What and where do you teach? Do you sponsor any clubs at your school?
I am the German teacher at Plainfield High School. I teach four levels of German, but I am also licensed to teach Spanish. I am also the sponsor of the school's German Club.
What is your favorite thing about teaching German?
I love grammar! I initially started out studying to be a math teacher, but I didn't want to have to deal with standardized testing, so I switched to German. To me, building sentences is like building and using math equations. It makes, sense and I love watching students figure it all out. Watching that connection happen in their brain and being able to apply it to new situations is so fun to watch.
How many of your students have participated in IUHPFL over the years?
Over the last three sessions, I have had 12 students apply and all be accepted. In the end, I have had six students actually participate, two students each year.
Why do you encourage your students to participate in IUHPFL?
I encourage my students to participate because at this point in my personal life, I am not at the capacity to organize and take students on trips to German-speaking countries. This is their chance to travel before leaving high school as well as improve their language skills and show off to the rest of their classmates.
What benefits or changes do you see for/in your students when they return from the program?
I love seeing their confidence grow! I have had outgoing students as well as more introverted students participate in IUHPFL, and seeing the change not only in their German-language confidence but just in their overall personal self-esteem is astounding. They take more language risks and put themselves out there without feeling afraid to make mistakes. And when they do make mistakes, they are able to roll with it much better and remember it for next time.
If you had advice for students considering the program, what would it be?
My main advice is to not be afraid. Most students don't apply or end up not going once accepted due to money constraints or being afraid to give up their phones. Don't be afraid to ask for donations from family members and family friends to sponsor this amazing opportunity. Don't be afraid to ask your language teacher for help applying for financial aid and scholarships. Don't be afraid to get a job or work more hours. Don't be afraid to trade attachment to your phone for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Don't be afraid to miss out on what's going on back home. Don't be afraid to make new experiences without the pressure to share it all over social media. This is a rare opportunity, so take it!