By MariaFernanda Gomez Special to the Intermountain Catholic DRAPER — Millions have felt the power of the Beatles. But who could predict that their music, echoing in a Japanese classroom, would inspire a teenage boy to move to America for a year? "In Japan, I heard English – actually Beatles," said Toshitaka Zenimoto. "I love music, then I heard English, then I decided to come here. That’s the story." Zenimoto is one of 25 international students in Juan Diego Catholic High School’s International Student program. Coordinator Jun Tagai says the program – the most extensive he has seen at the high school level – strengthens the student body. "It started with the school community wanting diversity in culture, and also to ensure that international students weren’t taken advantage of," he said. JD’s international students live with host families, who must undergo background checks and meet diocesan Safe Environment regulations. Tagai also visits the home to ensure it is suitable and safe. Host families teach international students aspects of American culture. Zenimoto lives with JD counselor John Gavin. "He’s fun. He teaches] me many things. [I] learn slang and also Mr. Gavin teach me manners." Senior Kouji Uchida is from Tokyo, Japan. "The biggest cultural difference is reverence toward minorities," said Uchida. "Everyone is friendly. In Tokyo, no one talks to each other, [just] cold face. I really love American culture, [it is] outgoing." Mie Ando, a senior from Japan, agrees. "I take TRAX to school…There’s so many [people] talking with loud voice. In Japan we never talk in the bus or subway," she said. "One day there is a old man [who] ask me [for] the money – I was surprised! But I like the culture because when they talk to you, that means that person is friendly! I think U.S. is most friendly country." Theology classwork at JD is often most challenging for international students, many of whom are non-religious and struggle to understand the course’s vocabulary and concepts. International students do miss food, family and friends from home. "My mom [used to] wake me up every morning and make me a nice breakfast and lunch," said Ando. "When my dad sent me to school he [would] always go warm up the car first, [so] when I get in it’s always warm and nice." One international student, senior Eva Liu, established the International Club. Members try food from different cultures and present about their homelands, including Japan, Poland, Mexico and China. Most international students belong to the club, including freshman Ge Song. "I think International Club is really interesting club that I can learn more [about] different cultures, and learn [about] more friends," she said. "The best part was learning the culture by watching film [Youtube videos]." Junior Sean Williams believes foreign students bring diversity and tolerance to JD. "Given that our school is based in a suburb in Utah, it’s hard for us to meet people every day from diverse backgrounds," he said. "And while it’s easy to learn about the customs of other nations in books, I believe the personal touch is necessary." Zenimoto does, too. "I appreciate all Juan Diego students and teachers," he said. "I don’t have English skill like native speaker, but you talk with me, help me. It means I could meet many nice people through this studying abroad. I’m really happy that I could come [to] this school." Now, years after Zenimoto first heard the Beatles, his favorite tune is "In My Life," because his life changed for the best. "Though I know I’ll never lose affection for people and things that went before, I know I’ll often stop and think about them," he said. MariaFernanda Gomez is editor-in-chief of "The Speaking Eagle," Juan Diego Catholic High School’s newspaper.
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