Special Post # 4

Hey everybody!

WARNING: These views do NOT represent all of Germany. They are my views of what and who I have enccountered on my trip here. Please take everything that is said here with a grain of salt.

Welcome to my fourth special post. In this post I will be talking about the discussions I have had in my English class. What I thought was only going to be a one day branch off discussion of cultural differences has turned into a whole unit. Although we don't always discuss, my class is still learning about cultural identities.

I think these discussions are really unique given we have Polish, Ukranian, Afghani, American, German, and Nigerian cultures all present in a small class. With so many many different backgrounds the sun never sets on how we all view culture.

During my training with YFU I learned several ways of diagramming how culture works and how foreigners discover and fit into new societies. One of these diagrams was a three pillar diagram.

History

With YFU we learned, as seen in the diagram above, the base of every cultures is history. I have seen a few examples of this in my history class. In my previous American history class we were told the American Revolution inspired the French Revolution. In my current German history class we are told the French Revolution inspired the German Revolution. If A=B and B=C shouldn't A=C? Why not say the American Revolution inspired the German revolution? Maybe it was because, at the time, The US had a lot closer relationship to France than Germany.

History also affects what we do and how we do it today. For example, how 9/11 affect the way many Americans see Arab people. Not all Arabs are terrorists. Not all terrorists are Arab or Islamists. The same goes for German history. I choose WWII just because it is easily comparable. Not all Germans are Nazis and not all Nazis are German. One could consider Nazis and Terrorists completely different cultures. They each have their own history to base the rest of their culture on.

There is a German songwriter who asks the question, "where have all the German folk songs gone?" Due to WWII some are afraid of showing national pride because of this stereotype of many Germans being Nazis. Which again (as I cannot stress enough) is untrue. I think my friend Maja put it well. How can the current generation of Germans be held accountable that happened before they were even alive? Their parents weren't even alive yet. Yet their generations are still affected.

In the same way we, as Americans, are proud of our history of winning wars, defeating, for example, communism and saving other countries from despair. Even though none of us may have done anything personally to help. This doesn't stop some of us from thinking we are the best culture in the world. This could be the affects of the time when North America was settled. Many European cultures came over and pushed their cultures upon the Native Americans, and settled America. Due to this some argue Americans still have this mindset.

There are three pillars that lay on top of history which support the overall idea of culture. Family, Religion, and Language. Aspects of these can be seen by foreigners and natives.

Religion

Many other countries outside of The United States have an official government religion. This includes Germany with Christianity. Even though the official religion is Christianity, from what I have seen in my area, it is less present here than in America. Granted the churches are bigger and grander here, but the people who attend, seem to be fewer and older. Granted I come from a family who goes to church every Sunday, so my view is skewed to how often people actually go to church. Due to an official religion means not all holidays are free. I have noticed very few Jewish or Muslim holidays are given free at my school. (Which made the beginning to my school year different.) There is also a mandatory tax in my area when people are part of the church. This is also a reason for people to turn away from the church. Of course this is probably opposite in German states like Bavaria.

Family
Different types of families can be found all over the world regardless of culture. Due to this I can only speak for my family. My family specifically is very open. As my host mom put it, "We probably wouldn't have hosted an exchange student if we weren't open." I believe this is a common trait that can be found in almost all host families and exchange students. If both parties aren't open to new adventures and ideas the exchange year would be much more difficult. I have been lucky enough to be apart of a big family who is supportive of each other. So many members of the family show up and celebrate birthdays and holidays all together. For example, there were a couple weeks around Chiristmas with several birthdays. Many aunts, uncles, and cousins showed up for each one, and still Christmas.

How are my two families different from each other? My family in America is always so busy everything has to be planned several weeks ahead to make sure we have time for it. My dad also likes knowing what events are coming up. He likes it more when we plan a couple days in advance when friends are coming over. I guess this is a trait I have picked up a bit on because I always seem to ask why we are going to visit friends and it is almost never planned a few days in advance. This is a point that my host mom brought to me.

Children, I have noticed, also have much more freedom. As a four year old I believe I was always either in the cart or at my mom's side in the grocery store. In Germany it seems much more normal for children to scuttle over to the candy isle and grab a bag of their favorite candy. Justus always runs over to the toy section in Rossmanns (Walgreens), stares at the toys for a few minutes, and then runs through the store looking for either my host mom or me. I think the reason for Americans holding onto their children so tight is that we are so afriad of one another. Again this can relate back to our history.

Once children are older they have much more freedom. I am suprised how the kids at my school know exactly how to navigate the bus system without a parent, and they are around 8. My school also has open campus. For field trips older kids are expected to find our way to the event on our own.

