My name is Victoria, but I go by Vika. It’s a Russian name because my parents both grew up in the Soviet Union. My dad was born in Georgia (the country, not the state) and pretty much all of my dads side lives in Vladikafkas. Other than my one great aunt, she lives in Moscow alone and we talk to her on Skype a lot, she laughs very loud and its a very identifiable feature. It’s a very Russian laugh, but also kind of evil but jolly at the same time. “HAAAAHA-HA-HA-HA-HA!”, you can’t mistake it.

My moms side lives all over Russia, mainly in Kostroma though. My aunt owns a farm there and it's pretty rural. They built their own house, but so did my grandparents on my dads side. 

I could go on about the weird and funny and messed up stories from their childhoods, but I won’t bore you with that. Unless you’d like to know. 

Ms. Osorio, the World Culture Club teacher at Central, said we’ll probably exchange a goal of 2 letters by the time we meet in probably April, so if you want to know anything about me then feel free to ask through a letter. I joined this club because of my friend Cassie. One day last year she dragged me along and I decided to stay because it was really interesting.

Some things about me, I really like cats, I speak Russian (obviously) and it’s also my first language, though I’m sure you wouldn’t be able to tell by the way I speak English. Probably because I grew up here mostly surrounded by English rather than Russian, especially now since I can’t visit my family anymore (the war, if you didn’t get that). I have 3 sisters. Sasha, Liza, and Nasta. Their full names are Alexandra, Elizaveta and Anastasia. Yeah pretty Russian. We also, fun fact, all share a middle name because in the area where my parents grew up, you may know this but your children’s middle name is their dads first name. My dads name is Andrei so our middle names are, nope not Andrea, Andreevna (I don’t really know how to spell it in English). My favorite subject is probably Chorus because I love singing, I'm also in Debate and Science Olympiad as well as a board member in GYS (Glencoe Youth Services), and I play the flute and ukulele (no I’m not a hippie I swear).

At Central there are quite a few people in the World Culture Club. Do you have any friends at Central?

I’m nearing the end of my letter now, so I’d like to know what you’re like now. Where are you or your parents from? Why did you join this club? Or anything about yourself.

Sincerely,

Vika.

What’s up? I’m so excited to be your pen pal! My name is Trevor Hixon and I’m currently an 8th grade student at Central School. What are you learning in world culture club? This is my first year in the World Culture Club at my school and I love it so far! Some things I do in my free time include hanging out with friends, relaxing and video games. What are some of your favorite subjects in class? My favorite subjects are math and social studies. I have one cat named Sasha and she and I have the same birthday! Do you have any pets? I also heard that you might be in Boy Scouts. I’m in Boy Scouts too! I’m looking forward to hearing from you!

                Sincerely, 

                              Trevor

My name is Cecilia! I have some questions for you. How are you? Are you a boy or a girl (I think Mrs. Osorio said you are a girl, but I have an awful memory)? Do you have siblings? What’s your favorite color? What languages do you speak? Do you have pets? What’s your favorite food? I could bombard you with many more questions, but there would probably be far too many! So, I will tell you about myself. I am 13, I have 2 siblings (a brother and an older sister), I have 2 bunnies (both boys), and I love to write! I wish I could draw well,but I can’t. Anyway, WC club is going to do a movie about our school, is yours? I know that is another question, but please answer! I am half Swiss, so I speak some German. I don’t know what else to say, so I guess that’s it. I feel like this letter is short, but I guess it’s because I write a lot. I don’t know if you will think this letter is short or not, and this sentence is just making it longer!! Or maybe it’s really actually short. You’ll decide. Tell me in your letter please!

Sincerely, Cecilia

Hello, Arvin! My name is Mahi. How old are you? I’m 13. I love avocado toast and an Indian dish called butter chicken. What’s your favorite food(s)? Arvin is a popular name in India, so are you, perhaps, Indian? If not, what is your ethnicity? I love to read, play tennis and bake! I’m hoping to make my high school tennis team. What are some of your hobbies? 

