Welcome to America

Standley Lake High School's German classes are hosting a wonderful group of exchange students from Germany this month. My daughter Nicole Hamling is one of the students participating in the program. What an experience sharing our home with Sibylle Wilfling has been! I want to take a moment to thank Mr. Pokorny the German teacher at Standley Lake HS from whom my daughter is learning so much. With out his dedication and enthusiasm this exchange program would never have survived the road blocks since Sept. 11, 2001.

To avoid the lethargy of jet lag we were up bright and early on their first day in America for a tour of the State Capitol, a rare trip to the top of the Qwest building and other sight seeing in Denver.

At the Capitol we were given a brief description of the rich history and beautiful design of the building. Then we were in for a real treat. Representative Debbie Benefield, the state representative for the Standley Lake area, took us to the gallery and talked to us about what would happen when the House went into session. She wore red so once she went onto the floor we could easily spot her. Jane Goff, a retired Jeffco teacher and current aid for Benefield, shared pamphlets with the group outlining how a bill becomes a law and other legislative information. There was a lot of interest in the political parties, who is in the majority and how they sit across the aisle from each other.

Benefield introduced our group at the opening of the session and all the representatives acknowledged us with applause. I believe the Germans were happy to have such a warm welcome, but perhaps they were most impressed by the "man who talks so fast". He sits below the Speaker of the House and reads roll call and bills. Kind of like an auctioneer. They laughed and said they couldn't understand a word he said. Don't worry I said neither can I.

Then it was up to the 53 rd floor of the Qwest building. Wow, all of Denver was laid out at our feet. Sybille told us that Germany does not have many tall buildings like that and definitely not in the small town of Deggendorf where she attends school.

During this day I became more and more impressed by how much the German students do understand. Sybille's English is amazing, a little proper but everyday I notice she picks up more "American" English. The jury is still out whether or not this is a good thing-I hope she doesn't begin to say "like" every other word! Walking down the streets of Denver I noticed how I couldn't tell the German teenagers from the American teenagers. Talking and laughing with friends. Lots of jeans.

Oh but there are differences. I ask Sibylle a million questions. How long is your school day? Shorter, but there are many activities and more home work. Do you have a job? No, not many German students do, school work is more important.

I will never have enough time to ask all my questions, but I have already learned so much. Willkommen in Amerika.