Friederike shares her culture and connects with peers in a unique way at her highly competitive performing arts high school in Los Angeles. She volunteers helping vocal conservatory students translate their scripts into German and teaches pronunciation for their performances. Through these activities, Friederike exposes her American classmates to the German language, while also bonding with them through music and arts.
Following a competitive casting process, Friederike performed in her school’s Spring production of “A Parody of 12 Incompetent Jurors.” With a passion for acting, Friederike appreciates the performing arts focus at her host school, the frequent rehearsals, and serious approach by students.
Friederike is also actively engaged in her host community by volunteering with several organizations such as The Whole Child, a non-profit providing housing and support services for homeless and underprivileged youth and families in California. As part of her service, she organized a Halloween party for 60 children from war-torn countries seeking asylum, many of whom have faced severe abuse. Friederike led games and facilitated art therapy for the group, and also helped to coordinate toy drives and a parade for the community.
She says, “My exchange year is helping me understand that no matter where you go, you will find connections if you stay open and not judgmental.”
Congratulations, Friederike!
