She traveled nearly 7,000 miles to be a part of the Bridgeport High School student body and after just a few weeks, already feels like part of the community.  Qianni Liu, whose English name is Niniane, is one of two foreign exchange students at BHS this year.  She is originally from a small town in Northeast China near Beijing and is excited about sharing her customs with her new family and learning all about America. 

 

“My host family is wonderful,” said Liu.  “They have four kids and include me in everything. I already love them.”

 

The feeling is mutual. Michelle and Bill McCollum have welcomed Liu into their family. 

 

“She has been an amazing addition to our family,” says Michelle.  “We felt led to host a foreign exchange student.  We wanted our children to connect with another culture and possibly learn a new language. We also wanted to give another child the opportunity to experience life in the United States.” 

 

Although she was a little nervous about hosting a teen when she has four younger children, McCollum says it could be better. 

 

“She comes in after school and we chat while we prepare dinner together.  She is going to teach me how to prepare authentic Chinese food soon.”

 

There are some notable differences in Liu’s routine.  In China, it is the teacher who rotates through the classrooms while the students stay put.  At first, it was a challenge for her to find all the classrooms, but now she fits in nicely with her fellow students.  There are, of course, things she misses about China. 

 

“Mostly, I miss Chinese food,” she said.  “Especially dumplings and porridge.  I also really miss my family.” 

 

As a junior at BHS, Liu will be staying for the entire year and hopes to travel around the United States with her host family. 

 

“We have plans to visit Boston, New York, Washington D.C., and Orlando,” she said.

 

In order to prepare for her year abroad, she practiced her English and read books about American culture. 

 

“China has such a long history and a very profound culture.  America has a shorter history, but a very significant history and I have enjoyed learning about it.  I like that children learn independence here and that families focus on faith,” she said. 

 

The McCollums are very involved with the Simpson Creek Baptist Church and volunteer with HIS Bridgebuilders. She is also getting used to the Italian heritage of our region. 

 

“My favorite food that I have tasted is pasta,” Liu said.

 

Her interests include playing the piano, reading, playing badminton and long-distance running.  When it comes to her time in Bridgeport, Liu has the same focus that she had when she was home. 

 

“Family is most important.  My favorite thing about being in America is my American family and my favorite thing about China is my loving mother and father," she said.