Students from Taiwan enjoying WHS

Mia, 16 and Sean, 18 are exchange students from Taiwan. Mia, or Li Meng-Yu, is from the capital in the north, Taipei, and Sean, or Yu Hsiao-En is from Tainan in the south.

"Pei means north," Sean said and Mia's eyes light up with a new understanding about the names of their hometowns.

"That's right!" Mia said.

Mia is a bright bubbly junior at Wahkiakum High School. Sean, a senior, is more sober and serious, and easily the taller of the two. He must be 6'4".

Meeting a fellow citizen in a world away from home has eased the transition somewhat, though neither has suffered too badly from homesickness. A shared language has helped them navigate life here.

They also find commonality with an exchange student from China, though they've noticed that she has an accent. She probably thinks they do too.

They were in art class on Tuesday afternoon, working on a project. Mia loves anime and has created wonderful portraits in that style.

Taiwan is near Japan, where animation is very popular.

"We know a lot of animation," Mia said. "I just like to draw."

Sean is also artistic, though his work leans more towards design. He had taken pictures of two of his recent designs, an aircraft and a submarine. They were precise and detailed.

"Not all Taiwanese can draw," Mia said teasingly.

"My dream is to become an aircraft designer," Sean said. "In my country there are not enough resources in this area. I've come here to first learn English and hopefully to make contacts."

He is also interested in the military. Though he has no plans to join the military in Taiwan, he hopes to eventually design weapons or equipment for them.

"Mostly aircrafts," Sean said, "but I also know a bit about tanks and ships."

Mia wants to work in business like her parents. She is here to learn English and have a different educational experience than the one she's had in Taipei.

Both agree that there is a lot more pressure there.

Mia turned out for volleyball and plans to join track.

Sports are really important here, Mia said, surprised by the difference. "Volleyball is really cool, but there is a very different attitude between America and Taiwan."

After games in Taiwan, the teams silently separate.

"Here they high five and even if you did badly, they will say nice try or nice hustle," she said. "At home, even doing good feels like punishment."

Sean is a member of the Broadcast Club and he also plays the drums in the band. He started playing the drums a couple years ago with his church band in Tainan.

What do they do for fun at home?

Study," Mia said under her breath.

Sean laughed. And agreed.

"I surf the internet," he said.

"There are a lot of people," Mia said. "Usually they are busy."

"Studying," Sean said quietly.

They laughed. They've had all school year to work on this act.

Mia's favorite teacher is Mr. Hurley.

"He's so nice," she said, "but he kind of confuses me. He makes jokes. American jokes take me forever.

Unlike the above example, humor doesn't always translate.

"I like Mr. Cox but I don't like his assignments," Sean said.

"His assignments are so hard," Mia laughed.

Talk turned to language. They are getting better at thinking about and doing their assignments in English first. If pressed, they might tell you that 'Holy Cow!' means something completely different and a bit unsavory in Taiwan.

"Language is fun!" Mia said, laughing.

Sean is staying with Bob and Diane Garrett and Mia is living with Stephanie and Steven Leitz and their family.