Tuesday Talks with Tomka: Living in the Land Down Under
Students spend 27 days at sister school Our Lady of Sion College in Melbourne, Australia as participants in the foreign exchange program.
The stretchy black fabric stuck to my skin as I zipped up the front of the wet suit. My elated smile turned into a frown moments later when I stepped out of the bathroom and was informed I’d put it on backwards. Typical. It was clearly my first time surfing. Stomach tied in knots and my whole body on edge, I forced myself to pick up the board resting beside me.
The white sand of Bondi Beach flew up behind me as I ran down to meet the ocean, the smell of salt hitting me immediately. Winter in Australia is still considerably cold, and a crisp breeze almost made me recoil from the water. The 90-degree weather was the only thing I missed about Kansas City. I watched with wide eyes as my host sister, senior Alisha Centrone, jumped in without a second thought. Hesitantly, I dived in after her. Waves crashed over my head as I paddled farther from the beach. Despite her many attempts to teach me, I ended up wiping out more than I succeeded in riding the waves. The first time I was finally able to stand up with wobbly legs, cheers erupted from the shore. I was no Bethany Hamilton, but it is still my favorite memory from the month-long adventure.
We arrived in Melbourne during the Australian students’ holiday break. The two weeks allowed for those hosting to take their American exchange students elsewhere in the country. I flew to Sydney, one of the largest cities in the country and capital of New South Wales. Sydney is known for many famous attractions. Understandably, the Sydney Opera House was first on our list to visit. We walked under the Harbour Bridge and through the Royal Botanic Garden. Only a train ride away, we travelled to the Blue Mountains, home to waterfalls, lush forests and a rock formation known as the Three Sisters.
Returning to Melbourne, I attended school with Centrone. The other American students were seniors Annelise Glickley, Bailey Runchey, Ellie Magsamen, Gabi Atchity, Grace Frame, Isabella Edgar, Lauren Wyatt, Lucy Voysey and Meg Travis. Major hardships included being forced everyday to pull my hair back, wear a blazer, itchy stockings and a tight white shirt that made me look like a walking napkin. The uniforms are much stricter than our own, and I am now so much more grateful for our comfortable polo shirts.
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A view from the tourist attraction known as the Millionaire’s Walk in Sorrento, Australia.
PHOTO | Anna Tomka'
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Seniors Fiona Harris, Lauren Wyatt, Liz Mason, Anna Tomka and Alisha Centrone take a photo at the top of the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia.
PHOTO | Submitted by Anna Tomka'
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Our Lady of Sion College students from Melbourne, Australia pose in a photo with their American exchange students.
PHOTO | Submitted by Anna Tomka'
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Senior Anna Tomka laughs as two kangaroos surround her to be fed
PHOTO | Submitted by Anna Tomka'
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The rock formation called the Three Sisters rests in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales.
PHOTO | Anna Tomka'
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The view from the top of a cliff side while exploring the Millionaire’s Walk.
PHOTO | Anna Tomka'
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The docks sitting outside the cottages on the Millionaire’s Walk.
PHOTO | Anna Tomka'
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Seniors Lauren Wyatt, Alisha Centrone and Anna Tomka outside the Sydney Opera House.
PHOTO | Submitted by Anna Tomka'
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The sun sinks behind the cliffs of Sorrento beach.
PHOTO | Anna Tomka'
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Seniors Alisha Centrone and Anna Tomka hold their boards after surfing.
PHOTO | Submitted by Anna Tomka'
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Seniors Sarah Desantis, Anna Tomka and Alisha Centrone pose for a photo after completing an all-day Australia Football League tournament.
PHOTO | Submitted by Anna Tomka'
Many school days, we went on excursions. Eureka Tower, Queen Victoria Market and Sovereign Hill were among the places we traveled. Centrone’s Australian Football League team even had an all-day tournament one day that I assisted in coaching. I learned AFL is also referred to as “footy.” Phillip Island was the most-loved because we were able to feed and pet kangaroos at a wildlife sanctuary. That night, I witnessed wild penguins emerge from the ocean and waddle to their nests. It was something I never could have experienced in America.
The month I spent in Australia with Centrone and her family was surreal. I never imagined I’d make new friendships and a second family on the complete opposite side of the world. Looking back on the trip, I remember just how grateful I am to have had the experience. The memories I made will last a lifetime.