I just can't believe that my stay is almost over already. My host family, the Rieck's, gave me a warm welcome and made me feel like a real family member. I love them a lot, and they will always have a special place in my heart. I don't know how I can thank them enough for all the kindness they have shown and for making my stay so pleasurable.

I made so many great friends here with whom I had a really good time. I'm very grateful to them, and I'll always remember them. When I first came to Maine West, it was a really big change, but because of the nice people and friendly teachers, it was easy to adjust.

It was a good learning experience for me, and the American culture has become so familiar that it will be difficult to go back to my old way of life. I'm looking forward to going back to Switzerland to see my friends and my family again, but I'll miss all the people I met here, as well as the great city of Chicago. I hope very much that my friends come and visit me. I wish to have a chance to come again soon.

Gabriela Oesch