Kristin Schmitt
When most students picture their senior year of high school, they envision leading the crowd with school
spirit chants, homecoming toga runs, senior privilege during resource and many other traditions at HUHS.
This year, the class of 2015 has a student that decided she wanted her senior year to be different, to be one
that she would never forget. Kristin Schmitt became interested in the Hispanic culture when her family hosted
a Chilean foreign exchange student when she was in eighth grade. As a sophomore, Kristin was able to live in
Chile with the family of her exchange student during the summer. Kristin fell in love with learning about the
culture and Spanish language, and she was determined to spend her senior year abroad. A vast amount of
research went into all of the options and costs involved with studying abroad; the Hartford Rotary Club was
the best option that would allow Kristin the greatest opportunity. On September 3, Kristin left for Spain to
start her senior year abroad in Villanueva, Andalucia, Spain.
Kristin is the first student in 15 years that the Hartford Rotary Club has sponsored as an exchange student.
“The Rotarty Club has been extremely supportive and helped to mentor me through this process, I’m very
grateful they are sponsoring me.” Kristin stated. The club helped her out with applications and expenses along
the way and will continue to support her during her time abroad.
Kristin’s enthusiasm and excitement for this opportunity is contagious. She smiled from ear-to-ear as she
described her host family, thoughts of food on the Mediterranean, her new school, and how she pictured all of
her upcoming adventures. Along with her host parents Jose and Pilar, Kristin will be going to school alongside
her host sister, Daniella, who is her same age. The family’s other daughter, Cristina, will be studying abroad in
Germany during Kristin’s stay. While the abroad experience includes many challenges to overcome, Kristin’s
family and friends have been very supportive of her dream to study abroad. Her parents have been extremely
helpful and supportive and will go to visit while she is in Spain, but she will go without seeing her friends and
siblings for 11 months. With the opportunity to completely immerse herself into the culture and travel on her
own, Kristin was very optimistic and excited about her trip and knows that technology will allow her to keep in
touch with her family and friends at home. As Kristin experiences Spain, we will check-in with her throughout
the year to hear about her adventures abroad! Check out some of the pictures she’s already shared!