Joe Drennan
Staff WriterThe same week Macedonia, the former Yugoslav, received recognition from the United States as an official republic, four Macedonian students were in Minnesota.
Blerim Avdija, Biljana Paskovska, Simona Angeleska and Kristijan Mitevski traveled from their home to visit the Gopher State to get a first hand look at how American student organizations are run so that they can hopefully start student organizations of their own in Macedonia.
The four spent most of their time with Forest Lake Future Farmers of America (FFA) members. The four spent time with FFA members because of its strong leadership and itís endurance over the years.
On their final day in Forest Lake Friday, the four took time to talk to the FFA members about what their home life is like.
Paskovska said her father and grandfather were both doctors and she had a sister studying in the medical field. She told her new FFA friends that her hometown Resen was known for its apple orchards and each year in September there is a celebration that attracts many international guests. The interest in apples in her home town has sparked interest in the agricultural field for Paskovska.
Mitevski, a soft spoken teen from Svetinicole, told the FFA members that his father is a veterinarian. Mitevski explained that unlike vets here, his father cares for all kinds of animals, big and small. He also noted that his father normally travels to the animals to care for them.
Both Mitevski and Paskovska had obvious interest in the FFA and how it was run, but Angeleska and Avdija had some different interests.
Angeleska explained that in her home city of Skopje, her father is a meteorologist and her mother is a principal. Angeleska attends the school where her mother is principal.
Avdija had very little interest in the agricultural end of life as his father is a businessman and he is interested in economics. Avdija did look at how the FFAís officers organized things and carried out its mission.
Culture shock
For any teenager to travel to a different country there is a certain level of culture shock. During their talks, agribusiness teacher Bob Marzolf asked the four from Macedonia what they thought of Minnesota.
ìThe buildings here are big,î Angeleska said. ìEverything is great here, except maybe itís too cold here.î
Upon hearing it was too cold several of the FFA members commented that the weather last week was unseasonably warm.
Paskovska commented that the schools here in the U.S. are much bigger and the learning environment is more laid back. She also pointed out that in Macedonia the teachers change classrooms between periods instead of the students.
The outspoken Avdija said, ìI like everything in Minnesota and America. The family I stayed with and the older people are wonderful.î
Avdija also talked about the school environment. He said he felt students in Macedonia have to work harder than students in the U.S., but he certainly likes the fact that teachers in the U.S. are open to dialogue with the students and listen to their thoughts and ideas.
ìItís a neat story because itís about friendships as well as these kids learning about the FFA,î Marzolf said. ìI canít believe how well these four related to our kids.î
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