School-to-School Exchanges - Baylor School Exchange

Olivia Williams

Kia ora, or as I say, “Hey ya’ll”

As I’ve gotten to know y’all over the past 8 weeks, I’ve learned that y'all don’t really know what the South is besides fried chicken, Trump, and y’alls favorite restaurant…Cane’s.

While, yes.. I love fried chicken… and Canes is my favourite restaurant ... No, I haven’t met Trump, and I don’t intend to!

At Baylor one of our sayings is LOVE BIGGER. Going on this exchange made me realize people can love big anywhere, even at the bottom of the world on an island I had no idea about, until I received the email with where I was going for two months… So thank you for giving me the ability to realize that. Thank you to the Bartram family and Katie for opening your home to a southern girl who has never been out of the country, and taking her on so many beautiful adventures. Thank you for being the most patient host parents and making me feel at home even though I am 13,062 km away from Mississippi, and I am so excited for Katie to join me in September!

Thank you to the girls in Davis House for making me feel so welcome these past 8 weeks, thank you Ms. Pyke for always taking care of me and for making boarding fun.

Thank you to all the teachers and staff who make Dio a special place and helped guide me through my classes. Dio, These past 8 weeks have been precious and I’m so thankful for the friends I’ve made along the way. This is not a goodbye but a see you later. Thank you!

Yulissa Gerard

I was born and raised in Atlanta which is the capital of Georgia. Atlanta is a metropolitan area that’s full skyscrapers and tall buildings. When I am in Atlanta I spend my time shopping, roller skating, I participate in lots of community service outreach programs, and go to different amusement parks. However my life is very different here in New Zealand.

Instead of skyscrapers and tall buildings, I am surrounded by beautiful mountains and vast farmland. I have spent my time here hiking, ziplining, tramping, and even tried rock climbing which is surprisingly very fun. Above all I appreciate the seemingly “little things” that are shown in New Zealand such as constant rainbows in the sky, and beautiful sunrises/ sunsets that you can see almost every day.

Thank you Dio for allowing me to be a part of your wonderful school and experience this exchange. Thank you to all the teachers and faculty who welcomed me into their classes with open arms, and gave me many laughs. I would also like to thank my amazing host family, the Carmichaels and my host sister, Sophie. From the moment I arrived at the Auckland airport you guys have been the absolute best host family I could ever ask for. You guys continuously looked out for me and did everything in your power to make me feel safe and loved.

An ode to Aotearoa/New Zealand

by Yulissa Gerard

Through the eyes of an American

Your country looks different

Through an eyes of an American

I see more than you think

I notice the aura the sky reflects

The tranquility in your mountains

I spot the intentionality of the time you spend with family

you display appreciation to whanau.

You call this place home and were raised here

Yet you forget just how enchanting this country can be

So let me remind you

Through the eyes of an American

Your country’s natural beauty is unmatched.

Year 10 Exchange Programme

Congratulations to the following girls who have been selected for the Year 10 Exchange Programme 2024/25

• Downe House School, Berkshire, UK - Emma Marshall and Charlie Quinn

• Trafalgar Castle School, Ontario, Canada - Ava Jones and Annabelle Gibbard