Living on Route 66
My name is Rike, I am 16 years old and from Germany but currently in the USA for 10 months. In December 2017, I decided to go abroad for 10 months to attend a public high school there.
On the 8th of August I flew to Springfield, Missouri, where my family welcomed me at the airport. My host family consists of my host father Steve, and my two host sisters Rashmi (15) and Anjuli (8). We live in a house near my high school.
I go to a public high school, and I am Junior. That means I am in 11th grade. My favorite subject is Forensic Science. In this class you learn how to analyze murders. We take fingerprints and secure crime scenes.
Downtown Springfield is located on Route 66. This city is by American standards rather small, but I come from a small village in Germany, so it’s quite big for me. Downtown is known for the history of Route 66. This area is definitely my favorite place in the whole city. All these restaurants and small shops, just like you imagine in a small American city.
Anyway, my favorite activities are the football games of my high school . These are every Friday night during the season. The first time when I stood in the student section called “The Flock,” and everyone screamed “ALL HAIL, RED AND BLUE,” I became aware of what I am doing and where I am – dancing and cheering, on the other side of the world, in the middle of the US, at a football game of my high school. This is just like the movies…
I can only recommend a year abroad. I think that an exchange year is a experience that you will never forget. Traveling teaches you so much that you cannot learn in school at home. The decicion of doing an exchange year and seeing more of the world was the best I could ever make for my future life. I wanted to live in another country and not just visit it like a tourist. I have learned so much about myself and have received amazing experiences. Of course I have improved my English too. I found a place on the other side of the world that I can call home. I have family and friends here. This has been a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget.
Rike
exchange student from Germany
living with the Berkwitz family in Springfield, Missouri
