Reflective Essay Blog!

"The Germans are Coming!"

When I look back at the three weeks my family spent with our German exchange student, I remember all the great times we had with Dennis.  I was so nervous to meet him; What would I say? Would I be able to understand his English? Would he like it here?

Luckily, non of this things were a problem. The first time I ever saw him I was so nervous what to say. But he walked in the door and gave me a big hug while saying "Hello, American sister!" Way to break the ice. I was so glad it was not awkward.

Through the few weeks we did lots of things.

We went to New York; we saw the Statue of Liberty, we went to see American Idiot on Broadway, we saw blue man group, and we went into NYU buildings. But outside New York Dennis Wendlinger went to DC. He said he ate pizza everyday. He was glad he was back to normal, American, moms cooking. 

I had high expectations to meeting the German. I was excited to learn everything he could teach me, but when he got here I realized he was just like my brother and his friends from America. As an average 16 year old, I realized he was into music, school, fashion, and entertainment. Dennis was a very good pianist and we shared interest in theatre. Even though my German brother is gone, I have kept in touch with him and his family.

One of my favorite experiences with him was on the second day he was here. It was the  first time he ate a bagel. He was not sure what he was to do, so I told him how I make mine. He didn't get fancy with jelly or anything but I believe his bagel turned out tasty. When he took his first bite, I had to take a picture of it. I felt so excited that it was the first time he ever ate something that I eat almost everyday.  After my friend, Daria and I both finished our bagels I look over to see if Dennis was done with his, he hardly touched it. It seemed like he didn't like it. But through every meal we had together, I realized that he did not eat as much as people in America.
I am very glad Dennis Wendlinger came to stay with us. The experiences I  had with him I will never forget. He will forever be my German Brother! [=