In my nearly 21 years, I have never stepped foot out of the
continental United States. I am ready for an adventure across the world; an
adventure that I hope will help me develop as a person, both culturally and intellectually.
I know this may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for myself, so I am taking
full advantage. I also have a secret love for history. Starting in middle
school, I became obsessed with World War II. I loved learning about the war and
would take every possible opportunity to enhance my historical knowledge. The number of history books I have
read is absurd, documentary watching could have been considered my part-time
job, and my dreams of eventually visiting the land of World War II were
plentiful. Those dreams are finally coming true. In just six months’ time, I
will be in a country rich with history and culture that has held my interest
for much of my life. I will be visiting cities which held momentous events of
World War II, and will visit significant landmarks from the country’s history.
Landmarks such as the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Berlin Wall will
be a few among many on my list of sights to see.
The Reichstag, current meeting place of the German
Parliament, is pictured above. The bottom photo, from 1945, displays a Red Army
soldier hoisting the hammer and sickle flag on top of the Reichstag building,
signifying the seize and control of Berlin. The end of the Second World War
would follow soon after. I greatly appreciate this photo because it is
demonstrating just how close the end of the war is; Berlin has been occupied by
the Soviets and the Germans are on their last stand.
During my time in Germany, I anticipate to further enhance
my knowledge of the country’s deep history and culture. I hope to come away
from this trip with a much more well-rounded understanding of Germany’s
history, since I have focused almost solely on World War II in my personal
studies. I expect to be well informed on topics such as Martin Luther, World
War II, the division of Germany, and the unification of East and West Germany,
as well as the development of religious architectural styles throughout the
country. That brings me to my next reason for choosing Germany. Architecture is
yet another topic which I have much interest in. The unique styles and designs of
German castles and cathedrals are absolutely fascinating to me. Pictured below
is the Erfurt Cathedral (left) and St. Severus Church (right), both of which I
hope to visit. I believe they are both beautiful structures that can only be
truly appreciated in person.
I am beyond excited for our time in Germany. Beyond the
educational experiences I will obtain, I hope to simply have a great time, in a
great country, with some great people. I am very much looking forward to our three
months together in Germany.
Until then.
Zum Wohl!
Word Count: 498
Word Count: 498
