Western Dubuque welcomes Chloe Christopherson

BY ANA BARRETT

Western Dubuque Cross Country was graced with a new runner this year—one from Australia!  Chloe Christopherson is a senior foreign-exchange student here at school. Christopherson came into the season later than the rest of the runners, but she worked hard and made friends quickly. She informed us that she had never played sports in Australia, so no one knew what to expect from her. Christopherson came to practices and ran with the team, and once she began to run in meets, she got better every time. Everyone was happy to have her on the team; she always had a positive attitude. Christopherson is also involved in FFA, and she is on the bowling team. The main factor that encouraged Christopherson to become a foreign exchange student was her mom, who thought it would be a great experience for her. A few of her favorite things about being in the United States for this semester include: the extracurricular activities that are offered at school, the friendly people, the cheap clothes, s’mores, and pumpkin bread. One thing Christopherson doesn’t enjoy is all of the greasy foods here in the United States, her least favorite being Mexican cuisine. Christopherson loves all of her classes here at Western Dubuque, but her agriculture class with Mr. Lansing is her favorite. After graduation, Christopherson plans on pursuing a degree in Veterinarian Science at a university in Australia. One difference between our school and her school in Australia is that they go six days a week and periods go for 50 minutes, and in Australia they get a half an hour recess every day in addition to an hour lunch! Christopherson loves country music, and some of her favorite singers are the McClymonts, Troy Casser-Daley, and Lee Kernaghan. When I asked Christopherson how being a foreign-exchange student has affected her, she said, “I’m more mature and step out of my comfort zone way more!” If you see Chloe Christopherson around the halls, give her a hello; she is full of smiles and is always eager to meet someone new.