School: West Lafayette Jr./Sr. High School
Grade: 11
Why did you decide to do IUHPFL?
IUHPFL is a truly unique opportunity to advance my German capabilities, make otherwise-impossible social connections, and learn about life in another country, and one which I am very fortunate to be able to participate in. I have studied German for four years at my high school and have come to love the language. I have a very strong sense of curiosity and will seek out information to broaden my perspectives and become more well-rounded. When I have free time, I enjoy identifying the local flora and fauna in nearby parks and green spaces. Other exchanges to Germany and Japan have greatly fuelled my curiosity about the world and broadened my horizons. I am at an age where considerations of career are becoming increasingly relevant, and blending passions into a career is a priority for me. I am interested in the sciences and accruement of knowledge, ideally for the benefit of others, but want to continue expanding my worldview and experiencing what the world has to offer. Serendipitously, the Max Planck Institutes are leaders in the research of practical applications of plant compounds and located in German-speaking nations. This field is actually the intersection of many: biochemistry, botany, molecular biology, and anthropology all play major roles. While the exchange and subsequently acquired language capabilities may help me to reach this dream career, I am confident I can reap many benefits from it, even if my path turns another way.
What are you most excited about?
I'm looking forward to making connections with my host family and my fellow travellers, as well as experiencing Austrian culture. I haven't spent more than two weeks abroad before, and I'm looking forward to the opportunity to become familiar with both the people and places around me.
What are you most nervous for?
The main thing I think I'll struggle with is grammatical genders, at least when it comes to day-to-day communication. I just hope people will be polite enough to correct me about them!
What is something interesting or unique about you?
In my free time, I like to garden, watch birds, and fly kites.
What is one goal you have for yourself this summer?
I hope to advance my German capabilities enough that I can switch my internal monologue over to German. I get snippets sometimes, but I'd like it to be more consistent.
What’s your favorite German word or saying and why?
My favorite German word is probably "härtnackig", meaning persistent, adamant, or stubborn. It is certainly "painting with sound", and feels exactly like what it describes.