Upon waking up the morning of August 6, 2016, Sofia’s daily life would take a turn of 180 degrees. She knew that after she walked out the front door of her house, everything she knew and was accustomed to would change with just a flight.  Colombia would be her destination, and the city of Medellin her new home.

Saying Goodbye

Pembroke Pines, Florida has always been Sofia Cardamone’s home. Around Spring Break of 2016, the Cardamone’s decided to give Sofia the opportunity to study abroad and have a life changing experience.

“We let Sofia go abroad because we had family there and we thought she could have an amazing and once in a lifetime experience” Daniel Cardamone, Sofia’s father, explained.

Together, the Cardamone’s decided that Medellin and The Columbus School was the most suitable option. Here, she will be able to excel in the Spanish language, experience and live in the Colombian culture, receive an exceptional education and strengthen family bonds.

“When I came here last year to visit my family, we came to the school and I loved it. We just went for it because we thought is was going to be a great experience,” Sofia said.

Arriving to Medellin

Sofia arrived to Medellin,  a familiar city, but one she had never truly considered home. She would now live with her maternal cousins, Juan Luis Giraldo and Lina Hinestroza, parents of Simon and Tomas Giraldo, students of TCS.

“I wanted to come to improve my Spanish, know my family more and I thought it was going to be a great experience,” Cardamone added.

The first day of school was one of the most nerve-wracking days for Sofia, as she knew she would have to make new friends, adapt to a new school and meet new teachers.

“Once I got here I was a little scared to go to school. I made friends really easily and I started to love it really quickly,” Sofia explained.

Making new friends

Sofia’s social circle grew very quickly since her arrival. Her spontaneous and empathetic personality attracted people from her community. Her group of friends made it easier to adapt and consider Medellin her new home.

“I feel great, I made a really great group. Most people are super nice. My closest friends are Mariana Badillo, Laura Arango,  Susana Mejia, Diego Botín, Federico Caro, and Martin Restrepo,” explained Sofia.

On the weekends, Sofia goes to El Tesoro, parties at friends’ houses, go on roadtrips or visit her cousins farm. She has adapted perfectly to the Colombian customs and has been able to experience the culture at its fullest.

“Socially I am able to go out more and there is more stuff to do on the weekend. People are more willing to go out and do stuff,” Sofia explained.

Cardamone has built strong friendship bonds with many of the students in TCS. Her friends vary from freshmen to seniors. Through her cousins, volleyball practices and classes she has been able to build new friendships.

“She is there for you for everything and when you are feeling down or having a problem she is always there for you even if she is 1382 miles away. She is a friend you will have forever even if you don’t see her again,” Susana Mejia, 11th grader, said.

Acing the AP’s

Sofia has demonstrated to be an exceptional student. She is always on top of her assignments and is never mediocre. Due to her charismatic and determined attitude she has gained her teachers love and admiration.

“She knows how to use her time wisely, effectively, and efficiently which allows her the opportunity to also be a good listener to her fellow classmates.  She impressed me immediately by her strong note taking skills,” Kathleen Gernavage, AP Chemistry teacher.

Cardamone challenged herself by taking all AP classes this year. She took AP Chemistry, AP Calculus, AP Literature and AP US History, which was an online class. Along with her AP classes, she would also have to take Art, Painting and PE.

“Taking all AP classes, for a lot of students in the US its normal. It was kind of hard, but I liked it.” Sofia explained.

The high school administrators and Sofia, decided it would be wise for her not to take statistics or Spanish as The Sagemont School curriculum does not require these subjects for her to graduate next year.

“They offered me to take the classes, but since I had so many AP’s I decided to not take them because I wouldn’t have time.” said Cardamone.

Saying Goodbye, Again

The original plan was for Sofia to stay in Medellin for only 6 months. In October, she and her family decided that she would finish her junior year in Medellin.

“She handled her first semester so well, we all decided that another semester would benefit Sofia. Though we miss her dearly, we saw how each month she mastered the language, the culture and making good friends. So we allowed her to stay for another semester,” Daniel Cardamone explained.

The goal was that Sofia would learn to speak fluent Spanish, grow strong family bonds and adapt to the Colombian culture, which was accomplished. Her year abroad positively changed Sofia as a person.

“It allowed her to become completely independent in decisions regarding time management and studies and also allowed her to experience tremendous freedom but made her realize the enormous responsibility that came with that,” Luz Velez said.

Sofia will be truly missed in The Columbus School. She adapted almost to perfection and really made a positive impact in the lives of many. When she leaves she will miss her friends, her teachers, the school and the city, as Medellin genuinely became her second home.

“I think I will miss her laugh and her smile because it always made you happy to see her laughing. She radiates happiness to everyone,” Diego Botin said.