New Year, New Students, New Life

By Olivia Elliott

Moving schools can either terrify or excite students, but when you leave your home country to attend a school on a different continent- that’s a different story. Dalat hosts many new cultures, lifestyles, and people that can often intimidate new students. Transition is a difficult process to undertake, but one of the newbies, Luis Vieira (12), says that “Dalat and the community have helped a lot so far…and that everyone has been very welcoming.” Thankfully, Dalat conveys a kind and hospitable tone to the new students, including myself. 

As a new student, there is much to consider: new classes, schedules, and relationships. One of the challenges new students face is they are given the last priority to choose courses. We are required to take the mandatory courses to graduate, like Media Literature and are given a list of all the available spots in the classes that have yet to be filled. This can be tricky, especially as a Senior, to create a schedule that works for both the new student and the required classes needed for graduation. 

Because Dalat has such a long-standing history, people’s perceptions and experiences are wide and varied. Sometimes hearing other people’s perspectives of Dalat may differ from what individual students have experienced in person. For example, Naomi Weidemann (11), expressed that her expectations about Dalat’s academics were altered. She stated that “I was expecting the academics to be a little more challenging than my previous school.” Because of the diverse educational backgrounds and languages of Dalat students, many may agree with Naomi, while others are overwhelmed by the rigorous standards.

 Also, Dalat International School differs from other schools in unique ways.

Kathryn Boyd (11), a member of the New Student Welcoming Committee, said that several new students have commented on Dalat's friendly and loving nature, unlike in their previous schools. Another distinction of Dalat is its location. New students have found that going to school on the beach gives a positive and relaxing atmosphere. Also, the ethnic diversity of Dalat encourages new students to get out of their comfort zone and try something new, whether it’s a new food, activity, cultural tradition, or event. 

As a whole, Dalat has done an amazing job of welcoming and hosting new students and I hope that Dalat will continue this positive aspect. Additionally, I am excited to see the new students navigate their way through High school, Middle school, and Elementary; making new memories, and friends and experiencing God’s love and life on our beautiful island!