My first week in Deutsch schule

This week at school, I was primarily with two groups of people...

The first, was grade thirteen, or form thirteen as it's called here. This form is made up of peers who are around my age and at the same step in life as I am. They are each preparing to take their Abitur, so that they can continue on with university and do as they please in the world. This test is hard, making the lessons they learn very difficult and forcing them to spend much time in school and on schoolwork. They each have much to focus on within their own lives, but have made sure to be very kind to me as well. I am thankful for every one of them and their willingness to open up to me and be my friend. Each day, I sit through lessons that I don't understand a single word of, but the students around me make sure to explain whatever I ask about. During breaks, they help me learn vocabulary step by step, so someday I may be able to be as active in class as they are. They have already begun to invite me to any activities they do outside of class and will soon have me fully immersed in German teen culture. I am excited for my year with them, and am sure many of the memories we make will last a lifetime.

The second group of people is made up of the students in form one. At ages five through seven they obviously have much lower maturity and a more simple purpose than I do, but their German is at a much higher level than mine is. Although they seemed intimidated by me at first, they have quickly warmed up to the idea that it is nice of them to help me learn their language. Today, as I was sitting in a small chair, at a small desk, surrounded by small people, two boys made sure to check on me frequently, and make sure I wasn't having any trouble translating an activity book they could have done years ago. They asked me many questions about things I like and where I come from, and were patient with me when I needed to use a dictionary or the teacher's help to answer them. It was nice to have my first German conversation, even if it was very broken and with seven year olds, and I hope they remember me in a way that will keep their little minds open to the world forever.