Differences exist between Neenah and Dresden, Germany, but junior Vicky Rehnus is easily transitioning to life here with the help of people and activities, making it feel like home.

Life in Germany for a high schooler is quite different from the typical life of a teen in the United States. As a high school student in Germany, Rehnus recalls not being allowed to speak in class unless spoken to and students are required to sit with their best posture. In contrast, Rehnus describes a typical class at Neenah with a chuckle, students talk and put their feet up on desks; something she would never be able to do in class.

Unlike Neenah, her school does not allow her to choose what classes to take. Even though she does not get to choose everything such as taking English, this is a class she enjoys and has always wanted to improve. Because of this, Rehnus jumped at the opportunity to study in the United States.

Eager to meet new people and learn more about English, she is thrilled to have the chance to be in the United States even if she has never heard of a place called Wisconsin.

“I only live once, and I would like to try all of these new things.”

Coming to Wisconsin has not been the easiest considering the time change, temperature difference and language barrier, but Rehnus is trying to make the most of her experience.

Similar to a fish out of water, Rehnus said many things are completely foreign: she speaks with confusion when describing deep frying food and laughs at calling a water fountain a “bubbler.”

Despite these differences and foreign cultures, not all of the changes have been so bad.

Rehnus loves the outdoors here in Wisconsin. She said more nature exists here than her home in Germany and she likes that. Showing she is truly adapting to life as a Wisconsinite, Rehnus said she loves cheese curds. Trying new foods has not been the only new thing she has tried here.

Rehnus is already involved with activities such as the swim and basketball teams. She said sports are a big part of her feeling like she is home here.

She shared her favorite thing about Neenah — swim team.  

Rehnus said warmly, “It’s very close the swim team and I love the community.”

Her life is easier here because the swim team feels like a new family.

Not only does the swim team help her feel like at home, but so does her host family. She loves to go camping with them and shop with her host sister. Rehnus has become close with her family, which makes transitioning to a brand new place easier. She looks forward to traveling more within the states including to Florida with her host family and to Hawaii for her birthday.

In the future, Rehnus wants to continue her education in Germany to become a history and geography teacher, but right now she is content in the United States.

With a beaming smile Renus closed with, “I am happy here!”