Bombs in every mail box, militia men at every turn and guns for sale on every corner. Sound like Kalispell, Montana? It almost did to Australian exchange teacher Robyn Horvath, who arrived to FHS from Melbourne, Australia, on Dec. 26. Despite Horvath's long-distance impression of violence and anarchy, she has found a home in our corner of the globe.
"I had a vision of guns," said Horvath. "My phone was running hot with friends who were worried about me."
Last April, when Horvath received word that she was heading to her third choice of exchange countries, the U.S., she was flooded with images of gang wars, fire bombs and riots.
"I was having second thoughts," said Horvath. "I was contemplating not coming."
Horvath then looked up data on Kalispell, learning that it was a small town in one of the least populated states. As Horvath's fear subsided, she gained confidence in her decision.
Just as she was feeling comfortable with her decision again, however, Horvath saw a documentary about small towns in America. Kalispell was one of the towns that was featured, depicting scenes of militias in the hills, gun shops and firebombings. Horvath's confidence dropped.
Despite her reluctance to live in America, she made it here safely and has been welcomed with open arms.
"It has been fine," said Horvath. "Everyone has been very helpful and friendly."
The program that brought Horvath here sent art teacher Lavonne Burgard to Australia.
The two teachers have exchanged both lives and jobs.
"We swapped houses and we swapped jobs," said Horvath. "We were supposed to swap cars but I have a sports car and didn't think it would work."
One of the differences that Horvath noticed right away is the school system.
Horvath's school in Melbourne is called Kurnai College. Much like Flathead High, it was named after a local aboriginal tribe.
The school consists of about 600 students, compared to Flathead's 1,800.
Horvath has also noticed social differences.
"We went out to Sizzler and when my son, Scottie, noticed a tip lying on a table, he ran after them saying, 'you left money on the table,'" she said.
Of course with Melbourne's hot weather and Kalispell's record-breaking snowfall, there is a lot for Horvath to get used to.
Said Horvath: "The first couple of days I decided the American sport is slipping and falling over."