Leaving

    Two years ago, I had never lived outside of Ohio and I had never left the United States before. Teaching English in Erlangen has transformed my life. Throughout the past two years, I’ve changed in big ways, such as being more confident and adaptable, and also small ways, like cultivating a finer appreciation for German bread. In particular, I feel lucky to have been at a school that values the arts, that trusted me enough to start and lead the Creative Writing Club, that continuously supported me, and that welcomed and treated me so well. Although I am returning to the United States for now, this is not a permanent departure. Erlangen has become my second home, and I’ll know in my heart that I’ll be back again someday.

    I am endlessly grateful to have had this chance to live and work abroad. Not only have I grown professionally and personally, but I have made incredible connections with friends, colleagues, students, community members, neighbors, and more. These memories of teaching classes, visiting local festivals like the Bergkirchweih and Oktoberfest, hiking through the Fränkische Schweiz (Franconian mountains), eating Raclette instead of turkey for Thanksgiving, visiting new countries, translating for my American friends and family members, and so much more will stay with me forever. Learning is a tremendous gift, and moving to a foreign country has given me the opportunity to learn about myself and the world around me. I wish every person could have an experience like this: a chance to take a risk, be challenged, make mistakes, and grow. Every person deserves an opportunity to meet others unlike themselves, to learn about another part of the world, or to experience a place different from their own. Language is a wonderful tool that connects us to each other and opens doors to new parts of the world. Step outside of your comfort zone: it will have enormous positive results.

    Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” For my students, I want them to feel positively when they think about our time together learning English. I want them to look back and remember feeling comfortable, seen, and valued in the classroom. Like my own German professor who inspired me, I hope I made a good impact here. Finally, I want to leave my students with one final lesson: you are capable of doing great things. Never stop learning.

    From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Germany.