I have a younger brother named Neil who is 8 years old. Do you have any siblings? I LOVE roller coasters! My favorite one is either raging bull or the flash at six flags. Do you like roller coasters? I wish I had a cat, but my mom thinks I won’t take care of it and the work will fall on her. Do you have any pets? I also used to have two birds which sadly passed away. I have a major sweet tooth. If I see any dessert within my view, it will be gone within seconds. 

My favorite subject is literacy. You may have already guessed that because I love to read. What's your favorite subject in school? I absolutely adore sea otters and penguins. They are so, so cute! What animal(s) do you like? My favorite season is Winter because I can sled, ice skate, build snowmen and drink hot chocolate! I also just prefer the cold. If you see me wearing shorts in 30°, don’t be surprised. Whenever I travel to India, I can barely breath yet I see people wearing winter pants and jackets. I hope you enjoyed my letter!

Sincerely, Mahi

My name is Victoria, though if the teacher that runs your club assigned your pen pals the same way, you might know me as Vika. That’s what most people call me, and it’s a very Russian name. Believe it or not, though I may be one of the first people you’ve met with that name, I bet I could name at least 10 other Vikas I know (I’m always Vika #1, not only because I'm usually older but also because I’m just better than the other Vikas). It’s very common in other areas, but maybe not here.

A little bit about myself and World Culture Club: I joined world culture because my friend Cassie dragged me in one day and I just enjoyed it I guess. I know, underwhelming. Last year we went to New Trier and tried a bunch of food from around the world while also learning about the places they’re from. I think we may do something similar this year. Do you guys go on many field trips? We’re planning more this year. I’m also in debate, science olympiad and I play tennis (though I’m thinking of quitting), badminton, and volleyball. I’m also in a few other clubs such as pride club and sometimes game club. I enjoy writing, art, games, and playing with my cats. I’d also like to know about you, since we’ll only be able to send about 2 letters (I think) before we meet.

My dad was born in Georgia (the country, not the state), and my mom was born in Russia, though at the time they were born it was all just one country, the Soviet Union. They always go on and on about how it was when they were kids. Quite frankly, not very good because of the situation with the failing union and also their financial statuses, but it’s fine now because now they’re financially stable. My parents spoke a lot of languages, though some they forgot. My mom for example knew German, but she hasn’t spoken it in over 30 years. She said she could probably understand someone who spoke it vaguely, but she wouldn’t be able to hold a very good conversation. But they still both know how to speak Russian, and so do me and my 3 sisters. In fact, it was our first language (though you wouldn’t be able to tell by how good I speak English.. heheh…). Where’s your family from?

I have 3 sisters and 2 cats and 2 parents. The rest of my family don’t live anywhere near us and mainly in Russia. Though, my mom did say she met some people on my dads side who are really distant. Like 4th cousins 3 times removed or something that live in the U.S., but I’ve never met them. I sometimes worry that when I’m finally able to go back and visit my family, they’ll judge me. I know last time I went there, the opinions weren’t that great and the laws aren’t very open-minded, but of course, not everyone’s like that. One time I remember saying I’m from the U.S., and people started making fun of me. But most times people just thought it was cool and asked if I could speak English. I really liked teaching my cousin English, but he hates studying English. I haven’t seen him in years, and I asked my mom about 2-3 years ago if I could talk to him and she said I can’t because he has his devices taken away since he’s getting really bad grades. I think he might be becoming a rebellious teen. Do you have family in other countries?

I hope this letter finds you well and I look forward to your response.

Sincerely, 

Vika.

