How do you know the world, if you have never been an exchange student?

Fall State

As I wrote in one of my previous posts, I am a member of JSA (Junior State of America), which is a debating club.
Last weekend, I went to Madison to debate in the Capitol with and against other students from the Mid-West.
We left early on Saturday and debated the whole morning and the whole afternoon, after having lunch.
There are different types of debates. The two most common are normal debates and thought talks.
In a debate, there are two main speaker and multiple subsequent speaker.
In a thought talk everybody is allowed to share their thoughts and opinions.
All these debates were on political issues. Examples for prompts are:

• "Resolved, that social security programs no longer be made mandatory through the implementation of an opt-out clause."
• "Resolved, that the United States has an obligation to protect its foreign economic interests using force."
• "Resolved, that gender roles are important to the stability of the society."
• "Is religious faith a prerequisite for being elected to high political office?"
• "Resolved, that youth have a voice in today's government."
• "Resolved, that the National Security Agency's leaked surveillance actions are justified."
• "Resolved, that Congressmen be required to serve in the military before running office."

In the evening Anna and I went to a Sushi place. It was delicious.
The night activities were mostly fun debates.

I went to a debate on: "Resolved, that freshman aren't people." And we came to the resolution, that freshman aren't people.
There was a dance afterwards, but since it was a very long day and American teens dance really strange, Anna and I decided to go to bed.

The next morning started with another three blocks of debates, after a quick breakfast.
I was not brave enough to say anything during the whole weekend. It's so hard, when you didn't live in a country your whole life. You are not familiar with the history, government regulations and laws and on top of that your language isn't as advanced as the language of the other students.
At first, you have to understand the prompt, than the speeches of the other students and ,at last, you have to phrase your own speech, question or argument.
But finally, in the last block Anna and I went to a thought talk about:
"Do the motives of the United Nations coincide with the goals of our government?"
I was so nervous and I kind of messed it up. I didn't say, what I actually wanted to say, but at least I opened my mouth one time and it was a good end for this weekend.

Ice Hockey Game

Anna and I spontaniousely decided to go to the Ice Hockey game last Thursday.
The Warhawks (Arrowhead team) were playing a home game against the team with the best goalie in the state.
Unfortunately, there weren't many Gators (fans) there. Everybody cares about football here, but not a lot of people are interested in going to other sport events at school.

I think, that it was literally a pretty "cool" game. Our boys played really good and since the other team played well, too, it was a fun game. But in the end the Warhawks won (,because Arrowhead always wins).

"Ice Hockey is like violent ballet on ice." (Anna Wolfs)

Thanksgiving

Unfortunately, it wasn't as happy as this holiday is supposed to be. But I can't complain, because I experienced the main part of Thanksgiving, which is the food.
It was a lot of food. It was so much, that I can't remember all the different things we ate. Of course we had a turkey. For me, as a vegetarian, this part was less interesting. I ate a lot of different food with cranberry sauce, which can`t be missing on the Thanksgiving table either. And after I was so full, that I just wanted to take a nap, there were three pies, that I had to try.
I really enjoyed the meal, but I felt terrible afterwards. I was told, that this is also part of Thanksgiving.

This is the Thanksgiving story:
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/stories/history/first-thanksgiving/

The next day our frinds came over to our house. We ate dinner and played games.

It cuoldn't be more unexpected.

Hi guys,

it is time to write another post. I am sorry, that it took so long again and I don't know where to start, how to explain.
Let's face the truth, though I still can't believe it.

My hostbrother's fiance died on Thursday 11/21/13.
I am not sure, if I can release more information, but she was a great person, that's for sure.

I knew her. I didn't see her very often. She ate dinner with us once or twice a week and we watched a couple movies together.
She was always telling me, how she wanted their wedding to be and that I had to find a way to come to their wedding next fall. Their wedding was going to be on Halloween.

It was unexpected for everybody. I chose to do an exchange year, without knowing, what I would experience. That's what I was looking for, but this is definetly unexpected.
It is part of my exchange year, now, because we can't go back.

 

 Rest in Peace Steph

Thank you for being part of my life.

I will never forget you.