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German student in Poland already learning new things
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Ashley Luthern | The VindicatorAdam Knight, 14, and his brother Jared Knight, 9, have welcomed their new “sister” from Germany, 16-year-old Miriam “Mimi” Schenkirz. Schenkirz is attending Poland Seminary High School this year and staying with the Knight family.
One Poland Seminary High School student traveled about 4,300 miles over 21 hours for her first day of class.
Miriam “Mimi” Schenkirz, 16, of Berlin, Germany, is living with Gordon and Linda Knight and their sons Jared, 9, and Adam, 14, of Poland. She arrived Aug. 19 and will stay for 10 months through a program with Youth for Understanding.
“They don’t know German, but I will teach them,” Mimi said.
She spoke English before she arrived and has added many words to her vocabulary such as “lettuce.”
Mimi said she hasn’t experienced too much culture shock since her arrival.
“Before I came here, I thought all Americans went to church every day and that they were all fat,” she said, adding she was surprised that only American music is broadcast on local radio stations.
Mimi said her love of travel and exploring various cultures prompted her to study abroad.
High school guidance counselor Judy Volosin said the school usually hosts two exchange students every year. Nathan Wang from China also is studying at Poland this year.
“It’s an eye-opening experience for both,” said Volosin. “We’re not very diverse, and it’s great for our kids to meet someone from another part of the world.”
Linda said the family has enjoyed hosting Mimi.
“We knew through the program materials that she liked snow-skiing, and so does our family,” Linda said. “Plus, it’s nice to have another girl around besides Holly [the family dog].”
The Knight family plans to show Mimi other parts of the U.S., such as Philadelphia and New York City.
Mimi communicates with her mom in Berlin using the Internet programs Skype and Facebook.
“Sometimes I get homesick, but I get to make new friends here,” Mimi said.