When we start dating I think the mindset in my area is, "They are going to have sex if they want to. It is our job as their parents to make sure they have safe sex." This is why my school hasn't had a pregnant girl for many years, where as there is one almost every year in my American school. Many people in America immediately assume the worst when the boyfriend/girlfriend sleeps over. This is considered completely normal where I live, although I am not quite sure why. I would assume it relates back to trusting children to do what it right.

Thanks for reading!

Sandra

Special Post #3

Hey everybody!

As you may have heard there are some 'adjustments' being made the CBYX program (the scholarship I am currently on), which are endangering its future. For all of my readers who I may not be friends with on facebook or may not have a facebook here is my post:

The Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange is by far the most inspiring program I have ever participated in in my life. This program has been serving students every year like me since 1983. This program has helped to teach us all what is important in life and what we want from it. A lucky trait which some people search their whole lives for. I know it has helped me with these life questions. If you need more convincing that exchange students can give you; there have been research done on exchange student behavior in college. The reports have said students are harder workers, recieve better grades, they bring a new confidence in who they are, and overall they are refreshed and eager to learn in the next years of life. If you say, "How does this affect me?" Think about how exchange students are able and willing to change your future and ours in many wonderful ways. This will end up affecting you, your beloved neighbor, your children, and even your great grandchildren in the years to come. Please sign this petition, it only takes a moment of your time to affect the future.

Please sign Here to help us save the Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange Scholarship.

Thank you for reading!

Sandra

Weekly Post #25

Hey everybody!


19. January 2015:


On Monday I stayed home to make sure my stomache was 100% better. Unfortunately I missed my first day of being a ninja pigeon. I hopefully will not miss my monday tomorrow.


20. January 2015:


Tuesday I went back to School. I had Sowi which I learned a bit more about the Bundesrat. After that there was a Meeting for Facharbeit (preperation for college). I don't really understand why I had to be ther but I was there. Anyway my School day on Tuesday was pretty pointless. At least it wasn't stressful.


21. January 2015:


On Wednesday was the first of two Dortmunder Hochschultag (college) days. I tagged along with Noah to two classes. The first one was called codeswitching. It is basically what I am living with, knowing two languages and always flipping between the two. We were completely siked for the first one, but it turned out to not be so interesting. The class was about finished with the unit so we missed a ton of what they were studying. The second class was much better. It was called "The Do's and Don'ts of the workplace." I think this is the class where I have felt the most comfortable at speaking. The teacher has been all over the globe and knows about four different lanuages. This was one of the first times I volunteered to raise my Hand and participate in what was Happening. I really need to do more of this in my School, but I feel too much pressure and uncertainty of what is actually right in the class.


22. January 2015:


Thursday was the second Hochschultag day. I went to a Seminar on work study programs in college. The Seminar was so boring that People were getting up and leaving in the middle. We didn't though, I think that would have been too rude for me to do.


23. January 2015:


Friday was my longest day as per usual. We started talking about chairs. The first thing we talked about is what we associate with chairs. Then we talked about Projects we could create with chairs. I think the next Project is that we all need to bring in our own chair and create a Story with it. I already have a Story but getting a chair through the bus in the busy morning is going to be interesting. I volunteered my ideas for themes that I would like to use with my chair. I was the only one who volunteered right. That made me feel really good. I understood better than others! On Friday some of my host dad's friends came over to Play Darts. My mom and I joined in for a game and I won! I usually never win Darts but I guess I got lucky this time.


24. January 2015:


On Saturday I took a really Long slow walk on one of the trails by my street. I made sure to walk extra slow to look for good places to snap a Picture. Often I feel too rushed in taking a Picture. It was really Relaxing to have all the time in the world on my walk. I also explored a new Corner of my neighborhood. I found some new trails that I want to explore in the near future. It also snowed that morning which gave a wintery splash to my Pictures. I made sure to bündle up extra tight to make sure I didn't get sick from the cold.


25. January 2015:


Sunday is always a pretty low laid day. I watched Saving Mr. Banks, and I cried my way through that movie. I also realised I never used to cry during movies. I think ist becoming easier for me to cry. I don't know how I feel about that yet.


Thanks for reading!


Sandra

Weekly Post #24

Hey Everybody!

