Sidney's foreign exchange students adapt to life in western Nebraska

Coming to a new town far from home and being dubbed the "new kid" in high school can be a huge adjustment.

For two foreign exchange students at Sidney High School, Dana Windsor and Luis Geniole, this means leaving home to start their senior year in a new country.

"It's such a different atmosphere here," said Windsor, a New Zealand native. "There are so many different people."

Although Windsor and Geniole didn't get to pick where they were going to study as part of the program, they seem to be adapting well to the western Nebraska culture and student life as a Red Raider.

Windsor said that when she got to Nebraska she had hoped for a white Christmas this year, and that's exactly what she got!

"I'm glad it snowed, but it can go away now," Windsor joked.

Geniole, who came from Brazil, admitted that he prefers the warmer weather over the snow.

Geniole and Windsor agreed that one of the biggest differences between Sidney and the schools in their native countries are that they have the option to pick what classes they want to take instead of being assigned a specific schedule.

"There are so many classes to choose from," Windsor said.

"We have a lot of options here. My favorite class is science," Geniole added.

Windsor said she likes to stay busy with school activities and being social. She participated on the volleyball team, One Act plays, the bowling league and the Sidney Raiders' TV club.

"I really like SRTV and being able to travel and see different schools. I enjoy the broadcasting and editing side," Windsor said.

Geniole also participated in One Act plays, was a part of the Red Raiders' football team and likes hanging out with his new friends.

"My favorite memory at school so far was when I played football and got a tackle during a game. Everyone cheered and was really happy," Geniole said.

Windsor and Geniole said the few things that they missed most about being home were food, family and friends.

"My relationship with my host mom is really good, so that makes up for not being with my family," Windsor said.

Geniole said he has been able to Skype and Facebook with his family to stay in touch and really misses the cuisine back home.

Although new to Nebraska, this isn't their first time in the U.S.

"I've traveled to New York, New Jersey and California," Geniole said.

"I've been to Hawaii," Winsdor said while laughing. "Does that count?"

Both students will be graduating from Sidney High in May and are planning to return to their home countries.

"In New Zealand, University starts in February, so I will have to wait to enroll in school." Windsor said.

Like most seniors, Geniole said he's not sure what his future plans are.

With all of the new things they've experienced, Windsor and Geniole both agreed that they have made many good memories so far while living in Sidney.