From September 4th until the end of the school year, Giulia Attardo has had the privilege of being an exchange student here at Bernards High School, coming from the city of Catania, on the east coast of Sicily, Italy. From the very beginning, her presence has left a lasting impact on those around her, bringing a unique perspective that is hard to forget.
As much as she would love to fit this year into one article, she explains that “This year feels too big to fit into words.” This topic is extremely sensitive to her, as she further explains that she could “Talk about it all day and that would show only the smallest amount of love” she has for her experience.
It is clear that this journey has meant more to her than just a year abroad, it has been something truly life-changing. In many ways, BHS is extremely different from her school back home.
She mentions that everything feels different, strangely enough, even more freeing and joyful. She often notes that teachers at BHS treat students with respect and are always willing to help, unlike her previous school, where building close relationships with teachers isn’t allowed. The staff and community has thoroughly opened her eyes in the sincerest way, showing her a level of kindness and support she will carry with her long after this experience ends. Giulia made good friends through cheerleading, which was the first extracurricular she joined in school. In regards to her experience on the cheerleading team, Giulia said, “She was not expecting how welcoming and nice every girl was going to be, and they all wanted to hear my story.”
Through these friendships she found not only teammates, but a sense of belonging that made a new place feel like home. Coming to America has been her dream since she was a child, and after finding out she could spend her senior year here, she “Burst out with excitement.” It is thanks to Giulia’s parents, who put their lives aside for a long time to make this a reality. During both the day and night they would work tirelessly “Translating documents, reaching out to people across the globe, saving funds, and doing many other tasks.” Their dedication and sacrifices serve as a powerful reminder of how deeply they believe in her and her future.
She lives through this journey of her dreams partly for her mom who had the same dream at her age, but was never given the opportunity. Her parents have been her primary support throughout the past year, and thoroughly enjoy supporting watching her life shift for the better.
“Not having our first daughter at home for such a long time was certainly not easy for me, my husband, or her little sister Giorgia who aspires to be like her. But Giulia’s courage, strength, determination and desire to discover the world are what gives us strength,” said Ms. Attardo, Giuilia’s mom, “She will return to Sicily even stronger than before.”
In many ways, America renewed her spirit. After thinking she would never change, she discovered her passion and finally felt a genuine sense of belonging. However, she wants to emphasize the community that welcomed her in a way she never expected. Though the transition was tough at first, packing her whole life into two 25-kilogram suitcases and moving overseas was a great decision, and she “Wouldn’t have chosen any other path.” She shares that although she tried to find a sense of comfort and belonging in Sicily, she realizes that this is where her true home is. The supportive community, dedicated staff, and lifelong friends she’s found here helped her understand the importance of putting her dreams first, and most of all, showed her that at Bernards High School anything feels achievable.
