She often tells me about local events in our neighborhood, and she also invited me to her birthday party. Her birthday party gave me a chance to meet and talk with many German people. I am grateful to get so much daily German practice at home!
The Schiller Gymnasium community has also been extremely welcoming to me. Since I'm working as an English teaching assistant, I primarily speak English at school. Even though I get less German practice while I'm school, I have still made great connections with the students and teachers. The students have been eager to speak with me and share their interests, especially during the English conversation club that I host on Wednesdays. My 10th grade class generously gave me a large bar of Ritter Sport Chocolate, which is my favorite brand of German chocolate, for my birthday! The teachers regularly ask me about how I'm transitioning to life here in Dresden. I always look forward to my weekly meetings over coffee and cake with my mentor teacher. She has offered support in terms of helping me adjust to my schedule and new teaching responsibilities at the Schiller Gymnasium.
Additionally, I have tried to get involved with communities in Dresden outside of school and my host family. I am playing bass with the Medicanti orchestra, which is a community orchestra in Dresden. The orchestra is made up of people of all ages and from all walks of life. I really enjoy meeting new people at our weekly rehearsals and practicing my German with them. I'm also really looking forward to our upcoming concert in November! I am glad that my interest in music has connected me with other people in Dresden. While German may not be my first language, the language of music connects us all.
