AFS Student Shares at Morning Ex

Parker has a long history of connection and collaboration with the American Field Service, from teachers participating in global certifications through AFS programs to students and staff creating an installation of road signs on the street to highlight all of the AFS connections across the globe. However, one of the most consistent engagements, which has occurred for more than 30 years, is Parker’s partnership with the AFS Intercultural Exchange Program to send a high school student abroad and host one in exchange.

In recent years, Parker has hosted students from Türkiye and Ghana. This year the school welcomes Aafiya Kazani from India. Kazani worked with the Morning Ex Committee to present a special Morning Ex to help the community connect with her and allow her to share more about her life, culture and her experience settling into Chicago.

Student Government AFS Committee members junior Malea Caplan, senior Riana Gehani, sophomore Raiva Lessing and junior Jayden Patel introduced Kazani and provided background about the AFS program. Kazani began with information about India and her home in Gujarat. Next, with elections top of mind in the U.S., she commented on the similarities and differences between Election Day in the two countries. She discussed important events in India’s history, including Independence Day on August 15, 1947; Mahatma Gandhi’s role in Indian independence; and Republic Day on January 26, 1950. Kazani explained in detail facts about India’s role as the largest democracy in the world, the parliamentary system and Rajya Sabha (Upper House) and Lok Sabha (Lower House). Finally, she noted current influential political figures Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu.

After Kazani finished talking about the India government, she switched gears to share information about life in India for its people and herself. She discussed Indian slang terms and the ways they differ from American slang, famous Indian spices and even her favorite foods available in her region: pani puri, thepla and dosa. Kazani revealed beloved festivals they celebrate in her home, including Navrati, Holi and Diwali. She mentioned Bollywood and Indian songs, what schools are like in India and how she spends her free time. She ended the speaking part of her presentation with remarks about “life in America so far,” how she is settling in and her thoughts now that she has lived here for some time.

After answering questions from the audience, Kazani performed a special traditional Indian dance. Members of the Morning Ex Committee shared, “This was a great opportunity for the Parker community to learn about a new place and how they live, as well as culture from another part of the world.”

Join Parker in thanking Kazani for sharing her life and culture, and special thanks to everyone involved in making sure the AFS Program at Parker is a continued success!

Click here for photos of this Morning Ex.