“I’ve wanted to do an exchange year since I was little,” junior Lea Koehler said. “Almost everybody on my dad’s side of the family did an exchange year in the United States, so I heard a lot about their experiences and how much it impacted their lives in a positive way. I love to be a part of all the American things like celebrating Thanksgiving, Homecoming, prom, and of course riding the yellow school bus. I’ve met so many lovely people from all around the world, and I have built another life on the other side of the world. I hope to keep in contact with all of the people that earned a place in my heart. When I return to Germany, I plan to spend a lot of time with my family and friends. Only being able to talk to them over a video call is hard and not nearly the same as seeing them in person. Taking a trip like this in your teenage years is a huge step in finding yourself and becoming more of an adult. I will never forget my experience here, and I will take home a lifetime squeezed into a short year.”