Fredericksburg High School students all have their own special, individual experiences and backgrounds; some may have been raised in different states, and some may have been raised their entire life in Fredericksburg, Texas.

Two students, junior Lorcan King, a native of Australia, and sophomore Glenda Umanzar Rivas, a native of El Salvador, have their own unique and diverse experiences of living in the United States. These students, though seldom talked about, are a part of what makes FHS so special.

King, born in Australia, moved to the United States at a young age. Although he was a child, he still remembers his birth country and the impact it left on him.

“I moved to the United States when I was 5-years-old, and it was such a fascinating experience,” King said. “The countries are so different and are not similar at all, contrary to what most people think. The U.S. is, overall, much more friendly and enjoyable.”

The Australia-native and his family frequently visited the United States and Canada on family vacations.

“My father loved snowboarding and would spend time in Canada. We also made trips to California, which is similar to the beach vibe in Australia. My dad found there to be vast more job opportunities, so he decided we should move to the U.S.,” King said.

King, though he’s been in the U.S. for most of his life, has always yearned to go back and visit Australia.

“I’ve always wanted to go back and visit the beach and the town I lived in, but COVID prohibited our plans last year. I haven’t gone back, and it makes me sad,” King said.

King hopes in the future to be able to visit Australia and his favorite pastime, the zoo, which he enjoyed as a child.

“I really miss the zoo. The animals there were so amazing, and it was one of my deepest and favorite memories from when I was a kid,” King said.

Umanzar Rivas, born and raised in El Salvador, has her own unique experiences and thoughts on her move to the U.S.

“I moved here from El Salvador in May of 2017,” Umanzar Rivas said. “I was born and raised there, and I miss it very much.”

Umanzar Rivas often reflects on her childhood friends and the impact they left on her, even to this day as she continues her life in the U.S.

“I miss my friends and my school every day. Although I miss them, I’m very thankful for the life I have here, and the new friends I have made,”Umanzar Rivas said.

El Salvador, a Latin American country, is full of culture and diversity. Umanzar Rivas has kept those memories and customs with her while adjusting to the American lifestyle.

“I visit my family once in a while, in El Salvador, and when I do, we always spend our time well. We make native dishes and visit places we used to spend time. My family is a big part of me,” Umanzar Rivas said.

Umanzar Rivas knows family and friends are a part of her, no matter how far she goes.

“Even though I’m thousands of miles away, I know my family and friends are there for me, and I know I could go to them whenever I needed them,” Umanzar Rivas said.

Umanzar continues to adjust to the different cultures the United States offers.

“They are very different, but in their own good way,” Umanzar Rivas said. “There are more opportunities here. In El Salvador, it’s my true home, and my family is there.”

FHS is a place of diversity and fellowship and is home to various cultures and people. These diverse experiences help us to remember to embrace our own culture and heritage.