TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
Anton Krueckels What has been your favorite
experience in the United States? I would say my favorite experience here was my first NFL football game when I went to see the Cowboys in Dallas. I’ve been to big stadiums in Germany, but the Cowboys stadium blew my mind. They don’t have football in Germany, so this whole experience was so unique and amazing for me. Why did you want to become a foreign exchange student? I always wanted to become a foreign exchange student because it was a great opportunity for me to grow, to experience a different culture, and to meet new people. I was curious about how other people live. It’s a terrifying thing to leave your home and your family for one year, but it’s also very exciting. What was your opinion of the United States before you came here? In Germany, we experience quite a bit of American culture through social media, movies and music. Germany was always boring to me because I’ve lived there my whole life, and America just seemed so much more exciting and fun—especially American high school. But I can’t lie to you. I had my stereotypes, especially about Texas. I thought it was just a bunch of cowboys with guns. Have you learned new habits or traditions that you want to take back home with you when you go? I really liked the Thanksgiving food, so I can see myself trying to cook turkey and dressing for Thanksgiving. I also liked all the Christmas lights that people put up. I’ll do that in Germany. What have you learned about yourself through this experience? I have learned that I am capable of leaving everything behind and starting all over. You need to literally step out of your comfort zone and leave your family, friends and everything that you considered home.
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COMMUNITY & CULTURE
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