12. January 2015:

Early on Monday morning I had my Literature class. We are writing and putting on a childrens play in our school. I chose to be a ninja pigion who helps Cinderella. Deep down it has always been my life's dream to become a ninja pigion who helps a fairytale princess. Ya, it will be fun. My ninja pigion conmrade is my friend Lotti. I hope to be really funny ninja pigions. In my art class I almost finished my hand in time. If I have about 5 more minutes I would have finished it. All that is left is part of the base. I think my hand turned out pretty well, and considering I was almost always sick Im happy with how far I got. Hopefully I will be able to bring it home and take a picture to post on the website.

13. January 2015:

On Tuesday Maja and I started working on a presentation about the Bundesrat. We are learning about the Bundesregierung (German government). It is very different from the American Government. I think the American system is much better to follow than the German one. The voting system is very different and not everybody is directly voted by the German population. I believe how it goes is that each party must receive 5% of votes to be represented in the Bundestag. To win the majority of the representation of the Bundestag two parties have to form a coalition. I personally like this idea of a coalition because it forces two groups of people with very pointed opinions to work together. I think government needs a little more of that, especially in this time of our 'do nothing Congress.' The structure and innerworkings of the German Government become much more tricky. Beyond my current knowledge.



14. January 2015:



On Wednesday my art class journeyed to the far away land of Duisburg. Duisburg is only an hour away. We went to the Duisburg Art Museum. Although it isn't as iconic as the Milwaukee Art Museum, the artwork on the inside is still beautiful. The first sculpture we saw was first covered in a cloth. We were allowed to touch it while the covering was on. Afterwards I was asked to describe it. I described it as an adult, most likely a mother, with two children. She would be hunched down covering the two children. The sculpture was made out of metal because I heard somebody knock on it, and it sounded like hollow metal. Where the People were was smooth, but at the base was a bit rough. As the covering was removed everybody was amazed, even myself, that it was exactly how I described it. The Name of the Piece is called "Mutter mit Zwillingen" (Mother with Twins). There were many others by Alberto Giacometti. I think his technique of making People extra tall but also extra thin. I think it is unusual but I don't think I would make that my favorite style.


15. January 2015:


On Thursday I realised I was about half way through my year, but I have lost sight of some of my goals for the year. I am a firm believer in writing down goals, goals that are written down get achieved more often. They also need to stay where they can often be seen. I need to regroup and figure out my goals again, and maybe modify a few.


16. January 2015:


On Friday after School we cleaned the house and went Shopping for groceries. I had friends over on saturday and we tried this thing called Raclette. It's a tiny stove thingy and there are Little pans that can also bake things undernieth. I love being that person who is so prepared for Company to come over and has all this amazing Food. Before I was always that person who never knew what type of Food they had. (Pfff I don't know I dont live here, oh wait yes I do...) My parents and I tried it out that night, and I must say it was delicious. We got about three different types of meat and cheese, and some vegatables. Pretty simple stuff, but it can really all be yummy.


17. January 2015:


Saturday night my friends Noah, Lyza, and Jasmine came over for a Raclette session. We spent about four hours sitting in my Basement listening to Music, talking, and eating delicious Food. I learned that my friends love having deep conversations, just like my friends in the USA. I always pick good friends. We talked about death and how we feel everything is slipping away so fast, and why athiests think how they think. I believe this is a good question to ask an athiest, because personally, neither Creationism or Evolutionism can be 100% proven. Which is better to believe, that there is a better happier life after death, or that we die that is the end of us and our energy is sent into the universe. I don't believe in God just for this reason, but I think it is an awful way to live this life thinking that in the end there is nothing you can do, nothing we do on this earth matters in the end. The Money that we earn, the things that we do, see or say don't matter, our legacy Ends, time moves on and People Forget about what we said did or experienced. The only thing that matters for me and many other People out there is believing in God. The fact is that we all die and there is nothing we can do to Change that. I would much rather believe in a perfect happy peacful place where I have the Chance to live instead of having Earth be the best possible Option in my life.


18. January 2015:


On Sunday I had a stomache ache the whole day. My Family laid low and tried not to get sick for another week straight. (Which most of us didn't)


Thanks for reading!


Sandra

Weekly post #23

Hey everybody,

It looks like my weekly update has gotten a bit behind. Yea, sorry about that. Was it only last sunday that the Packers received a miracle and won against the Cowboys. Funny enough we are also talking about American stereotypes in my English class. The superbowl came up of course, one of the very accurate American stereotypes.

