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About The amplifier. (West Linn, Oregon) 1921-current | View Entire Issue (April 1, 2007)
o 2007 Features Students study abroad to improve language L auren L evine co-Editor-in-Chief Exchange students. We see them in the halls and in classes, but who are the students from WLHS who leave to be exchange students in foreign countries? One such student is Kirsten Otterlei, senior, who spent the first semester in Bogota, Colombia and has always been interested in studying abroad. "I really enjoy traveling and wanted a chance to be part of the culture in another country," Otterlei said. When the opportunity came up for her to spend five months in Colombia, she jumped at the chance to experience a new culture and to improve her Spanish. "My host dad spoke broken English and so I got a chance to improve my Spanish while he got to improve his English," Otterlei said. Even though experiences like these can be expensive and can take months of planning and preparation, most feel that they are well worth the cost. "The money that would have gotten me a car went to that program," Karen Vance, senior said. Even though her experience was costly, she has no regrets. "It was a life changing experience," Vance said. Students not only get the chance to be immersed in a different culture and improve their skills in the language, but they also get used to being on their own and gaining a different perspective on the world. Vance, who traveled to Paris, France for one month last July went with a summer program through the New York University's Tisch School of the Arts along with 14 other students from around the world. One thing that came as a surprise to her was how sheltered American students can be. "You get a completely different perspective on life and how other people see Americans," Vance said, "especially being on your own (in another country) and not sheltered within a family vacation." There can also be many dangers students face while in another country. In Colombia, an argument broke out in the streets in front of Otterlei's house between a taxi driver and motorcyclist. "There was a shooting by my house and a bullet went through a window. My host mom was home at the time but luckily she wasn't hurt," Otterlei said. Both Vance and Otterlei agree it is worthwhile. "I would definitely do it again," Otterlei said. "My experience was definitely worth more than the cost. I wouldn't have traded a single minute for anything," Vance said. GUYS. HEADS UP. Prom night is a big night and maybe your friends say it’s not such a big night but when you’re talking corsage it is a very big night for sure and if that does n’t give you the idea how about the word: “tuxedoT Uh-huh. And if you don’t think it’s a big deal the fact is she does and if she does that means for sure it is a... B IIIIIIIIIIG NIGHT. So you have to do more than wash the car. Of course you have to vacuum it. Forget the car. A big night means ...Fuel. No. We are definitely not talking about the car. We are talking about food. You are building a memory, here. And it has to be a great one or you’ll hear about. You know you’ll hear about it. As in...forever. The most important part of the evening is how you start it off. No, after you open the door for her. Opening the door does not count. It’s a given. Why take a chance? You know where she wants to go: Typhoon! One of Amer ica’s top Thai restaurants is right near where you have to be. No-brainer. Whether you’re with a party of 16 or you want a private table for two, we’ve got you covered. Kirsten Otterlei, senior, a local and friend, Bonnie Lo, take a break from shopping in San Andres, Colombia. Otterlei spent first semester tudying abroad in Bogota, Colombia. Ph'oto courtesy of Kirsten Otterlei Student play great success Bang lang You're Dead______ a continued from page 1 m W ith the recent G resham School Shooting, students w ere struck w ith the irony. "I think that it really cem ented for m e the idea that not only can these shootings happen anyw here, but they can happen any tim e as well. It proved to m e, the cast, and everyone w ho saw the show that Yes. We take reservations. And we have a special package that includes a complete dinner: Appetizer, dinner, dessert, all for $25 a person. Or just or der your faves off our regular menu. Bo has been helping start prom nights right for years. You’re in. Of course your table is waiting. You’re fed. World class Thai food at modest prices. You’re out. It’S perfect. And guys, perfect is the whole idea. « even though the Springfield shooting happened alm ost ten years ago, the issue of school violence is still very prevalent today. The shooting at Springw ater Trail m ade m e realize the im portance of w hat w e were doing through this show, and I felt so strongly the need to get the m essage out to m y peers," M cD onald said. s 503.224-8285 Typhoon! Broadway Typhoon! 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