Lunch shifts and junk food in the cafeteria are one of the most confusing things for Katya Deeva, a 17 year old student from Russia. 

“I have been in the U.S. for a while, but I still can’t get used to it” Deeva says. 

Regardless of some confusing things foreign students face, there are plenty of things they love about Briar Woods.

“I love that there are a lot of support for international students like Ms. Ramirez. She is always there if students need help with any subject.” adds Makeez Jabarkhel, president of an international club.

16-year old Jabarkhel has never had a negative experience in Briar Woods. However, some foreign students did. “The most difficult part is that you don’t feel like you belong to the community.” Deeva says, “I know people who have been mocked for having an accent. I really wish people were kinder”. It’s hard to agree with her statement of being kinder to others. “In eighth grade I couldn’t understand anything. I still get anxious whenever I have to present something, because what if people would make fun of my accent.” Deeva adds.

Nevertheless, being an international student creates awkward and funny situations sometimes. 

“I work at the restaurant, but I always thought that “buffalo” is some kind of a sauce and not an animal. The clients were so confused when I started to explain what I thought this “sauce” was. It was a funny situation and luckily, it worked out well.” Deeva laughs.

Despite that, the girls have a lot of heartwarming memories connected to the school. “I made a countless amount of memories here. I even made three of my closest friends at the multicultural fair last year” Jabarkhel beams. However, the girl’s homeland is never far from their thoughts. “I miss my home and my Afghan school a lot. When I see something that reminds me of my life before I came here, it breaks my heart. People who have experienced war have no other choice, but to move on” shares Jabarkhel.

The head of an international club encourages people to help and speak up for the foreign students who face difficulties. “We are no different from other kids. Our minds just float through two and more languages every single day, so it’s harder for us to express our thoughts sometimes.” Jabarkhel says.

Katya Deeva and Makeez Jabarkhel are a reminder to us all, no matter how difficult one’s circumstances are, it is important to stay humane and merciful.