Lost and Found: Students find new lives at pen

Many students who attend Peninsula have moved from different areas around the country and around the world. They had to adjust to a new school environment, including new friends and new teachers. Senior Himari Shimizu, sophomore Brianna Li and sophomore Gia Morelli moved to Palos Verdes during high school and acclimated smoothly to Peninsula.

Shimizu moved to California from Saitama Prefecture, a district in Japan, when she was 13 years old. She had to learn English, which was overwhelming for her at times.

“At first I was really confused in a new environment and did not understand [anything],” Shimizu said. “Gradually, I started catching some easy words from class discussions or people’s conversations.”

Shimizu also struggled to adapt to the cultural differences between Japan and the United States. She was confused by certain slang terms and phrases that she heard high school students use. However, she eventually adjusted to the differences in society after spending time with other teens her age at school.

“For example, in Japan, we do not ask teachers questions during class because [it is a sign of disrespect] but people always talk with the teacher in class here,” Shimizu said. “I tried my best to break through my comfort zone and talk to new people at school to improve my speaking skills.”

Li was also faced with the challenges of adapting to a new school after moving across the country from Mandeville, Louisiana for her freshman year. She was initially upset about the move, but was impressed by the academics and extracurriculars offered at Peninsula, such as Advanced Placement courses and dance programs.

“The most difficult part of moving to a new state for me was leaving behind my family and friends,” Li said.

Although she misses her home in Mandeville, Li is thankful to live in Palos Verdes and attend Peninsula.

Morelli moved to Palos Verdes from Spokane, Washington in late August 2016. She was born in Los Angeles, but relocated to Spokane when she was young. She noticed that high school life in Palos Verdes was similar to Spokane, including food, clothing and other popular trends.

“There is a lot more racial diversity here than there was in Spokane, but slang and [other trends] are the same,” Morelli said.

Morelli originally felt anxious about leaving her old school behind, but she became accustomed to Peninsula quickly.

“It was super nerve-wracking to go to a new school and to not know anybody,” Morelli said. “Luckily, the Link Crew program introduced me to other transfers, which was really helpful for me.”

The Link Crew program helps introduce incoming freshmen and transfer students to the Peninsula community. Link Crew members lead tours of the school, host events for freshmen, such as Freshfest, and assist new students with any problems they experience on campus.

“[I think that] Peninsula is a great school, and the students and teachers in my classes are all very welcoming,” Morelli said.