Meet Shahriza March 2026 Student of the Month!

We are proud to celebrate Shahriza from Uzbekistan as our Student of the Month! 🎉 Shahriza embodies the spirit of cultural exchange through her curiosity, resilience, and open-minded approach to every opportunity she encounters. Living in Hawaii, Shahriza embraced the importance of taking care of her local community by volunteering in park cleanups. Working alongside community members, she helped maintain the natural beauty of the island and contributed to shared community spaces.

Through this experience, she not only gave back but also gained a meaningful perspective: caring for our surroundings is something everyone can take part in. By stepping up, collaborating with others, and leading by example, she also strengthened her understanding of leadership and the impact one person can have within a community. Her efforts reflect a strong commitment to service, community pride, and stewardship.

“During the cleanup, I worked with other volunteers and met people who care a lot about their community and nature.”

Shahriza had the opportunity to attend a Civic Education workshop in Washington, DC, where she explored American history, government, and leadership. Visiting landmarks like the Capitol and national museums brought these lessons to life. 

This experience inspired her to think more deeply about leadership and the role individuals play in shaping their communities—an understanding she will carry with her long after her exchange ends. 

Shahriza also had the incredible opportunity to share her exchange journey at the U.S. Department of State. Speaking about her FLEX experience, she reflected on the challenges and growth that come with living in a new country. 

Through this experience, she highlighted how exchange programs foster confidence, independence, and leadership skills—while also strengthening communication and mutual understanding.

At school, Shahriza demonstrated creativity and critical thinking through a history project that connected U.S. history with her own cultural background. By using visuals and storytelling, she made the topic engaging and accessible for her classmates. 

Her project showcased how innovation and thoughtful research can transform learning into something meaningful and memorable. 

When asked to describe her exchange experience, Shahriza chose three powerful words: 
Curious. Resilient. Open-minded. 

Shahriza’s journey is a beautiful example of what exchange is all about—building bridges, giving back, and growing both personally and academically. We are so proud of all she has accomplished and the impact she continues to make in her community. 

👏 Congratulations, Shahriza, on being our March Student of the Month!