When I was fifteen, I came to the United States for the first time to spend 11th grade in an American high school with an American host family. The experiences I gained throughout that year have since incredibly impacted who I am and what I do.
Upon my return to Germany, I took up leadership roles in my high school, something that would not have been possible without the self-confidence acquired by building a life in a world of strangers. Afterward, I went on to become a coordinator for the same program I had been on and that connection would have never existed without my year abroad. The position came with an incredibly diverse job description and I wouldn't want to miss one aspect of it, from legal texts to public presentations. I had always intended to go to college, so once my two year term with the program was up, I came to Penn State. I enrolled as a Political Science major, but with a definite focus on the international aspect of politics and history.
Upon my return to Germany, I took up leadership roles in my high school, something that would not have been possible without the self-confidence acquired by building a life in a world of strangers. Afterward, I went on to become a coordinator for the same program I had been on and that connection would have never existed without my year abroad. The position came with an incredibly diverse job description and I wouldn't want to miss one aspect of it, from legal texts to public presentations. I had always intended to go to college, so once my two year term with the program was up, I came to Penn State. I enrolled as a Political Science major, but with a definite focus on the international aspect of politics and history.
As my presented work shows, I always end up exploring a topic of international relevance. Throughout the academic year 2010-2011 I wrote papers, gave presentations and speeches and through my experience as a global citizen, I can’t help but communicate a comparative worldview in most issues I address.
Since I started college and became more and more involved with the University Office of Global Programs, a career path of choice has formed more clearly. Upon receiving my Bachelor degrees I intend to return to the field of international exchange and education. Not only do I truly believe in the importance of intercultural understanding—most effectively done through immersion—but because I’d love the job and because that’s what I do best.
