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)