Taylor Peters ’15 | Staff Writer

Born and raised in Mexico, foreign exchange student Mariana Borrego ’15 said she is glad to be a new member of South’s student body.

 “I really like South. The people here are very welcoming and it’s a great education,” Borrego said.

To help her become accustomed to American culture, Borrego’s cousin Alex Dulworth ’15, showed her around South as well the community, Borrego said.  Borrego is living with Dulworth and her family for the time being.

Deciding to partake in the foreign exchange program was not easy for Borrego, but having Dulworth by her side at school and living with her relatives in Grosse Pointe made it much more comfortable, she said.

Borrego said she enjoys being able to mingle with the mix of students at South, unlike her school in Mexico, which was an all-female Catholic school. However, there are some changes that are not easily adaptable for Borrego.

“It’s hard getting used to the language, but the kindness of everyone makes things easier,” Borrego said.

 People show more affection towards strangers and friends in Mexico than they do in America, Borrego said. Also, it is challenging to understand the popular English slang most students use.

“I think she’s doing well and she’s learning a lot,” Dulworth said. “I think it’s improving her English dramatically.”

Along with Dulworth, Borrego participates in the  Girls Cross Country team where she can meet several other South students, Dulworth said. Borrego has made many new friends from this team and plans to make even more.

“Mariana is doing well adapting to life here at South; she’s a very hard worker,” Borrego’s chemistry teacher Lisa Maddens said.

Working to her best ability, Borrego continues to strive at South and adapt to her new surroundings as a foreign exchange student, Dulworth said.