A local foreign exchange student got a peek at state government.
Pavla Zelena, a junior foreign exchange student from the Czech Republic, was a page for Rep. Ed Delaney, D-Indianapolis, pictured above at left.
Zelena attends Whiteland Community High School and is living with the Haworth family until she returns home in June.
Here is what she said about getting a chance to see state government.
● Why did you want to be a page?
It was a way to see how government works here. I can’t see anything like that at home. It’s really been an honor to be a page, because not everyone gets to do this.
● What was happening on the day you were there?
One of the representatives was trying to get his bill passed.
● What was your favorite part of being a page?
When we got to get and see the mail for the representatives around the statehouse.
● What surprised you most about being a page?
When someone would be in front of the entire house, reading a bill. They would be serious until they made a joke. They would laugh and get serious again.
● How did this experience differ from seeing government work in your country?
They are really similar, but I have never really seen anything like that in my country.
● What surprised you most about America?
A lot of things. People are very friendly. Classes are much more fun than they are back home.
● What is your favorite class?
I like all of them, because of the teachers. Maybe cooking class is the best, because we get to eat everything we make.
● Why did you want to study in America?
I like studying languages. English is the most useful language you can have now. I want to learn things I can use in life.
— Compiled by Magen Kritsch, [email protected]