Senior Hanna Grevelius is a second-year boarding student from Sweden. She lives in Regester House and is a member of Coosa Junior Golf Academy.
Q: Why did you decide to come to Darlington?
A: At first, I just planned on coming here for one year to try playing golf and speaking English for a year. Soon I found I really like it here and I decided to come back.
Q: So what’s the biggest difference between here and Sweden?
A: Of course the language, and then also being a boarding student.
Q: What’s the most impressive thing about Darlington?
A: I think the most impressive thing is how everybody gets along and works well together. We have totally different backgrounds and live with each other in the same house all the time.
Q: When you were in Sweden, were there any international students?
A: We had one girl from China and that was the only international student.
Q: So you speak Swedish?
A: Yeah. And English.
Q: And what’s the biggest challenge here?
A: I think the biggest challenge is to get used to the way I live here, and to not speak Swedish and not have my family -- having to be by myself all the time and take care of myself. You don’t have a mom who cooks for you or does laundry for you…
Q: But your English is pretty good.
A: Yeah, I guess. We starting learning how to speak English in fourth grade.
Q: What do you think the most interesting thing is here?
A: RUMPUS. It’s fun to see how the competition brings everyone together and especially as a dorm, but also as a school. I like RUMPUS!
Q: But this year we didn’t have costumes. That’s a pity.
A: Yeah, I didn’t like that, but I think it worked out okay anyway. I prefer to have costumes so we can show our theme better, but it was still lots of fun.
Q: Who is your favorite teacher? Hard to say?
A: Yes, but I would like to say Coach Harrison. I have him for Money Management. I think it’s a really an interesting class and I recommend that juniors take it during their senior year. Coach Harrison is a great teacher. He’s inspired me in lots of ways.
We just learned lots of important things about life, like taxes, saving money, the things that everyone will have to deal with. That’s why I think it's more important than, for example, learning how to play the guitar. Because you are for sure going to use it in your future.
Q: Okay, and what would you like to say to the juniors? They are becoming seniors very soon.
A: I would like to tell them to enjoy the senior year, and to love each other and spend time with each other. Because you are not necessarily going to see all these people together again in your life. So, you need to make sure you enjoy every moment and try to go out and do things with people. And also, you should start your college applications on time and make sure that you do everything you have to do. Pretty much, the earlier you start, the bigger the chances and opportunities you will get. And it's especially important, if you play any sports, to start contacting the coaches early. Email them a video of you playing the sports.