My name is Cassie, I am an eighth grader at Glencoe Central school and I look forward to getting to know you. I immigrated to the United States when I was 5 years old from China. What country are you connected to? I like this community around Lake Michigan very much and have had so many opportunities I would not have had back in China. For example, I captained the Science Olympiad last year— we haven’t decided on a captain this year yet, I’ve won several awards in Debate, and I was secretary in the Student Council. For all these opportunities, I am extremely grateful. Some other facts about me are that I've played violin for 8 years (I’m not very good), and tennis for 2 years (not very good either), but I’m always working on improving my skills. I enjoy writing and reading good books, and especially love watching movies! My favorite books of all time are the Harry Potter series, even though some people don’t like them. My favorite movie as of right now is Top Gun: Maverick although I love Marvel Studios as well. What are you interested in and what do you like to do? 

From, 

Cassie

I hope this letter finds you well. I’m Connor, and I go to central. What’s your school like? Central is nice, I can’t complain about anything really. The workload it a bit high, but that’s all that’s somewhat bad. Anyways ill tell you about myself. I’m an only child, and my favorite subject is math. Math is good because most of the time there are rules to follow. I play video games. Right now I’ve been playing a vr game called broken edge. It’s a single player sword fighting game which lets you cut through other players swords, and awaken your sword to give it an aura. The art style of the game is beautiful. In terms of pc games, I have been playing Fortnite with it going back to being prime. I don’t really know if I like the new season. Recently I’ve also played Baldur’s Gate 3. It is as close to D&D that I think is possible in a video game format. It is worth a play if you have the time and money. Speak of dnd and trips, I love playing them. I play about 3 times per week. If you like fiction, I’d check it out. Anyways tell me about yourself. Got any siblings? What’s your school like? Got any hobbies?

Have a great day,

Connor

My name is Zoe and I love boba. If you were to know me, you would know most of my money goes towards boba. So, I think something important to ask is if you like boba. Also, another question I have is would you rather drink boba for your life or water for the rest of your life, and why. But, setting aside those questions, some things about me is that I play basketball, and I am on the central school team for 7th grade girls. I also sail as one of my sports (of course in the summertime). I sail a Hobbie 16. Do you have any other similar interests? Also, something even more important is that I don’t use big words so please no big words.

LOVE

ZOZO

Hi, my name is Gabriela, and I attend Central Middle School in Glencoe. I wanted to reach out and share a bit about myself.

I absolutely love dogs, their companionship brings so much joy to my life, I love their energy and kindness. I adore dogs for their joy and companionship. My golden retriever home, with his friendly nature brings positivity into my life and golden fur, adds special warmth to my days, making every moment brighter. Do you have any pets? 

Tennis is another passion of mine, the thrill of the game and the strategic moves always keep me engaged. I am drawn to the sport's agility and dynamic nature. The combination of precise movements, strategic plays, and the exhilaration on the court truly captivates me. What sport do you like?

It's been five awesome years since I've discovered incredible experiences and made many new friends . While I miss my home country, the journey here has been filled with meaningful moments and connections that continue to shape my life.

By the way, my favorite color is blue. What about you? I'd love to hear more about your interests and experiences at your school.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

Your pal,

Gabriela

I’m Mariana. How’s it going? How are you?

What is your town like? What are your favorite places to go? 

Do you like reading? Because if so, I have a lot of suggestions!

About me, I like playing games, I am a cat person, I like Ted Lasso, and I have one brother. What about you? 

Have a good week!

From, Mariana

My name is Sol Ordóñez and I'm in fifth grade. My favorite color is blue, I don’t  have a favorite animal but I do have a pet dog named Frappuccina (or Frappu) and she is so cute! My favorite singers are Olivia Rodrigo,Taylor Swift, and Ice Spice. I play soccer in the fall and spring, and do theater every Tuesday unless there is a break. I do 2 shows a year, a winter/fall show and a spring show. My current show is Finding Nemo the musical, where I am Crush the turtle, and Anchor the shark. In my free time, I enjoy gaming on my PS5, making TikTok’s, walking my dog, and hanging out with my friends. I also have an older sister who is in eighth grade. I love to meet new dogs and enjoy going to shelters to see dogs, cats, and other animals. I would love to get another dog or pet for Christmas or my birthday. Some of the games I enjoy gaming are NBA2k, FIFA, Madden, Uno and Pictionary. My birthday is on May 27th, and I have the same birthday as another one of ,y friends!  I am very excited to meet you! 

