An Exciting New Opportunity

The year was 1995. It was a time when big bangs and perms were on their way out, when music and fashion were in a very strange transition and these three high school students formed the bond of a lifetime. In the picture with my sister and me is a young woman named Yuka. She had come to our home on a one month stay two years prior. We enjoyed hosting her so much that my sister Alicia traveled the following summer to Yuka's house in Japan. We kept in touch through writing letters and sending care packages, so when Yuka expressed the desire to come to the United States and study with us for a year we jumped at the opportunity to host her again. She arrived for the school year in August and by May had bonded with our family in a significant way. Putting her on the plane to go home was a tearful event.
I've been reflecting on these experiences over the last few weeks because I recently took a job with CETUSA. It will be my pleasure and joy to help host families like mine make the deep and lasting connections with international exchange students! I had been looking for a job that I could do on the side. Just a little something to help us build on a down payment for a home someday. When I saw the posting for this job I wasn't sure if it would be a good fit; however, the more I learn about the company, about the students, and about my job both as a local coordinator and student supervisor the more I fall in love with the idea.
My major in college was both communications and sociology. I've never heard of a job that combines those two loves in a more fitting way! I deeply love and appreciate travel and other cultures. I also love helping people communicate clearly the expectations they have of one another. I will also be hosting events, both orientation events and social gatherings, another perfect fit for me! I told a friend recently that it is the job I didn't know I was looking for. I'm so grateful for this opportunity.

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