PSUSD Exchange Student Graduates After Living Out His American High School Dream

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. - For years, Even McIlvain dreamed of attending an American high school. Growing up in Norway, he watched movies and TV shows about life in the United States and imagined what it would be like to experience it for himself.

This year, that dream became a reality.

McIlvain became a senior at Desert Hot Springs High School as an international exchange student. While he wasn't sure what to expect when he arrived, he quickly found himself welcomed by students, teachers and staff.

"I've always wanted this since I was a little kid," McIlvain said. "Always watching the movies and TV shows about American high school and dreaming about something so different."

Coming from a culture he describes as more reserved, McIlvain said he was surprised by how friendly people were. He embraced every opportunity he could, joining the football, swim and wrestling teams, attending prom and immersing himself in campus life. He even enjoyed trading Norway's cold, rainy weather for the desert heat.

"I love the heat," he said. "I really, really like the heat, so that's one thing I'm going to miss."

While the activities and traditions made for an unforgettable year, McIlvain said the people he met had the biggest impact. He credits his teachers, school staff and classmates for helping make his experience special and making him feel at home thousands of miles away from his family.

"I met a ton of great people that I'll never forget," McIlvain said. "Especially my principal and staff, they've done a terrific job making everything possible for me to experience everything."

After spending nearly a year away from home, McIlvain was reunited with his family at graduation. As he crossed the stage, he reflected on a chapter of his life he had been looking forward to for years.

"I'm so happy, and I'm so proud to finally be here," he said. "It's bittersweet because I don't want it to end so soon. It's been a wonderful chapter, and I wouldn't change it for the world."

McIlvain is now heading back to Norway, where he still has one year of high school remaining before graduating. After that, he hopes to return to the United States to pursue a college degree.