Shanik: "My school starts at 7:20 a.m., and I leave my house at 6:50 a.m. because I have to catch the 7 o'clock bus. I arrive in Cotacachi at 7:10 a.m. for school, and every day I return home around 1:10 in the afternoon."
Shanik: "I get to and from school by taking the bus, and my mom does let me travel alone. Sometimes I go with my little brother and make sure he gets to school first. On those days we go home a little later, at about 2:00 p.m."
Shanik: "At school, I will eat in the cafeteria now and then. Sometimes they serve dry food like fries with sausage, hotcakes, or gelatin with jam bread. But my favorite food isn't any of that. I actually love lasagna. I love all Italian food!"
Shanik speaks Spanish at school, except for when she is in her English class. The Spanish word for 'Hello' is Hola, but in Ecuador most people start a conversation by saying "good morning/afternoon/evening", which is Buenas días/tardes/noches.
Shanik: "Some common names in my school are Sayuri, Mateo, Jarik and Samantha."
Nora: "Are there any unique names?"
Shanik: "Well, my name, Shanik. I am the only Shanik in the school. But I like having a unique name."
