Ӓndern: the word for change in German. Change induces a multitude of feelings, and sometimes it’s one of the hardest things people can experience. But it also creates room for necessary personal growth.
Four students from all across Europe have decided to take a leap of faith and become a Monarch this year, 2 students from Germany, one from Italy, and one from Spain. These foreign exchange students are creating an even more diverse and welcoming school environment.
Senior Jean-Paul Kess from Germany has already started to accept this big change in his life, and has taken initiative to get involved. He has signed up for DECA and is playing football this fall.
“I like being in Nebraska,” Kess said. “I feel like it’s better than being on the coast, since we’re in the middle of the country, I feel like it’s a more American experience.”
Surrounded by fields of corn for as far as the eye can see might not sound appealing to visitors, but senior Ben Barilli from Italy has been enjoying the change of scenery even though his home is known for its tourist-attracting sightseeing and world renowned food.
“Unfortunately, I have to go back home next summer, and I still have one year of school left,” Barilli said.
Course rigor is more difficult, and schooling longer in Europe compared to the U.S.. Most seniors here are already ready for graduation, but these two students still have years of school left when they return home.
“What I like about being here is that I get to know new people, that I get out of my comfort zone, and have the chance to grow,” Kess said.
Making the decision to do a year abroad can possibly be the greatest change in someone’s life. There are many perks, but there is always a cost for such a risk like this.
“What I don’t like about being here is obviously I miss my family,” Kess said. “But, my host family is very friendly.”
A year abroad comes with struggles, it could be battling homesickness or adjusting to a new daily life.
“Back home I catch the train to go to school, we’re there for 5 hours, then we have lunch break,” Barilli said. “Here, I go to school until 3, go to cross country [practice] , and come home to my host family.”
Big moves like studying abroad, or even little moments in daily life that include hardship, everyone could use a little more acceptance of their own Ӓndern, and when it becomes challenging, for inspiration, these new Monarchs are a great place to look.
