A Thank You To The Exchange Students Who Changed My Life
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

A Thank You To The Exchange Students Who Changed My Life

It's the simplest things in life that give us the most joy.

552
A Thank You To The Exchange Students Who Changed My Life
Kristen McBride

With a leap of faith, an incredibly nervous Kristen set out on a journey to change up her pace of life and to meet someone new. A “why not?” question followed by an “are you sure?” question from my mother trailed my every move. My application, along with a hideous school photo, was sent with others to our partner school, Albert Einstein Gymnasium (their version of high school).

I had no idea that two people would change my life.

My first exchange student, Charly, was incredible. She was ambitious, kind, thankful, and bubbly with life. I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I hosted Charly. I just simply thought about what I would want to see if I weren’t from here. I mean, there isn’t much to see when you live in the suburbs, but we made it work.

Charly shadowed me throughout my school day, just like an ordinary student. She was able to participate in class, and stunned my math class with her knowledge; (she got the highest score on our math quiz!). Charly spoke to multiple classes about Germany, so she was definitely busy.

Charly and I often ventured to the mall. We spent hours roaming the mall visiting Walmart and buying shoes from shoe outlets and “quality” jeans from American Eagle. I didn’t understand why these jeans were considered “quality” until Charly explained that jeans in Europe were very weak and ripped easily; thank God we bought her jeans that day, since her pair ripped when we got home!

We also traveled to the beach, also known as the Jersey Shore. She was so excited and amazed, since Germany did not have open beaches like we do. We walked the board walk and visited touristy shops, taking so many pictures along the way.

When Charly left, I was heartbroken. She made life exciting and interesting, it felt empty without her. I would end up going to stay with her in Germany that summer, but that’s a story for a different day.

Two years later, I convinced myself to host again. Showing my little slice of the world was really enlightening and fun. I didn’t want to break Charly’s heart –she will always be my exchange student. But it wouldn’t hurt to help another student see and experience America like Charly did. I went through the same application process, and Julia arrived the following spring.

Julia was also very kind and always asked if there was anything she could do for us, even though she knew the answer would always be “no”. She was always looking to do something, whether it was sitting on the couch watching America’s Next Top Model or doing homework together. We just enjoyed each other’s company. Julia loved to listen to music and showed me some great German artists that I still listen to today.

We traveled to school and hopped class to class. She bonded with my school friends and learned the art of eating in class, since I had a late lunch. She played soccer in Germany, so I snuck her into a gym class to play; she killed it, by the way. I showed her my little piece of the world and all the people in it.

We explored Walmart, where I had to explain the concept of marketing and why Americans insist on buying more than they actually need. Whenever I go to Walmart now, I always Snapchat Julia a picture of the logo to make her laugh.

I also took Julia to the beach, but it was very cold and very windy that day. We were both bundled up in sweatshirts and long socks. We tried to take a jumping photo, which proved very difficult in the wind! Despite the weather, that was one of the best days we had together.

When it was time for Julia to go home, I cried so hard. We were so distraught, unsure of when we would see each other again. When we finally had to let go, we parted with the memories and the hopes of returning to each other.

Reflecting back on my experiences hosting exchange students, they practically lit up my world. They both taught me something different. Charly taught me to always be thankful and to laugh at my mistakes and to just roll with life. Julia taught me to jump at life’s opportunities and support and love those close to you. But together, they showed me that the little things in life are truly wonderful.

Charly and Julia made me realize that though I may not realize it, America is truly unlike any other country. Even after recognizing the benefits of living in America, I still long to go to Germany now more than ever. I plan to travel to Germany in my junior year of college and visit both Julia and Charly.

Charly and Julia, you are no longer my exchange students –your’re my deutsche Schwestern (German sisters) and you always will be. I love you both with every bit of my heart and wouldn’t trade our time together for the world. It’s incredible how much you taught me about myself and life in general in such little time. I constantly dream of the day I can see you both in person.

Every little thing reminds me of our time together –Poptarts, hibachi, Chickie and Pete’s, Family Feud, ANTM, the beach, New York, even the high school! Though you have left, there are still pieces of you here.

I can never thank you enough for the impact you have left on my and my family’s life. I could not have asked for better exchange students –better friends –than you two.

No matter how many miles, kilometers, or hours separate us, I will always be there for you.

All my love,

Deine Amerikanische Schwester

(Your American sister)


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

43124
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

27097
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

952090
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

142750
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments