Dana Schmucker
Plano West Senior High
Plano, Texas

Dana and her Taiwanese "sister" Christine

Busy is such an overused word but it certainly could apply to each of our lives as we continue to keep up the pace of our accelerated classes, volunteer opportunities, and organizations to which we belong. I like many of you, can never turn down an opportunity that offers something unique from the many experiences of which I am fortunate to have had.

In October I was chosen to be a "Plano Youth Ambassador" and had the opportunity of a lifetime. Being an only child, I have always dreamed of having a sibling to share my life. If I only had a sister to stay up late and trade stories with or walk the malls with me in tandem. We could try on and share each other's clothes or even bake old-fashioned chocolate chip cookies together while filling our tummies with delicious gooey dough. My life would be complete!

My wish came true if only for a few short weeks. Our sister city Hsin-Chu, Taiwan, sent a small delegation to experience a typical day in the life of a Plano teenager. This experience was everything and more for me. Christine, if only temporary, became the sister I had always dreamed about. She followed my every step. My class schedule was also hers. When I took an exam, she took the test, too. Everywhere I went, she followed, experiencing our Homecoming pep rally, off-campus lunches, a homecoming parade, the mall, and even our great "State Fair of Texas". She sampled hamburgers, corn dogs on-a-stick, funnel cakes, and even rode the terrifying roller coaster on the big fair Midway. In just a short time, she had been indoctrinated. Christine was a real Texas teenager with a cowboy hat and all!

Her overall experience was one of excitement and I couldn't have been more pleased. Her wide-eyed expressions were a marvel for me to observe. It was as if I was watching a child discovering the wonderment of life for the very first time. Whether it was sipping a milkshake for the first time or shopping the Disney Store collecting toys and trinkets to take back for souvenirs, Christine's smile said it all.

She was amazed and surprised by so many things I consider "routine." She couldn't believe we "have fun experiences while at school," referring to our pep rallies and science labs. The dance was even more of a thrill for her. I'll never forget her reaction as she looked at herself in the mirror. She wore a thin-strapped black dress for the very first time. I could tell she felt like a princess going to the ball. I knew then that she was taking back memories that would last her lifetime.

When we had to say goodbye to each other, tears in both of our eyes confirmed what I suspected all along. This experience was something of great significance for both of us. In such a short time, I learned so much from Christine. Our lives are different in the daily routine but in spite of the fact that we are a world apart, we share so much in common. What it boils down to is that we are two typical teenagers who like to have fun and experience the world around us!!