Au revoir, France - Hello, USA!

This year, many students from the San Diego French American School came to Mission Bay High School. Some were born here with French parents, but others moved here from their home in France.

Moving to a new place can be very hard. Not knowing if you will be accepted, not speaking the language, having to start a new life far away from home, being immersed in a whole new culture and way of life, and most of all, having to leave your lifelong friends, family, and home. I myself was born here with two French parents, and I am having a hard time being away from my family, friends, and my home.

Clémence Tardivel, a freshman here at Mission Bay says “When I learned we were going to move to San Diego, I was very happy because the weather is always warm here, I was also sad because i had to leave all of my friends.” I also asked her if she was happy living here, or if she wants to go back to France, she told me that she is torn between here and her home.

Anais Farion, a freshman at Mission Bay who was born in France and moved here when she was only five, says “I would rather stay here because i would like to do my high school all in one place. I miss my family, but I am happy here.”

Most of the students who come from somewhere other than the United States miss their family and friends back home, but some are also very happy with the life they have here in San Diego.

Chloe Jensen, also a freshman at Mission Bay says “I love my life here, but I also love France. I don’t know if I will move back someday, it all depends on how my future turns out.”

Moving to another country also has advantages. Getting to learn a new language, experiencing a whole other way of life and culture, different foods, traditions and meeting new people is a great life experience. Some may be very sad to have to leave their homes behind, but in the end, it is a great opportunity that not many people have the chance to experience, and it will create lifelong memories.