Meet Magda
MAGDALENA “MAGDA” SASS IS A 15-YEAR-OLD POLISH STUDENT SPENDING THE YEAR AT GPS THROUGH THE ASSIST PROGRAM.
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO PURSUE THE OPPORTUNIT Y TO SPEND A YEAR IN THE U.S.?
To study in an American high school always seemed like an unrealistic dream for me. It seemed too far away. But during quarantine I was watching Netflix and thought, ‘Oh my gosh, I really want to go to America!’ So I started looking for opportunities and programs and found ASSIST. The deadline for the application was in two weeks, so I didn’t have much time, but I was able to get it done. All my teachers supported me and so did my parents. WERE YOU NERVOUS TO COME TO AN ALLGIRLS’ SCHOOL?
Oh yes, I was very nervous. I get along with boys, so I was stressed thinking I wouldn’t make any friends, or they wouldn’t like me, or they would be judgemental, but it was the total opposite! They’re so understanding and nice! No one judges you here. I was also worried that I would only be spending time with girls here, but there are so many socials and dances where we can meet and hang out with boys. So everything has gone perfectly. I would go to an all-girls school in Poland if I could!
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G I R L S P R E P A R A T O R Y S C H O O L G P S .E D U
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT GPS SO FAR?
Honestly, probably the uniforms are one of the best things at GPS. First, they’re very pretty, and there’s also a lot of history behind them. Girls can wear them in different ways and express themselves. So you can see that we’re all equal but special in our own different ways. I love how you can mix it with your own style. Beyond that, people are just very open and friendly, and the teacher and student relationship is much different. They’re willing to help, and you can talk about your life, not just school life. So that was a very surprising thing for me. They ask how your day was, how you are feeling. It’s been great to get to know them and be close with them. HAVE YOU ENJOYED YOUR TIME WITH YOUR HOST FAMILY?
Yes, definitely! I’m staying with Emmaline Hill first semester. She’s the best host sister ever! She’s very friendly, helps me a lot, and she introduced me to her friends and has helped me get to know people. She also translates all the slang words for me. My host mom is a sweetheart. I love her, too. She makes breakfast and really cares about me. I also love my host dad and my host brothers. I don’t have brothers at home, so that has been new to me. Now I wish I had a brother, too! Second semester, I'll be staying with Sophie McGee, and I’m excited to get to know her family.
