Oak Forest High School

Beyond the Stripes - Highlighting student success outside of Bengal Nation

How Junior Parker List is Connecting with the World—One Conversation at a Time

Junior Parker List has a unique hobby—one that connects him to people across the globe, quite literally! What started as a simple curiosity over six months ago has now transformed into a daily routine that’s opening doors, breaking barriers, and expanding minds—his own included.

A self-proclaimed history buff, Parker was diving deep into how people in other countries lived their day-to-day lives. That’s when he stumbled upon Hello Talk, a language exchange app that allows users to connect with others worldwide. With just a few taps, Parker was suddenly in touch with people from every corner of the planet. On a whim, he zeroed in on China and Iraq—two places he admittedly knew little about—and set up his profile. He listed English as his native language and chose to "learn" Chinese and Persian, though his real goal wasn’t mastering a new language. Instead, he wanted to help others learn English through natural conversation while learning more about the world.

What happened next shocked him. Within minutes, his inbox exploded with messages from students in China eager to practice their English. While some asked for help with coursework, Parker found himself drawn to the organic, real-world conversations. “It’s crazy to think that just 100 years ago, this kind of communication wouldn’t have been possible,” Parker says. “Now, I get to talk to people on the other side of the world every single day.”

His impact is undeniable. The app tracks participation, and Parker has spent an average of 30 minutes daily connecting with students—at one point, maintaining a 150-day streak. Thanks to the 9-10 hour time difference, most conversations happen in the evening for him, just as his students in China are starting their mornings before school.
Through these exchanges, Parker has gained an incredible understanding of what high school life is like in China, their culture, and their daily struggles. But the most eye-opening lesson? “We all have our own challenges, our own stories,” he shares. “And while they may be vastly different, at the core, we’re all just trying to navigate life in our own way.”

For Parker, these conversations are about so much more than just language. They’re about connection. About perspective. About stepping outside our bubbles and realizing just how much we can learn from one another.

His message? Get out there. Talk to someone different from you. The world is so much bigger than we think.

Parker List is someone you should know!

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CONGRATS FR Kelsey McGrath on qualifying for the Girls Golf State Tournament! Kelsey shot an impressive 80 making the Top 10 qualifiers as an individual. Good Luck @ State Kelsey...Bengal Nation will be cheering you on!!
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