Meet Sherri from Texas, a remarkable host mom whose warm and welcoming nature has brought countless students from around the world into her family’s home. Not only has Sherri and her family hosted over 20 students, but she has also dedicated 15 years to serving as an Aspect Manager and International Coordinator! One of the most touching stories from Sherri’s hosting experience is when one of her students walked her grandma down the aisle for her son’s wedding. Sherri’s presence enriches the lives of everyone she encounters, and we are so honored to have her as a valued member on our team!
My family first hosted a student when I was in high school and it was a great experience! My husband, Brian, and I started hosting when our kids were in high school and we’ve hosted 21 students over the years.
We have learned over the years that every student is different. When you are hosting, it’s better to not expect how a student’s personality will be and not to compare them to former students. They each become a part of your family in their own way.
We have a close relationship with many of our former students. Celina from Germany has come to visit several times and spent most of one summer with us one year. Thomas from Norway came home for our son Cody’s wedding and escorted Grandma down the aisle.
I also have a collection of birdhouses. Several of our students and their families have brought me birdhouses from their country. The most unique is one from Norway that had a bottle of liquor in.
I do believe that these students and their families become part of our families. We keep in touch with a lot of the students that we have hosted. I have met a few in their countries and many have come back to visit.
I never knew that I was so curious about the world until we started hosting. Now I have a long list of places that I would like to travel to, including the countries of the students we have hosted.
I also joined the Aspect Team 15 years ago! I became an International Coordinator because of a student who lived with our family when I was in high school. My mom had received Mother’s Day and Christmas cards from our student for years, and then the cards suddenly stopped coming. She wondered if she could find him, so I started looking on the internet to see if there’s any way to find old exchange students.
As an Aspect Manager, I love working with the new International Coordinators! I also like helping the students and host families work through issues. I have worked really hard to try and become a successful, understanding manager. I understand there are two or three sides to every issue, and I really try to see all sides. Normally, it boils down to a lack of communication. They are teenagers, and they need a chance to learn. Learn to help them navigate the year and embrace the process! Overall, this job is never boring. Embrace the learning curve and never give up!
Would you also like to work with students from across the world? Join the Aspect team as an International Coordinator! We are always looking for great candidates in many communities, large and small, across the U.S. For more information about the International Coordinator position and how to apply check out our website!
