This year, our school was very fortunate to welcome junior Mieke Kleinbongardt, a foreign exchange student from Germany, whose energy and kindness made a lasting impression on everyone she met. Making friends for Mieke was very easy, she says she is thankful for the support and friendship from senior Anna Smith. Smith drives her to school daily, takes her to try new things, and has even invited her to church. “Since meeting Mieke, I think I have been more aware of loving my family; she misses her family, and I feel like she reminds me not to take that for granted,” Smith said.

     Adjusting to a new school was very difficult for Kleinbongardt. “In Germany, we don’t have lunch. School was only until 1 pm. Every day we would get a new schedule, but it stays the same every week, and I’m not used to the same classes every day,” she said. She adds,“Most of the people are very kind and talkative, even though you don’t know them, which I think is really kind and great. I like the dances, I think it’s a great opportunity to connect with people,” 

     One of the highlights of her high school experience so far has been joining the softball team.“Mieke is very carefree and will do whatever,” Smith said, so it was no surprise that she tried out for the team. When her exchange year ends, Kleinbongardt hopes to return to Germany with forever friendships and stories she will always remember.