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"Thank you so much for making this year so special, each of you guys hold a special place in my memories. It is so difficult to say goodbye. "
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AFS-USA works toward a more just and peaceful world by providing international and intercultural learning experiences to individuals, families, schools, and communities through a global volunteer partnership.
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AFS Foundation - Student Interview

What is your name?

Kati Znamirowski

What country did you go to and how long did you stay?

I went to Aguadulce Cocle, Panama for the 1999-2000 school year program

Could you briefly describe your host family?

My host family was amazing. I had a father that was the head of Calesa, a shrimp company in Panama. He took me to his work and taught me about shrimp production and how greatly the Panamanian economy depended on it. He also took me to other branches of the company like the sugar mill and the tuna farm to learn about their effect on the economy. He also had a strong passion for our two family farms, and we would go almost every weekend together along with my abuelo and brother. They would do things with the cows while I would either ride horses in the rainforest or on the plains (the two different locations of the farms).

My mother was a dentist at the school I attended, and she always made sure everything was alright with me. She got all of my school stuff together and took care of me the few times I fell off a horse and got injured or the few times I got sick. She just basically watched out for me and made sure I didn't do anything to endanger myself. She was also the one, along with my sisters, that would go to the capitol and shop with me. That was an experience.

I also had a brother (18) that would play basketball with me, and watch me when we would go out dancing at night to be sure that no one would bother me. My sisters did this as well, but they were more like friends as well. My older sister (21) was great to talk to whenever I was really stressed out and she would usually be the mediator if there were any family problems. She had been an exchange student herself to the US so she understood what I was going through. My youngest sister, who was my age (17), would always make sure I was happy and comfortable and adjust the situation to suit us both. She was great, and really helped me make friends and stand on my own two feet. She wasn't cold or controlling. She was like a true sister.

My three grandparents also played an important role in my life. I would go to their house almost every Sunday and eat. My abuela could cook up a storm. They could never believe how much I could eat, and I never left their house hungry once. My other grandma in the capitol was always there to listen or give me a hug. She adopted me immediately. The whole family was just wonderful. They are some of the most generous, loving, and sincere people I have ever met.

What did you learn about yourself during your AFS experience

I learned a lot about myself, but I think most importantly, I learned that you are really the one that ultimately decides how you will live your life. I learned that in life you have the choice to be successful and happy, or the choice to feel sorry for yourself and fail in your endeavors. My AFS experience helped me become a lot more honest with myself and other people. I now feel a lot more comfortable with who I am and how I treat other people. I learned that cultural awareness should be a crucial part of everyone's life and I try and make it a part of my life and anyone that comes into contact with me. I am definitely a much more positive person now, which is always nice for me as well as other people. I have grown up a lot and also found some things in life that I can feel passionately about, and AFS gave me an edge. I can argue things and speak about my causes and people respect me and listen to me, instead of disregarding me. I also learned that there are all different kinds of intelligences. I learned only ignorant people would think they can achieve their full potential exclusively in a classroom. I learned everyone needs to get out there and experience the world, everything it has to offer and learn things we have not yet dreamed of.

What was your biggest challenge? How did you dealt with it? What did it teach you?

My biggest challenge was probably myself. I always knew that if I was having a down day or if I was unhappy in a situation it was really my doing. As soon as I would feel comfortable with the unknown I was facing, and/or as soon as I could just let myself go, I would immediately feel better. It took about 5 months to be able to just think: "I'm alright and I can do this". After that it was a walk in the park. I also had a great family that helped me with everything.

Would you encourage other students to participate in an AFS experience? If so, why?

Yes, I would highly recommend it to other students. It will blow their minds in ways they really can't fathom. There is no excuse not to go.

What would you do differently, if anything, if you could? Would you do it again?

I don't know if I would do anything differently. I am pretty happy with my AFS experience and how I handled it. I like the way it turned out and if I had done things differently it may have had a different outcome. Yes!!! Only this time I will challenge myself a little bit more and go to India or somewhere completely different from anything I know.

Do you have any comments on AFS Milwaukee?

Without the AFS program I wouldn't have been able to see the world at such a young age in such a safe environment. The cost was also greatly reduced thanks to a scholarship provided by the AFS Foundation Of Greater Milwaukee. The people that work for AFS Milwaukee deserve a lot of credit for the amazing work they do, and the education they indirectly give to young people.

Kati Znamirowski Panama 1999-2000