Noa Morte González has placed Post-It notes, in Spanish, on furniture and appliances throughout the DiBella residence since the start of the school year. The DiBella family, Morte González’s host family for her exchange year at the School, has spent hours practicing Spanish in order to better communicate with her.
On Aug. 14, Morte González arrived from Málaga, Spain to begin her exchange year at the School. Although the prospect of leaving home and flying over 5,000 miles initially seemed daunting, Morte González wanted a change and thought a year abroad would induce personal growth.
“I wanted to improve my English and begin using it daily.” Morte González said. “In a new environment, your personality can improve and change so much.”
Morte González was matched with the School through a program called ASSIST Scholars. Once Morte González’s arrival was confirmed in early May, International Student Coordinator Aline Means began searching for a host family.
Upper School librarian Erica DiBella took immediate interest in hosting when applications were released. Erica hoped to not only teach a foreign student about Houston’s culture, but also learn more about their Spanish heritage.
When the scouting process was completed, the DiBella family, composed of Erica DiBella, her husband Mark, senior Emarie and junior Gavin, received confirmation that they would be hosting Morte González.
“We couldn’t believe that we were going to be hosting someone,” Erica said. “Our whole family was so excited when we received the news.”
When Morte González arrived in Houston, Erica and her family tried to make her feel comfortable by creating a list of fun, authentic activities they would complete during her year abroad. The DiBella family has already shown Morte González around a fair share of states, touring a swamp in Louisiana and visiting colleges in Virginia and North Carolina.
“We can’t wait to take Noa to Greek Fest and to the Rodeo,” Erica said. “We are also looking forward to sharing and spending our holidays with her.”
Through introducing Morte González to the Houston lifestyle, the DiBella family hopes to teach her all about America. Morte González also shares a piece of her heritage with them by speaking Spanish around the house, helping to instruct both Emarie and her brother.
“I’ve always wanted a sister, so it’s amazing to get to have an experience like this,” Emarie said. “It makes the house a little less quiet each day,”
Emarie and Morte González have forged a special connection in the brief time they have spent together, bonding during their car rides home after school.
“We like to annoy each other sometimes, but we still love each other and enjoy spending time together.” Emarie said.
Morte González has appreciated the DiBella family’s continued care during her transition to a new environment. She compared it to a “second family that always supports you,”
Although Morte González has loved spending time with her host family, she misses her family back in Spain and tries to keep in contact with them as often as possible. The seven-hour time difference makes it difficult, but she makes an effort to talk to them at least once a day.
Morte González also spends time exploring her interests through activities otherwise inaccessible in her hometown. Her hobbies in Spain include reading, playing sports, and gymnastics—her love of sports inspired her to try lacrosse at SJS later this year.
As she is new to the Houston community, Morte González has yet to fully digest its intricacies, but the DiBella’s are hopeful that, with time, her experience in America will become a memorable one.
“Noa is so excited to just jump in and try new things,” Erica said. “She is thrilled to learn about our country.”
