Nicola Stieneker

We chose Nicola from a vast group of CBYX students.  Once we talked and exchanged emails pictures and even Facebook, we knew we made the right decision!  She wasn't just an Exchange Student; she was a part of our family.

Meeting her at the airport was a great time for us and our toddler son.  There was so much we wanted to show her.  Over the months now, we have shown her all what Minnesota has to offer, not just the cold and snow.  Nicola had joined sports at school and social clubs.  One of which she found as her favorite. The Creative Writing club was an opportunity for her to share her thoughts in writing.  Gifted already as a novice author, Nicola is a freelance young journalist in her native Ibburen, Germany.  During her stay here she writes about her times and trials as an exchange student sharing both the Minnesota experience, but also the American culture.  Even though there have been days she is down, misses her friends and family at home or just needed a cheer up hug, Nicola has not let her homesickness affect her true feelings that come out with her exceptional writing skills.  Coming to America has helped Nicola with her writing while learning how American families really live, not just what the movies may portray.
 
Nicola has given our toddler son the chance to learn German as Andreas is from Germany as well.  This has been a good opportunity to expose our son to his culture without having to travel abroad ourselves.  Having Nicola as a part of our family has brought Germany into our home - the language, culture, cuisine, and International friendship. 
 
Around Thanksgiving we were blessed with the birth of our infant daughter, Amber.  Nicola was a part of the excitement and wonder of what a new infant brings.  Nicola has learned and quickly adapted to infant life - eat, sleep, diapers, and more sleep.  Nicola handled the change very well. 
 
Now that our family is complete, we are looking forward to what spring holds for us.  We are trying to plan as many things to do before the day arrives that we have to say goodbye. 
 
We dread the day that Nicola has to return home to Germany.  Regardless, we have a daughter who has left footprints in our hearts forever!
 
The Schmieg Family
Andover, MN