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By AMBER WALKO-RAY Times Leader Student Reporter
Thursday, March 06, 2003 Page: 10A
Amber Walko-Ray/MeyersImagine growing up in one place with a certain set of
traditions, language and way of life and not knowing any lifestyle different
from your own. Now, imagine making a decision to separate yourself from that
comfortable lifestyle, putting yourself in a very unfamiliar situation, which
forces you to learn an alternative way of living in a totally different
country.
For foreign exchange student Katalin Lajos, making the transfer from
Odorhei, Romania, to Wilkes-Barre was not an easy feat. But, becoming a part
of the varsity girls basketball team is something that has aided her in
feeling accepted and has helped her to fit in with the students.
Unlike the excellent athletic opportunities offered in America, Katalin was
not afforded the luxury of having a “real” coach for any of the sports she
played. While participating in basketball and soccer at her high school in
Romania, the teams that Katalin played on were not very organized. Their gym
teacher served as the coach and they did not have a set place to play.
“It is really good that I have a real coach now, because he taught me the
right way to shoot the ball,” Katalin said.
When she said this, I thought about how the simple technique of shooting a
basketball is something that most players would roll their eyes at if they
were asked to practice it. But here is a girl who wholeheartedly appreciates
and treasures this lesson, as she will take back her newfound knowledge of the
game to her hometown in order to better the team there.
Always a concern with students who either transfer from school to school or
come from another country is the big problem with fitting in and being
accepted by the students at the new location. For Katalin, this was not a
major issue. She said everyone has been very friendly and made it easy for her
to fit in. She said she feels as though she belongs here.
Her teammates on the basketball team were no exception. At first, Katalin
was a little apprehensive, afraid of not being accepted on the team, but the
girls made it very apparent that she will be treated just like any other
player there.
When asked what it felt like to be part of such a team that was in the
midst of a championship season, Katalin enthusiastically responded: “It feels
really good. There are so many good teams here, and we were so close to
winning the (district) championship. When we lost, I even cried with the rest
of the girls because I felt like I was a part of the team for years.”
With an overall goal of learning how to speak better English and feel what
it is like to be an American, students and faculty members, whether it be
teammates, teachers, coaches or friends, have gone out of their way to help
Katalin reach this milestone.
When asked if she would like to say something to leave with everyone who
has helped her along the way, Katalin says, “I want to thank everybody who
made my year here better and who were friends with me.
“I am going to miss you all very much”.
Unfortunately, although Katalin is very much a part of the senior class,
she may not be able to graduate on stage with the rest of her classmates.
Because of the many snow days we’ve had, graduation day has been pushed back.
Katalin will fly back to Romania June 11 to graduate at her high school there.
Whether she graduates with us or not, we want her to know that she will
always be considered a true Meyers Mohawk in our eyes.
Girls in action
The Meyers girls basketball team, the No. 2 seed from District 2, will play
at 6 p.m. Friday at King’s College. The girls are playing Notre Dame.
Boys finish third
The varsity boys basketball team recently defeated the Crestwood Comets in
the District consolation game 62-56 to earn third place and a trip to the
first round of states against Milton on Friday at Shikellamy High School.
Senior Chris Cresci stepped up to the occasion of such a big game, as he
poured in a game-high 24 points. Mickey Dudish also contributed to the win
with 17 points.
Wrestlers win at regionals
Three of our varsity wrestlers brought home regional titles over the
weekend. Wally Geiger (103), Joe Rovelli (152) and Carlo Mercadante (160) were
victorious, as they earned the chance to advance to the PIAA Class 2A
Championships in Hershey today.
CUTLINE:
Katalin Lajos, an exchange student from Romania, is a member of the Meyers
girls basketball team, which begins state playoffs tomorrow night.