Ranger PRIDE at Forest Hills is a commonly shared aspect of students’ school lives. Each time someone enters Central, Eastern, or Northern high schools, students are immediately hit with an overwhelming sense of gratification. For junior Caroline Borchers, this was one of the biggest culture shocks after coming from Germany, given that it is unusual for kids to bond in a community to this degree.
“It was interesting to see that [FHC] has ‘Ranger PRIDE,’” Caroline said. “Because, in Germany, you only really go to club sports rather than whole school sports. [For example], at the football games, [at FHC], you have songs and cheerleaders, and students cheer for your entire school. It’s not just for your club or for your friends.”
The decision to come to Michigan from Germany was a huge one, and Caroline had to readily prepare for it. Between the language and cultural differences that come with being an exchange student, she was also forced to meet new people. This experience opened her eyes to many new things.
“The whole experience of coming here by myself and knowing almost no one here,” Caroline said, “Plus being all by myself, I had to be open-minded and meet new people. In all of my sports, I had to meet new people and step out of my comfort zone. It was nice.”
Not only was Caroline excited to do this program, but with the support of her parents, it made the process thousands of times easier. Additionally, knowing her host family made the transition to a new place just that much easier. Between all the minor inconveniences that come with trying to come into the States, because of the welcoming environment and the things she’s learned, it has made the whole thing worth it.
“It’s not an easy decision, because you’re moving away from your family for ten months without seeing them,” Caroline said. “But my parents have always been very supportive of that, and I knew that it was going to be a fun experience. I hoped it would be, and I think it is. Of course, there’s a big process with signing all the papers and stuff, but it’s definitely worth doing.”
In general, the experience of being an exchange student is positive. An entirely new world opened up to Caroline, and for other students, it can most definitely be the same. Immersing yourself so willingly into another country, knowing no one, can be extremely beneficial for your character, and Caroline supports it.
“[Being an exchange student] definitely makes you a better person,” Caroline said. “It makes you learn more about yourself and other cultures and countries, too. It’s truly beautiful.”
The next steps for Caroline include going back to Germany and eventually studying medicine. Her interest in science comes from her love for interaction with other people who are different from her. Living in America, away from home, has only further solidified this decision.
“I would love to do something in the medical field and be a doctor,” Caroline said. “No one in my family is involved in that field, so it’s a little unusual, but I like helping other people out. Especially helping them with my own knowledge, and because they’re in a situation where they’re vulnerable. I love the thought of helping people. Meeting new people and having to be socially interactive has made me want to become a doctor even more.”
All in all, through Caroline’s experiences in swimming and running, joining in on a sense of Ranger PRIDE, and becoming a member of the Forest Hills community, she truly recommends others to do the same as her, even if they aren’t in a position to necessarily move. Having a similar mindset is so powerful, allowing you to see and immerse yourself in things that didn’t even seem like an option.
“For underclassmen and anyone really, stay open-minded and get involved in sports,” Caroline said. “Have fun and enjoy the time, because time goes by so fast.”
