This is part of an ongoing series introducing the group of foreign exchange students in Moapa Valley who are attending MVHS this school year. These students are in Moapa Valley to find adventure, experience a different culture and create lifelong memories.
By JENNA RHUDE
Moapa Valley Progress
Hedda Loevaas comes to Moapa Valley High School (MVHS) from Oslo, Norway where she lives with her mother, Tone; father, Jens; and older brother, Haavard.
When Hedda approached her parents about studying for a year in America, they were thrilled. Hedda’s mother spent two years living in America herself. She felt it would be a great opportunity for her daughter.
Hedda loves to travel and wants to experience the world after graduation. While in America, she hopes to improve her English, learn more about American culture, and meet new people.
She is still not sure exactly what career path she will choose after high school. But she does plan on attending university and possibly becoming an ambassador.
In Norway, Hedda played soccer and participated in competitive cheer and theater. She is currently a cheerleader at MVHS.
She enjoys spending time with her host family, hanging out with friends, cooking, baking, watching movies, and listening to music.
Hedda speaks Norwegian, English, and German.
During her year in America, she is living with Lon and Shayleen Dalley. The Dalleys have five children and two exchange students.
Minju Guak is the first student from South Korea to study at MVHS. She lives in Suwon, South Korea with her mother, Nayoung Oh; father, Yunseop Guak; and younger brother, Mingeon Guak.
When Minju expressed her desire to participate in an exchange year in America, her parents’ reaction was positive. They were especially excited for her to improve her English.
“It is hard to become fluent in English in my country,” said Minju.
Along with improving her English, Minju said that she wants to learn new styles of dance, such as Hip Hop.
In South Korea, Minju participated in traditional Korean dance, ballet, and photography. She is on the MVHS dance team. She loves to dance and also likes listening to music and hanging out with friends.
After graduation, Minju would like to study at a university in a country other than South Korea. But she hasn’t yet decided which one.
Minju is living with Lon and Shayleen Dalley, their five children, and her exchange sister, Hedda.
Minju speaks Korean and English.
