Community
Four Exchange Students Meet with Representative District 80 and Business Owner Long Tran
Recently, students on a scholarship-based high school exchange program met with Long Tran, a Peachtree Corners resident, business owner and Georgia House Representative of District 80. The four students come from former Soviet-controlled communist countries, ranging from The Czech Republic, Germany, Poland and Serbia, and were thrilled to learn from Tran.
Tran, originally from Columbus, Ohio, moved to Georgia in 2010 and opened his business, Peachy Corners Café, in January 2020. Tran is also a second-generation immigrant whose parents come from Vietnam. Tran’s unique perspective was deeply fascinating to the students who prepared questions for him about topics ranging from business, politics and life advice.
The students: Oliwia, from Poland; Aicha, from Germany; Andrea, from Poland; and Stepan, from the Czech Republic, were placed in Alabama through their respective international exchange programs.
Scholar students
Oliwia, Andrea and Stepan came to the States through the FLEX Scholarship, a highly competitive program with three intense rounds of applications, admitting around 2.5% of applicants out of almost 60,000 each year.
Aicha became an abroad student through The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX), a joint program between the U.S. and German Governments for High School students. CBYX is similarly highly competitive, accepting 3-4% of their pool of applicants from Germany yearly.
Through their programs, they enjoy enhancement activities, such as meeting with Tran, to help them learn and grow. The students, besides learning about Tran’s background and successes, left with meaningful life advice.
“I learned how to be successful,” said Aicha. “It’s so good to have some hope and goals in mind to be successful and work hard.”
“I feel like just talking to him, he calmed me down about my future and that I have time to change,” said Andrea. “He said that with willpower you can do everything.”
Enriching experiences
Danielle Hardaman, a Local Representative for ASSE (International Student Exchange Programs), accompanied the high schoolers as they met with Tran. One of her many roles in ASSE is treating students to enhancement activities.
“We also do some fun things as well, but we take them to a lot of local historic museums, hockey games and things that would be normal American culture-type stuff,” said Hardaman. “We try and keep it a balance of fun and educational so they can kind of see all sides of American society.”
Additionally, the students are involved heavily in service work during their time in America and must have 50 hours of service work completed during their time in the exchange program.
“I enjoy doing community projects,” said Oliwia. “We made one a few weeks ago, which helped our community look for food banks, and before that, we made an after-school program for kids.”
Also, students in the program can actively compare American culture to that of their home country.
“I learned that people can be very different but still find common ground,” said Stepan. “I come from a country that is not religious at all because we have a history with the communist regime. When I came here my closest friends were very religious, but we focused on what we had in common and learned about each other and became friends.”
Learning opportunities
However, not only do the students learn through this program, but almost anyone who comes into contact with these young and bright minds gains substantial insight. Pamela Stafford, a State Coordinator for ASSE, is also a host mom in the program and said she has learned as much from the students as the students learn from her.
“The first thing you learn right off is that teenagers are the same everywhere,” said Stafford. “But then you learn how much freedom we have in America when you talk to some of these students. You also realize a lot about how you’re the same and how you’re different. I mean, …what the program is designed to do is teach you similarities and differences and how to bridge that gap and how to work together.”
This meeting was an outstanding opportunity for both the students and Long Tran as everyone could learn from each other in the welcoming community of Peachtree Corners.
Learn more about ASSE here.
Sequel Coffee Co., a new specialty coffee brand, is set to open its flagship location in Peachtree Corners in the summer of 2025.
The new coffee shop will open alongside shared workspace provider, Roam, at Town Center and will feature a convenient drive-thru complemented by an inviting in-shop experience.
Premium coffee and locally sourced offerings
Committed to delivering an elevated coffee experience, Sequel Coffee Co. will serve freshly brewed coffee and handcrafted espresso beverages with responsibly sourced beans from Valor, a local metro Atlanta roaster.
The food menu will feature a curated selection of locally sourced café favorites and convenient grab-and-go options from local vendors Two Chefs and A Seasonal Affair.
Guests can expect a variety of delicious offerings, including breakfast sandwiches, quiche and freshly baked pastries, as well as yogurt parfaits, homemade granola bars and protein-packed power bites for on-the-go fuel.
In addition, rotating seasonal flavors and limited-time menu items will offer new and exciting food and beverage options throughout the year.
Strengthening community connections in Peachtree Corners
A concept created by Roam, the hospitality-focused work and meeting space, Sequel Coffee Co. is built on the belief that coffee is more than just a morning ritual — it’s a catalyst for creativity, productivity, community and connection.
Sequel’s tagline, “start your story strong,” reflects its mission to inspire the potential in every day by championing stories, embracing moments and thoughtfully crafting coffee.
Sequel seeks to become an integral part of the Peachtree Corners community by fostering meaningful interactions through hospitality-driven experiences. With a brand philosophy centered on people, purpose and belonging, the company aims to inspire customers through delicious coffee and intentional service.
Bringing Sequel Coffee Co. to you
Ahead of its brick-and-mortar opening this summer, Sequel Coffee Co. is currently serving the community through its mobile coffee cart, offering a full-service espresso bar and trained baristas for offsite events.
Ideal for corporate offices, networking events, school functions and private gatherings, the mobile cart provides an opportunity to enjoy Sequel’s signature coffee experience in any setting — before the shop even opens its doors.
To book Sequel’s mobile coffee cart, visit sequelcoffeeco.com/mobile-coffee-cart.
Career opportunities
Sequel is also currently hiring a Shop Manager to lead daily operations and cultivate an inviting experience for customers. Interested applicants can learn more about the position and apply at sequelcoffeeco.com/shop-manager-job-listing.
About Sequel Coffee Co.
Sequel Coffee Co. is dedicated to inspiring potential in every day through thoughtfully crafted coffee and warm hospitality.
Offering handcrafted espresso beverages, freshly brewed coffee and a curated menu of café favorites — along with a convenient drive-thru and cozy café space — Sequel aims to create a welcoming spot for guests to fuel their day and transform the daily coffee routine.
For updates and opening announcements, follow @sequelcoffeeco on Instagram or visit sequelcoffeeco.com.
About Roam
Roam is a comprehensive workplace solution offering co-working memberships, private offices and meeting space for professionals and businesses of sizes.
Opening in Peachtree Corners at 3847 Medlock Bridge Road in summer 2025, Roam provides flexible and inspiring environments to help individuals and teams accomplish their best work. Now leasing private offices and pre-booking meetings and events.
Learn more at meetatroam.com.
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