By: Kaitlyn Nathem, Staff Writer

Walking into a new school is one thing. Walking into a new school that is in a completely different region of North America is something completely different. Going from castles to buildings, from three thousand students to about three hundred, from a strict area to a laid back school is a difficult task to do. It’s a completely different setting, but he seems to be handling it quite well.

Alex Welsch, senior, moved all the way from Canada here to Marion High School. “The schools in Canada were packed full. All the private and public schools were filled. My dad worked at Rockwell and told me to ‘come on down’ so I said, ‘sure, why not?” Alex came to MHS in September.

Being used to castles for a school is much different compared to Marion’s small, brick building. “[Marion] is much smaller. I used to go to school literally in a castle. There’s about three thousand plus students at my old school. There were four vice principals, and about seven counselors.” Alex is enjoying the difference so far at Marion High School.

Not only are the schools structures different but so are the people inside of the school. “ The people are very wholesome my dad would say. They are a lot nicer, honest, laid back. All the good stuff. They aren’t hostile. It’s easier to make friends.” Alex spoke very positively about the students at Marion.

The academics are different as well. “it’s less competitive here and more laid back. I used to have a period system, here it’s a block schedule. I like it better because you can have more teacher time and less homework.” He also enjoys his teachers such as: Mr.Ferguson, Mrs. Johnson, and Mr. Wake. Alex likes the differences in schedules compared to Canada.

Overall there’s a lot of differences from Canada compared to Marion, Iowa. “I didn’t even know much about this place before I moved here. The closest I had been was Wisconsin.” Alex said. He also has noticed a difference in the diversity of people here. “There’s a different climate here. Not weather wise, but people wise and government wise. It’s just different, everyone’s more kind.”

Even though he’s had to deal with multiple differences here at Marion, Alex Welsch is adapting to the school well. He enjoys the kindness of the people and teachers. “…I wish I would have came sooner to feel the whole experience. I would have given up sophomore and junior year to be here.”