Exchange student finds new experiences

Hsuan Wei (pronounced Shen Way) Huang is one of three remaining exchange students at Wahkiakum High School this year.

He is a 17-year-old senior from the second biggest city on the Chinese island of Taiwan.

Strike that.

“I’ll be 18 in March,” Hsuan Wei exclaimed, like any youth just shy of adulthood.

He signed up for the exchange program in order to improve his English and to learn about the culture and people in the U.S. Along with another exchange student, he has found a home with John and Novalee Knopp.

“They are very kind, just like my own family,” he said.

He has made some friends and he enjoys his walks to and from school where he can take in the scenery and breathe the country air.

“It’s changed me, “Hsuan Wei said. “At home, I sit at home in front of the computer all the time. It feels good here. I like it.”

He joined the basketball team and the football team and will be the first to tell you he’s not very good. Basketball is very big in Taiwan, but they don’t have any organized teams. Football was fun, but he only took part in practices.

“I’m not strong enough,” he laughed, “they’d knock me over and that would be the end of me!”

His favorite subject is math, taught by the “kind” Mrs. Haberlach.

As for his introduction to snow, he is thrilled. He has made snow angels and a “very ugly” snowman, but has yet to experience the joy of sledding. He and his roommate have been pelting each other with snowballs to the point of pain.

“It’s not my fault,” he said mischievously, “it’s the snow’s fault.”

Hsuan Wei isn’t sure what will happen when school ends, but he may join his father who works for a manufacturer.