Sol Ordóñez

I hope you are doing well. My name is Flora, and I’m excited to be your new pen pal!

A little about me: I play soccer and I like to swim. I was born in Germany and moved to America when I was 5. I also have a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog named George. I also have 2 sisters, one is in 7th grade and the other is a Sophomore. I play the Piano and the Alto Saxophone.

I’m looking forward to learning more about you!

Best regards,

       Flora

My name is Harper and I love chick fil A. Do you play any sports? If so what sport/sports. One other question I have is would you rather eat pizza for the rest of your life or spaghetti for the rest of your life? Circling back to the sports question is, one thing about me is I play for a travel basketball team and the central basketball team. Another thing about me is that I love to travel to new places. Do you also like to travel or do you not? Setting aside me, I would like to learn more about you. 

From Harper

 My name is Anya. I am in 7th grade and live in Glencoe. I have one brother who is really annoying. His name is Akansh and he is 14. My favorite sport is volleyball. What is yours? School is pretty boring. My least favorite subject is literacy and my favorite is probably French because it is easy.  I am really excited for winter break. I convinced my parents to skip my  family vacation to Florida and go to Georgia instead. I am really excited because I am flying alone to Georgia to visit my two best friends that moved to Georgia last  summer. They have been my best friends since kindergarten. What are your plans for winter break? 

Your Penpal,

Anya k

Howdy! My name is Mariana! How are you? In case you're wondering, I am doing very well as well thank you. Do you have any pets? I don’t but I really like cats. I have one brother who is 10 years old. What about you? Do you have any siblings? I really like chocolate and potatoes. What about you? 

If you need a very passionate rant about why green is the superior color, you know who to ask! (Me or Wikipedia.)

Until next time,

Mariana

Hello, my name is Cassie and I am an eighth grade girl at Glencoe Central School. I am an immigrant from China, and I moved here when I was five. I remember back there I had lots of friends and family and wonderful experiences, but the pollution in Beijing was terrible and we had to wear face masks all the time. Though I had wonderful friends, school there was tough. From my fourth year of life I was assigned sheets of homework in math and mandarin characters. I had to copy down characters (Chinese words) every night before I even knew what they meant. The schooling was rigorous and I remember crying in the car on the way to school whenever I didn’t finish it. As a youth, I was quite rebellious and individualistic in my thinking. I often talked back to my teachers when I was confused about an assignment, oblivious of its being frowned upon in China. Sometimes, I got in trouble and had to go stand outside in the hall for ten minutes. But I’ll never forget the beautiful gardens and koi ponds in these parks near us. Or the Great Wall of China and the delicious sticks of food they sold. My birthdays with my two best friends in China were some of my best memories ever, but I haven’t seen them in eight years. I wonder if they still remember me. Here in the US, I have been given numerous opportunities I would not have otherwise. I participate in the Science Olympiad, Debate, and Student Council here at school and I play violin and tennis outside of school. What are your activities? I love good books and movies—they’re my number one escape from reality when I need it. My favorite books of all time are the Harry Potter series, but I have probably read so many fantasy books I know or have heard of most of them. I also read classical which is something I’ve been getting more into. Right now I’m reading 1984 and the Great Gatsby for my literacy class. What books do you like? I have a lot of favorite movies such as Top Gun: Maverick, Gattaca, and Marvel movies. I feel like movies have certainly inspired me to work harder and dream bigger. What movies do you like? I look forward to knowing more about you as the year progresses.

Sincerely,

Cassie

My name is Brendan, I have one older brother named Ethan and 2 parents. I am Asian and my mom is from Taiwan while my dad is from Hong Kong. I was born here while my brother was born in San Francisco. I can kinda speak Mandarin but I understand it much better than I can speak it. Actually, my cousins just moved into the U.S a couple months ago from Shang Hai, China. I also have some more distant relatives in Taiwan and Hong Kong. I like science and I am also part of Science Olympiad. What events are you in? Our grade has not had many field trips but we have gone to the Field Museum and the French Alliance. Where have you had a field trip?

