Imagine spending an entire school year in a foreign country. Not only is there a giant language barrier, but the idea of having to adapt to a new culture and to make new friends may seem like you’re starting a new life. These were not deal breakers, however, for Spanish exchange student Jimena Gallo.

“It’s my first time in America and when I found out I was going to come here I was very excited and I really couldn’t imagine how it was going to be,” expressed Gallo.

Jimena Gallo left her parents and younger siblings, Cecelia, Carlos, and Regina, to embark on this unforgettable experience.

“[Leaving my family] wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. I think it’s harder when you get here and you are alone and you realize that you are not going to see them for ten months,” said Jimena.

Since her arrival on August 25th, Gallo has been very excited to attend North Penn. Some of her elective classes are Engineering Design, Animation, Ceramics, and AP French.

“My first day in North Penn, I thought I was going to be very nervous and that I wasn’t going to be able to speak to anybody,” Gallo stated “but I wasn’t nervous at all. I was actually pretty confident. My school in Spain is big, but North Penn is huge. When I walked in I thought I was never going to find my way through the halls and that I was never going to get to know anyone. Luckily, my buddy, [Ke’Nia Washington], was there to help me all the time. I really like the school. I loved it the moment I saw it for the first time.”

Although school only started a mere two weeks ago, Gallo is already involved and making her mark at North Penn. Currently a member of the North Penn Women’s Volleyball team, she hopes to join another sport in the winter or spring season. Gallo also expressed that she is looking forward to many North Penn events, such as Winterball, senior trip to Disney World, senior Prom, and of course, graduation.

Despite her excitement for her future here at North Penn, Gallo does miss one thing about being at home, “I’m not really homesick yet,” Gallo said “but the ones that I most miss are my dogs. Every time I see a dog here it makes me think of [my dogs] a lot. It sounds selfish but it’s the truth.”

Gallo will graduate with the Class of 2016 in June and will then return to Madrid, Spain to finish her high school career. Knowing the school year will fly by, she hopes to make the most of her time in America, “I hope that this is not my last time here,” she concluded.