News from Neuss!

Hannah, Dan, and I in Neuss at the Reception

Over the weekend we had another meeting of the group of Americans that have the same scholarship (VDAC) as I do. It was a great chance for us to see each other again and to have another great experience! We went to an award ceremony honoring our American Ambassador in Dusseldorf where he was awarded the General-Lucius-D.- Clay medal. Some of the past recipients include members of Congress, the Bundestag, an astronaut, even the Chancellor of Germany (Angela Merkel).  The students who returned from the United States from the school year 2011-2012 were also given awards for their accomplishments!

For more information on General Lucius D. Clay, look here: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/airlift/peopleevents/p_clay.html

After the ceremony we were treated to an amazing dinner and some drinks! The food, as always, was delicious and I overate. (No surprise!)

Fire Up Chips! CMU Students & German Students from '11 - '12

We took advantage of being Dusseldorf being in the area, so after the reception we got changed and went into the city to check out the night life. Staying with the group, we found a place we could all fit (which is difficult when we were about 20 people on a busy night!) and had a couple of drinks together. Because we all had to get up early that day to get to Neuss, we were tired “early” in the night and went back to our hostel to get some sleep. 

Dan - Myself - Sarah in Dusseldorf

Sunday started with breakfast and then we all met up for a meeting with one of the Foreign Service Officers that is currently working in Dusseldorf. He explained the process of becoming an officer- of the 20 000 that apply, only 2% will receive a job in the service, as well as his experiences being an FSO. He’s lived in several countries all over the world, helped hundreds (if not thousands) of people, and has had a great career! It really got me thinking about what it would be like to be an FSO, but I’m not sure it’s the job for me! Was great to hear about the opportunities within the government for those who are interested in foreign affairs! 

The International School Where We Met with the FSO