Two core ideals that I try to uphold in my everyday life are belief and dedication. Although some may view it as “easy” to simply say, “okay, I believe in myself,” it is a very different experience when the rewards of this dedication can be seen and appreciated.
One item in which I take pride is this letter from my teacher at my school in Germany where I studied for an entire year. It serves to prove that things that may seem impossible, really do not have to be with enough genuine commitment.
Before traveling abroad for the year, I had almost no experience with the German language. I was nowhere near fluent or even proficient in dealing with many of the cultural and linguistic norms that awaited me. However, I spent my year constantly working to improve every aspect of my transition in Germany. I spoke only German, watched only German shows, and attempted to participate in as many school and local organizations and groups as I could. I felt proud and accomplished nearing the end of my stay abroad and this letter I received reinforced my hard work. I was so glad that others, such as my teachers and fellow peers, could also see my improvement and drive to becoming someone who I wanted to be while in Germany.