Exchange student enjoys Thermopolis

The start of the school year means many new things - new teachers and classes, new activities, even new friends. For Silvia Hernandez Diez-Ochoa, these were all rolled into one.

Originally from Madrid, Spain, Diez-Ochoa is currently a sophomore at Hot Springs County High School as part of the student exchange program. Host parent Michelle Westman explained when the host parents and students are being connected through the exchange program, the parents can decide to host a student for a semester or full school year.

"I think it relies more on the host parents or the host family," Westman said. "The students put their name in, the parents decide who would be a good fit for their family and then the student agrees from there."

Westman said she comes from a really big family, and wanted to bring another person into it. Ted Westman, she added, agreed to the idea. They filled out an application through International Cultural Exchange Services, followed by a background check and a phone interview.

Diez-Ochoa arrived in Wyoming Aug. 20. The next day was her 15th birthday - students in the exchange program must be at least 15 years old - and they had a party for her.

Since coming to Thermopolis, Diez-Ochoa has been getting involved with various activities through the school. She joined the volleyball team, but noted she wasn't very good at first. It didn't diminish her enjoyment, however, as she met plenty of nice people and adapted quickly. Everyone was very enthusiastic to get to know her, she said.

Currently, she's a member of the cheerleading squad and loving it; the activity fits her passion for dance. Michelle noted she dances all around the house and, "bless her heart, she hasn't filled the house with cheers. She keeps them at practice."

As for academics, Diez-Ochoa said her classes have been really good, but she has to study a bit more because of language difference. "The teachers are so nice," she said, "and they're always helping you."

Since she arrived in Wyoming, Michelle said, Diez-Ochoa's understanding of English has improved, even to where she was speaking English to her biological mom and dad at Christmas but didn't realize it. Ted said her English has come a long way, and she's really picked up a lot of the slang.

As for favorite subjects, Diez-Ochoa enjoys art a great deal and a couple months back had some pieces at a show at Hazel N Pearls. Though she likes all her classes, she said the hardest one is U.S. History. Still, Ted noted, she's bringing home straight A's.

Coming from Spain's capital city to the open spaces of Wyoming, Diez-Ochoa there are a lot of changes, but she loves them and is keeping an open mind in order to learn more about other people and enjoy herself. Michelle added with a laugh she's a big city girl gone country.

A new experience for her is now having a little sister, compared to being an only child in Spain, though she loves babies. Michelle later joked Diez-Ochoa is their "practice child."

Diez-Ochoa loves the people of Thermopolis, but also did some travelling to Yellowstone, Chicago and Iowa, and got to do some skiing and snowboarding. Michelle noted during the 13-hour trip to Iowa the girl fell asleep before they were through Wind River Canyon and didn't wake up until they reached their destination.

Of the country, Diez-Ochoa was amazed the states together are about half the size of Europe. "The United States is really, really big."

Overall, Ted said, it's been a good experience and really worthwhile. "She's very fun to be around." Diez-Ochoa wanted to give a shout out to her family back home and send them her love.

The Independent Record will feature a story about exchange student Adam Krcek from Prague, Czech Republic in a future edition.