I am excited to be your pen pal. I am in eighth grade at Marie Murphy Junior High School. I have lived Illinois for my whole life, but both my parents immigrated to the United States when they were children. My mom was born in Vietnam and my dad is from Egypt. I have been on my school’s Science Olympiad team since 6th grade, and have won several medals from it. This year, I am in Anatomy & Physiology, Microbe Mission, Tower, and Air Trajectory. What SciOly events have you participated in? My favorite subjects are science (specifically biology) and math. I have played piano and violin for around 7 years, and I also like playing tennis. I have done tennis lessons for the past 5 years. Additionally, I like skiing. However, I have not been able to ski much this past year because getting ready for high school can be busy. Are you excited to go to high school?

Aariz

Hello Gabriella, I’m obviously not Ava but Ill be responding In her behalf.

I’m so exited to be writing to you!

My name is Valentina Diniotis , I’m in 8th Grade and I have four siblings one in fifth (Tommy) One in third ( Alexander) and two in preschool ( Natalia and Lucas) they are twins and they are quite a handful if you ask me . I also love dogs! I wish I had one but I have a leopard Gecko instead. I’m Greek and I love to travel! How about you?

I do cross country and won several medals and awards for the three years I have been doing it . I play soccer., And I love playing volleyball. Do you play any sports?

I just started it do multicultural club today! I’m having so much fun! How’s 7th grade? Do you play any online games? During the summer I love to ride my bike to Starbucks! Do you like Starbucks? If so what do you like to drink or eat from there? By the way my favorite color is Lilac!

My school experiences are amazing I love English and science. I’m also an actress how about you?

When's your birthday? Mine is July 16. What’s your home country?

I can’t wait to hear back from you!

-Valentina

Im Akmaral not Melany but I’m responding for her,

Im in eighth grade and I have two siblings. Everything’s going pretty fine for me and I’m feeling good. Outside of school, for sports, I do swimming! I’ve been doing swimming since I was 9 years old, how about you, do you do any sports? My favorite places to go during the summer or spring is to Panama City beach! (It’s in Florida and is my favorite place ever). We mostly go there for my brothers and sisters birthday (they have it on the same day). My favorite season is summer, how about yours? Summer my favorite because you have the opportunity to do many things, for example, go biking with your friends, swim at the beach, get ice cream, go to six flags (my favorite ride there is the raging bull), etc. My favorite ice cream flavor is mint chocolate chip especially during the summer. FYI i really love taking Photo Booth pictures, saves so many cute moments. My dream place to visit in the future is Hawaii or any place tropical. Anyways thank you for your time.

Hope you also have a good week!

I am Yianni, I am a boy!

I am from Greece. I can speak Greek fluently.

I have a sister who is 9. My favorite color is blue.I love pets but my parents don’t like them. My favorite food is Gyro. I like riding my bike all over wilmette with my friends. I love playing volleyball at school and i hope to make a club team. I also like playing video games with my friends (mainly Fortnite and fifa).

Thank you for your thoughtful letter!!!

Take care

Yianni

Sincearly,

Arvin

You seem like a nice person! I used to do volleyball, too, but I stopped because I didn’t like anyone on the team. Now I am doing swimming, and have some friends in that sport! Just FYI, my name is spelled C-e-c-i-l-i-a. It’s alright that you spelled it wrong, that happens a lot. Since I don’t know what else to write, I’m going to tell you a little bit about my bunnies! They are Peter and Oreo, and they hate each other's guts. Oreo sent Peter to the emergency room once, but don’t worry, he survived. They are sepaerated because they will probably try to kill each other again. I love your favorite color, although it is not my favorite. I do not have a favorite. It is so cool that you can speak Greek fluently! I can speak Swiss German, but I’m not so sure if I am fluent, although everybody says I am. I have my doubts. What are more of your hobbies? I love writing, and I recently acquired a computer for my birthday! I hope we can meet in person someday, that would be so cool! Unfortunately, I do not know if we will be able to meet.

