Максим (Maxim)

This is Максим. He is one of the many kids who live at Internat No. 1 in Советск, Russia. From what I know, he is your typical 16 year old boy. He loves soccer, girls, and music. He's very open at the summer camp and embraces friends. However, I think now that he becoming a young man, he is putting on what I call the "Russian Front", where he tends to stand off from interactions that aren't socially, in his world, 'with-it'. I noticed this in particular this year. It's sad that it has to be this way for him to be accepted.

However, when I think about it, it's just the same as any other teenager you meet here in America. It's not cool to be seen with your parents or to show outward emotions.

I hope next year he will still acknowledge the American and friend he has known since 2006.