文：黃蕾芸 桃園市私立天主教振聲高中應用英語科

　　參與這次的筆友計畫，對我而言是一趟充滿驚喜的文化探索之旅。在與我的筆友 Ashlynn 交流的過程中，我們從最基本的興趣聊起，逐漸深入到兩國校園文化、日常作息以及學習環境的對比。這些真誠的對話不僅開闊了我的國際視野，也讓我對自己習以為常的校園生活有了全新的體會。

　　在交流中，最令我印象深刻的是兩地學校作息與飲食文化的巨大差異。當我向她介紹臺灣高中從早上八點上課到下午五點，且中午有約三十鐘全班午休的習慣時，Ashlynn 感到非常不可思議，因為她們學校完全沒有午休，下課也只有短短五分鐘的快步趕課時間。此外，我們也發現彼此都最喜歡吃義大利麵，但在學校的午餐飲食習慣存在許多差異，臺灣學生習慣在教室自己的座位上用餐，而美國則是前往餐廳聚餐。更有趣的是，Ashlynn 的生活非常多元，她在早上 10:35 就會結束一般高中課程，前往專業學校研習教師課程，這種高彈性的學制與臺灣高中的固定課表截然不同。

　　另一個讓我深受啟發的對比是關於科技與 AI 在教育上的運用。在臺灣，我們在課堂上廣泛使用數位螢幕與平板來查資料，學校也允許我們在合理範圍內使用 AI 工具協助學習。然而，當我詢問她時，她提到雖然她們每天必須帶筆電上學，但學校卻是嚴格禁止使用 AI的。這個發現讓我有些驚訝，也讓我意識到即便科技如此發達，不同國家的學校對於新科技工具的規範與教育態度仍有很大的分歧。這讓我反思，生活在臺灣能夠便利且自由地運用 AI 資源是一件很幸運的事，我們應該更加珍惜並正確地使用這項科技。

　　最後，在探討校園人際關係與制度時，我們也找到了很多共鳴。慶運我跟她分享了臺灣校動會大家為了集體榮譽努力的感動，而她也和我聊到了美國經典的畢業舞會以及她們最期待的高三畢業旅行。當我們聊到理想中的校園體制時，她無奈地提到她們學校的氣氛有時沒那麼熱情，大家只跟自己的圈子玩，並幽默地表示如果她是校長，她會想要改成一週上學四天並增加更多休息時間。這與我希望增加跨班非強制交流時間的想法不謀而合。這次的計畫讓我明白，儘管生活在地球的兩端、說著不同的語言，但青少年的煩惱、快樂以及對自由校園生活的嚮往，全都是相通的。這份跨國的友誼，將會成為我高二生活最珍貴的回憶。

Participating in the 4-H Pen Pal Program has been an incredible journey of cultural discovery. Through my conversations with my pen pal, Ashlynn, we started by sharing our basic interests and gradually delved deeper into the differences in our school cultures, daily routines, and learning environments. These authentic exchanges not only broadened my global horizon but also gave me a fresh perspective on my own school life in Taiwan.

One of the most memorable parts of our exchange was discovering the vast differences in school schedules and lunch cultures. When I described a typical Taiwanese school day, which lasts from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and includes a unique 30-minute mandatory nap time with the lights turned off, Ashlynn found it absolutely amazing because American schools do not have nap times, and students only get five minutes to walk to their next class. Furthermore, while we shared the delightful coincidence of both loving pasta as our favorite lunch, Taiwanese students usually eat at their own desks in the classroom, whereas American students eat in the cafeteria. It was also fascinating to learn that Ashlynn finishes her standard high school classes at 10:35 AM and spends the rest of the day at a more professional school. This high level of academic flexibility is quite different from the fixed schedules we have in Taiwan.

Another eye-opening topic was how technology and AI are handled in education. In Taiwan, we regularly use digital screens and tablets in class to do research, and we are allowed to use AI tools for certain assignments. I was quite surprised when Ashlynn told me that although they are required to bring a laptop to school every day, they are strictly prohibited from using AI. This contrast made me realize that despite global technological advancements, schools in different countries have varying attitudes toward regulating new educational tools. It made me reflect on how fortunate I am to have access to AI resources for learning in Taiwan, and it reminded me to use these tools responsibly and wisely.

Finally, we found a lot of common ground when discussing school traditions and social life. I told her about our annual Sports Day, where the whole class works hard together for track events and creative marching. In return, she shared iconic American traditions like Prom, Homecoming, and the highly anticipated senior trip during spring break. When discussing our ideal school rules, she mentioned that her school vibe could sometimes be less welcoming since people tend to stick to their own friend groups. She humorously suggested changing to a 4-day school week with more breaks, which connected perfectly with my idea of creating optional break times for students from different classes to interact.

This program has taught me that no matter how far apart we live or what languages we speak, teenagers share similar joys, challenges, and desires for a friendly school environment. This cross-cultural friendship will undoubtedly be one of the most cherished memories of my high school experience.