5. January 2015:

On Monday my host dad and I went to the Konigssee located on the boarder between Germany and Austria. The drive through the mountains was incredible. On one side the mountains towered over the edge of the road. On the other side was a huge crevice before quickly rising into another magnificent mountain. The road had to wind left, right, up and down. There were a few rivers that we saw too. The water was a completely clear blue green. They came from the mountians so the water was speeding but completely cold fresh and good to drink. Pine trees covered the mountains as we drove. At the top of the mountains only the luckiest and strongest trees could dig their roots into the stone to resist the strong winds. We past through several villages and towns in between the mountains. I am so happy I wasn't born in any of these villages, because I would never know how beautiful it was. There was snow piled on the rooves of the houses which were stagered all over the beginnings of the mountains, because there is really no big flat area. My host dad said the only other way to reach the other side of the Konigssee was to take the boat. The mountains are so thick no road can possibly go through. We stayed on the one side of the Konigssee, which was perfectly fine with me. The Konigssee translates into The King's Sea. I can understand how it was named. The sea is so beautiful it is fit for kings. The Konigssee is located between two mountains. As we walked up the path to one of the viewing points there were tiny streams from the tops of the mountains running all the way down into the lake. The water was as blue as the Caribbean, but safe to drink. The day was a bit warmer than the past few. Due to this there was a light mist all over the mountains and the lake, it made my pictures look more mysterious. When we did get to the viewing spot we saw the two people from the hay ride from the day prior. This was the weirdest coincidence of our whole trip in Bergen.

6. January 2015:

Tuesday we drove back to Dortmund. I loved my time in Bergen, but I was also happy to be back in Dortmund where it wasn't so hard to understand the German. Good luck to my friends in Bavaria, I really hope I can understand you later. The ride back seemed much faster, as they usually are.

7. January 2015:

Wednesday was my first day back to school. Luckily it was wednesday so I got to have a slow start to school. In my math class I finally understood one concept of what we were doing I finally understood that Flächenheit means area. But that didn't help me too much for my test, sadly. I am starting to get to my time in Germany where I am worn out. I am completely exhausted by the time I get home from school. Hopefully it doesn't stay for too long. It may also be because of the weather. In Wisconsin at this time it is alway dark, cold, the snow is black, and it never stops snowing. This always makes people more dreary and cranky. In Dortmund it rains a bunch but it is warming up and there is no snow on the ground.

8. January 2015:

On Thursday I had my history class in the morning. I improved my test grade by about two letter grades, which is really good considering I am still trying to figure out the structure. I also planned a gathering with a couple other of my friends at my house next saturday (today). I really am looking forward to it.

9. January 2015:

Friday was really a really normal day. Although I got most of the homework questions right. As I was doing them I kept thinking to myself, "These are completely wrong, but I will get marked down if I don't write something down."

10. January 2015:

My Saturday was spent working mostly on the new picture link on my blog, you guys better enjoy it.

11. January 2015:

On Sunday I was supposed to have my first climbing lesson. Unfortunately there was a misunderstanding so I am having my first lesson next Sunday (tomorrow). My mom, Justus, and I went there and it looks really nice. There were all types of people there and there are many different walls. I really hope this works out, I really want to try out something new and there are several great climbing spots in Wisconsin and Duluth. (Ya if you guys haven't heard already I have been accepted to University of Minnesota: Duluth)

Thanks for reading!

Sandra

Half way there

Today is the 169th day of my 338th day in Germany. I remember the days before I left. They seemed to speed out of my control. During the day I would spend the day with my sisters and our exchange sister from Mexico. Then I would stay up until 3 am packing and getting ready for my journey. Most nights my mom and I would sit around and talk for awhile. These conversations consisted mostly of me freaking out about the unknown, mostly because I was exhausted. When I turned the corner of where I would see my family in person for the last time in a year, I had a feeling exactly like this below.

It was the biggest rock I have ever felt in my stomach. But luckily only for that single moment. I consider myself to be very lucky. I have lived with two loving families, and have gotten to know people from all over the globe. There have been some bumps along the road, which I have mostly kept out of my blog for their own reasons. But overall my year has been one of the best years of my life and I already fear the idea of coming home and speaking English all the time. Many say the second half goes twice as fast. It better be four times as awesome as the first half if that is true. My host mom said, "it's easier for your family to let go of you, they only say goodbye for a year. We only get you for a year, our goodbye is not so easy." I can wait a lifetime for the day I need to say goodbye.

Thanks for reading,

Sandra

Special Post #2

Hey everybody,

There is a little difference to my website now, if you guys haven't already noticed. I have redone my picture website. The blogger picture pages was very difficult to work with so now I will be posting all my pictures to my flickr page, which is much more picture friendly. The link takes you straight to my picture feed, for easier viewing I would use the albums tab. The one main drawback is that you guys have to have a yahoo email to be able to like or comment on them. At least you guys can view them and tell me what you think when I get back to the states.

Thank you for reading!

Sandra