The Voice – brought to you by The Page & Epistle

By Laura Chong ’28

This past spring break, I was one of fourteen students that went on a two-week school trip to Western Australia. For the first week, we all stayed with host families, which was an experience I will never forget. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed in a way that made everything unfamiliar feel safe and exciting at the same time. I spent most of my days following my host sister at school, riding the train with her every morning, and talking about everything- from classes, to music, to our families. We spent lots of our time at Guildford Grammar School. Experiencing everyday life as a student on a completely different continent was a new and exciting experience. I followed my host sister to her classes and participated in different activities, like water polo in PE, making clay sculptures, and playing tennis. Several of my host sister’s classmates, who were fascinated by life in America, constantly asked questions eager to compare our experiences.  

At home, I bonded with the rest of the family in ways I didn’t expect. We had family dinners where we talked about our days and shared stories about our lives with constant laughs. I tried different drinks and snacks I had never had before; and even though some were strange at first, it became fun to experiment with them together. We watched movies, spent evenings on the couch watching footy games, and sometimes went out for ice cream to bond further! The additional ordinary moments ranged from us laughing over a snack, cheering together for a team, or just sitting in the living room. Before, I was worried that I would be home sick and struggle navigating the independence I would face while I was across the globe from home.  My host family helped me easily forget these worries. The little moments we shared made me feel like I truly belonged and are an experience I will cherish forever. It amazed me how strong of a connection can be formed in such simple, everyday experiences. 

My first week in Perth with my host family and the other exchange students was unforgettable. I spent days exploring Kings Park and Fremantle with my host family, walking, talking, and sharing memories. The evenings with the group were just as special, as we watched the sunset at Cottesloe Beach, wandered through Karrinyup Mall, tried frozen yogurt at Yo-Chi, and even took a trip to Rottnest Island. Every moment was filled with laughter, curiosity, and small discoveries, but it was the time with my host family that felt most personal and meaningful. By the end of the week, I realized how close I had become with them. Saying goodbye was emotional; we were all crying, even her dad, and I could not believe how much love and connection had formed in just seven days. That week taught me that family is not only about blood, but about trust, shared moments, and care. It is amazing how deeply you can connect with people when you open yourself up to new experiences, and this first week in Perth showed me exactly that.