“She’s just become more and more part of the family,” said Crump. “The Rotary Exchange is a great program for making the world a smaller place.”

Yuliya, her parents, and her family live in far eastern Russia, in the historic city of Khabarovsk, with about 1 million residents. Her parents are both physicians, but Yuliya has decided to follow her own path by studying languages and becoming a translator.

Her countless hours of studying English–she began classes in second grade–have paid off. She also studies German.

Yuliya’s biggest triumph in mastering her new language came while flying to the United States by herself, and finding her way through our often intimidating airports.

“They’re all big and if you don’t know where to go, you must ask someone. And when you realize you know the language and you realize you can communicate, it helps you to be more sure of yourself, in your powers,” she explained. “Then you can cope with all difficulties.”

Yuliya’s list of “firsts” in the U.S. is impressive.

She has gotten a firsthand look at U.S. elections by watching Sam Crump’s successful campaign for the Legislature. She attended her first election night party during the Sept. 12 primary.

She’s discovered what it’s like to attend a high school where uniforms aren’t mandatory, and where students can legally drive before age 18.

“I like their style. I like their way of living,” she said of her new classmates.

And she’s discovered cactus, creosote and coyotes.

“It is very different from Russia. Our nature is very different,” she said. “It is very hot here.”

But most importantly, she has discovered the warmth and kindness of her new friends in the U.S.

“I was thinking it would be hard to get acquainted with the (Crump) family. Thanks to my host family, to the parents and children, it’s not hard. I feel very comfortable. I want to thank them for their help,” she said. “There are very nice people here.