Veronica Agostini snuggled into a recliner at the home of Mike and Nancy Ford on a cold February day, her phone plugged into the charger next to her.
Mike Ford walked in, unperturbed by the fact that she was sitting in his chair. He pointed to the phone and charger.
“Are you charged at all? I’m at 5%.”
“I’m at 2%,” Veronica deadpanned. Then, she laughed and unplugged her phone.
“She’s always picking on me,” Mike joked. “The other day she hip-checked me into the freezer at Walmart.”
Read Veronica’s first interview here.
Read about the international program here.
Read international student Riccardo Barbarossa’s story here.
Read international student Gaia Figus’ story here.
Read international student Henrik Sieh’s story here.
It was quite a change from this reporter’s first visit, when a much more serious and subdued young woman sat far from everyone else, choosing her words carefully. 
This time, she was comfortably part of the family. She responded to the Fords’ teasing with quick comebacks, laughing easily.
The Fords, whose four daughters have all grown and moved out, said it was like having one of their own kids back home.
Mike shared a story that illustrates her transition:
Her first night in the home, Veronica took a shower. The Fords heard the water turn on, then off after just a few minutes. Then it came back on, then off, again and again.
