperwork to be taken care of until I can really submit my application!

Entered My Financial Aid Application!

I am praying to the lord to allow this program to happen for me. A big part of my being able to go is the money issue. I am hoping for a good amount in scholarships so that I can be allowed to go. I entered my application yesterday and I will be informed on my award in about a week. Wish me all the luck in the world!

My Teachers' Reactions

Today I got the passport application filled out and will be getting it in approximately 4 weeks! I also told all my teachers about my plans to study abroad. My drama club teacher is completely pumped for me to go, but my AcaDec coaches are kind of sad to see me leave the team for a whole year. Now all I'm waiting for is my application and my in home interview to really get things moving!

Going to Apply for a Passport Today!

    Last night my mother was so sad that I told her I am excited to be going. I told her we need to keep talking about it or she is going to change her mind. I really hope everything goes the way it should. Well, at about 1:00, I'm going to apply for my first passport! ( Can you Imagine!) This is only one more thing that makes it more real for me :) 
   Tomorrow, I will tell the two school teams I'm the most committed to, DRAMA CLUB & ACADEMIC DECATHLON! I know for a fact that my drama director will be thrilled for me, but my acadec coaches may be a little disappointed I can't participate next year. I am also going to talk to my counselor so that she can begin reworking my schedule.
   Well that's it for now! The next thing I will most likely blog about is either my teachers' response or my application ( or a combo of both!!)

 Until Then,
    Shante'

MY MOM SAID YES!!

After seeing the AFS Foriegn Exchange presentation at my school, I knew I had to get in it. I have decided to go to Italy for my Junior year of high school. The hardest part was telling my mom about my idea. When I told her we needed to talk, she looked like I was going to tell her I got married or something!! She is so scared, but she knows this is a great thing and I need to do it.

I'll keep posting more about my journey with AFS so keep reading!

(I'm So Excited!!!!)