Sincerely, Cecilia

I just realized that my last ‘letter’ says basically nothing so here’s some things about me:

My name is Mariana (woah really), I am in seventh grade and I have one brother. I play tennis and… just tennis. I’m not very athletic nor good at it but I really like it! During the summer, my family loves to travel a lot, especially to Europe. Last summer, we went to Portugal! I highly recommend it because it is beautiful with yummy food. Panama City Beach sounds awesome! My favorite season is winter because my birthday is (technically in the fall but pretty close) in the winter! I also celebrate Christmas with my family and I love that! Usually my grandparents come from Brazil and my cousins come from Atlanta to celebrate together. Do you and your family celebrate any winter holidays? My dream place to visit in Tokyo, Japan. Have you been there before and if so, is it worth the hype?

Have an amazing week!!!

From, Mariana

Apologies for the misunderstanding about names; I was told your name was Alex. Going to Dubai sounds like fun! Tell me about what having an older sister is like, as I mentioned I don’t have any siblings. It’s really cool that you speak Urdu. What are your teachers like? You mentioned that they were nice, so tell me more about it. All the teachers here are fantastic. My favorite teachers are either science or math teachers. What’s your favorite thing to do on Minecraft? I usually play till netherite, beat the ender dragon, get the elytra, then build a cool house and stop playing. What’s your favorite thing you can cook? I can’t cook so I can’t speak on the topic. I used to swim, but I stopped during Covid. Do you do any competitions or competitive events related to swimming, or do you do it for fun? Do you do anything competitive for badminton? What do you like to play on Roblox? What do you like to play in VR? What other places have you traveled to, aside from Dubai? I’ve been outside of the US once and that was when I went to Canada, but I have also been to Indiana, Michigan, Florida, North Carolina, and California. Are you going anywhere for spring break? What is your favorite workout or exercise? I like to do farmer's carries, I feel taller after doing them.

Wishing you well,

Connor Taleb

That is pretty cool that you used to be in Boy Scouts! I am in Troop 20 in Boy Scouts. Besides that, I will be going to two different countries during spring break!!! First, I will be going to Paris, France for most of the spring break!🥖🇫🇷 I will be going to the top of the “Tour Eiffel” which is the “Eiffel Tower” In French. I am learning a lot of French even though I am not in French class. I also learned “bonjour” which means “hello” or “good morning/afternoon.” I am only stopping at the airport at Helsinki, Finland 🇫🇮 which is a different country in Europe. Where are you going for spring break? I can’t wait to hear from you!!

Au revoir!!!

Trevor Hixon

It sounds like we have a lot in common! I have been on my school’s Scilympiad team since sixth grade too. I remember that year it was virtual so it was very interesting. I also know that Marie Murphy has a particularly good Scilympiad team because you are always in the AA division in state, and maybe advance to nationals. Have you ever gone to nationals? We haven’t:(. This year I am in Flight, Exp. Design, Meteorology, Crime Busters, and Codebusters. I have a lot of events because I kind of carry my team. Literally:) In the past I have medaled in regionals and state in Meteorology, Flight, Exp. Design, Crave the Wave, Wheeled Vehicle, and Solar System sometimes multiple times. It is so interesting that we both play the violin and tennis. Are you going to do them in high school? I’m going to New Trier, are you going there too? I enjoy a bit of skiing but I have only gone once. It was fun, but kind of scary! I also like science and math. Right now we’re learning chemistry in school. What are you doing over the summer? I am becoming a counselor in training and doing a Northwestern CTD camp. It might be virtual but I don’t really know yet. What is the coolest thing you’ve ever done and a cool place you’ve been to? After Culture club ends I am happy to correspond more with you and discuss more about SciOly or anything else. If you agree you can leave an email or phone number at the end of your next letter.

-Cassie