Star Student of the Month, October 2011

Since arriving from Germany in August, Paul has embraced the exchange student experience. Regional Director Fran Kelsey states that Paul “has warmly engaged with his host family, eagerly adapted and ‘jumped in’ to his high school, traveled and explored happily and even given to the community around him.” 

Paul came to Tennessee with an open mind and ready to get involved in actively communicating with his host family and trying new things. With his family, he has thus far enjoyed rock climbing, mountain bike riding, and even plays the drums while at home. Another highlight has been going to cooking school at Viking School and learning to make American pizza. Paul has also had the opportunity to enjoy many new places with his host family including Florida, Washington D.C. and Louisiana, and is looking forward to more adventures in the coming months. 

Paul and his host brother Nathan have been volunteering at an assisted living home. They help with games like BINGO and activities such as Senior Olympics and passing out snacks.  One day they caught a number of fish at the home’s lake and showed them to the residents before tossing the fish back in the water. 

Paul has also opened up with little hesitation to his high school classmates. He was excited to be interviewed and featured in the school newspaper, and particularly enjoyed talking about his friends who take German and often ask Paul to speak so they can hear a true German accent. He also recently attended the Homecoming dance and had a great time with his new friends.