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Summer_ShakerLife_2015

ShAKer LIFE | SUMMER 2015 45 In 1989, a young man from Finland named Tero Silvola came to Shaker Heights High School for a year of study. Now, 26 years later, it’s his son Elias’ turn to walk those halls. “I’ve been interested in coming here since I was little,” says Elias. “My father was so pleased that he had done it, I wanted to do it, too.” Tero, now the CEO of his own software company in Helsinki, was hosted by the family of Robbie and Jay Schonfeld, with whom he stays in touch. Elias, 18, is staying with the family of Emily and Peter Geier, whose children, Grace and Wilder, have become like siblings to him. Here’s how their experiences stack up: First impressions Tero: “I grew up in a very small town in the Finnish countryside, so Shaker Heights felt very different. I enjoyed the overall feeling and energy level in the U.S.” Elias: “I came through New York on my way to Cleveland. I had to speak English all day, every day, which was exhausting at first. Shaker is more relaxed and has more space; it’s different from the city feeling of Helsinki, where I am from.” Indelible memories Tero: “Traveling to Washington, D.C., Florida, the Rocky Mountains, and Chicago; seeing all of these places was was very educational. Also, my everyday life was extremely rewarding. I played played soccer and hockey on Shaker teams and finalized my studies as a senior. We went to sporting events for the Browns, Cavaliers, and Indians, and to many museums and concerts.” Elias: “Playing on the Shaker varsity soccer team and winning the district championship for the first time in 46 years. Also, meeting Roger Federer at a tennis tournament in Cincinnati, and going to Costa Rica over winter break.” differences Elias: “In Finland, we don’t have school sports, just club sports. School is very different here. The lessons are longer in Finland, and we have 15 minutes between classes, not four. In Finland, homework is more about creativity creativity than it is here. It’s easier to make friends here than it is in Finland, where there are more cliques. People here are interested to meet you. I was surprised to find American culture so warm and open.” What they will (or still) miss Tero: “I still miss my host mother Robbie’s wonderful cooking, the special forwardminded dynamic atmosphere in the U.S., and the multiple cultural and sporting events – so many things!” Elias: “I will really miss my U.S. family and friends, working out at the Skating Club, going to Shaker Heights High School, and Chipotle. I think there is a market for it in Finland!” Photo top: Tero Silvola enjoyed attending prom at the end of his year at Shaker Heights High School, shown here with his host sister, Amy Schonfeld Feiglin (SHHS ’90). Photo courtesy of Tero Silvola Photo bottom: Elias Silvola bonded with his soccer teammates when he came to study at Shaker Heights High School this year, following in his father Tero’s footsteps. Shaker’s varsity team won the district championship for the first time in 46 years. Photo by Caydie Heller Finland to Shaker; repeat.


Summer_ShakerLife_2015
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