Today's Teen Ink pick is about a nontraditional Thanksigiving dinner and the experience of living with a foreign exchange students.


Enchiladas, sushi, and mango chutney aren't exactly typical Thanksgiving fare, but then again, my family has always been eccentric. Since I was young, my parents' top priority has been to immerse me in different cultures. Since both are educators committed to the multicultural experience, they chose to familiarize me early on with Japanese tea ceremonies in Little Tokyo and Latino culture on Olvera Street, rather than shopping malls and theme parks.

Consequently, I was not surprised that an international student would be staying with us. In spite of any awkwardness and communication challenges, my parents felt that it would be an enriching and enjoyable experience. Once the first student left, we opened our doors to others.

From then on, our house became an international youth hostel of sorts, and my family's orderly life changed drastically...

Keep reading this essay on TeenInk.com