Das Magazin für Bildung und Karriere im Ausland - Itchy-feet

6 – High School
Highlight in my life
High School Year in the United States of America
“Enjoy your time and learn something from it”, those were the last
words from my mom when the moment to say good bye to my family
had finally come. I knew my next step into the airplane would also be a
step into a time full of challenges, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. A
last smile from my sister, a hug from my dad, and then I was by myself
and on my way into a new chapter of my life. I will always remember
this moment, but now that my stay in the United States is over and I’m
back in Germany, I know that there is so much more to remember. It was
definitely an experience for me and I don’t regret it at all. I stayed in
the East of the United States in Pennsylvania, near Harrisburg. The High
School I went to was, compared to other American High Schools, very
small, with about 700 students.
Every morning we had to stand up for the Pledge of Allegiance, a symbol
of the national pride. We had to turn our face to the flag and put the
right hand to our heart. On my first morning in school, I wasn’t prepared
to do this at all, and I was glad nobody saw that I put the wrong hand to
my heart - but I got used to it quickly. Actually, you will get used to every
challenge, because after a while, unfamiliar situations simply turn into
things of your every day life.
The classes I attended during school were American History, Math,
English, French, Chemistry, Gym, Art and Yearbook. I remember how I
called my dad after my first school day, because I was unable to do the
math homework assignments. They were just too hard for me! At this
moment I would have never guessed that, a couple months later, I would
leave the class with an A. School really became fun for me. One thing
about American High Schools is that school spirit and motivation are
really important. For example, there were hat days, and on Valentines
Day students and teachers wore red or pink shirts. Once I was elected to
“student of the month”, and I got invited to have pizza with our principal.
Regular meetings in the gym to present the sport teams and hear the
school band were part of the school year, as well as Friday nights foot-
ball games. Students, teachers, parents, cheerleaders and friends were
united and dressed in our school colors, orange and black, to shout for
our team. Even if we lost all games of the season, the spirit and the fun
were what counted.
The selection of after-school activities was enormous. You could join
the math club, the west side singers, the swimming team, play tennis,
baseball or basketball, wrestle, or be a part of the school newspaper
staff. I was involved in the track and field team and had a wonderful
time. During the spring months we had to practice every day after
school and competed against other schools. It wasn’t just about
winning; important was the feeling of doing something together with
other teenagers. The best way to meet new friends and get accepted is
to try something new and gain different and challenging experiences.
Don’t wait for people to come and say: “Hey, do you want to come
along?” Go ahead instead of being shy!
I also took part in the school musical. I didn’t have any singing or
dancing experience up to this point, but I just had to do it! It was the
best thing I could have ever done and many memories are connected to
it. Our musical was called “Zombie Prom” It was hard work to remember
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