Logan Schlossberg
Staff Writer
Being new to a school can be challenging, but Michelle Kittner, a new former exchanged student from Germany, begs to differ. Surrounded by all the friendly faces, Mira Costa’s school spirit, and helpful teachers, Michelle believes that Mira Costa is easy to adapt to.
Michelle Kittner is a junior from Munster, Germany . She came to live with extended family here in California, and is attending Costa for one semester. After transferring from an all girls private school to a co-ed public school, much has changed here for Michelle. Many things at Mira Costa have caught Michelle’s attention, including the practice of the Pledge of Allegiance; Michelle has only positive things to say about her journeys through her new school.
“I like that there is a school spirit and everyone seems cheerful. Everybody treats me well and respects me. The teachers are great and neat with their work,” said Kittner.
In Germany , Michelle attends Marienschule which is a German high school and lives with her parents and younger sister, Natalie. Michelle was very surprised when she saw her first Pep Rally and the large amount of school spirit. Her favorite class here at Costa is Spanish and finds it very interesting.
“Michelle is a wonderful young lady; at her age she shows confidence and self determination. She is a great student!” said Michelle’s favorite teacher Ms. McKee.
Though it is strange to be going from private to public school, Michelle feels comfortable especially when she has her cousin, Emily, by her side. Emily Rogers, a sophmore at Costa, agrees that Michelle is adjusting to her new lifestyle very well.
“It’s really great to have Michelle staying with my family and I think she’s adapting very well and quickly to her new high school this semester,” said sophmore Emily Rogers.
In the fourth grade, Michelle decided along with her parents where to be placed for the rest of her schooling. All the girls in Michelle’s school have the chance of going to college. Kids that don’t make it to schools like Michelle’s, don’t have much of an educational future.
“Michelle has adapted really easily to life in America and the customs. She is really easy going and is becoming just as laidback as all the other Californians here,” said Michelle’s aunt, Amelia Rogers.
Marienschule has a very organized system. Michelle stays in one classroom all day as the teachers come to the students. Another thing that is very “American” to Michelle is her locker which she never had at Marienschule.
“It’s great to see Michelle and others talk about their different cultures. Michelle is doing a great job and adapting very quickly to the American lifestyle,” said Michelle’s uncle, Karl Rogers.
After this semester, Michelle plans on going to Spain to finish her last semester of eleventh grade then to return home. She hasn’t seen her parents and sister in about 8 weeks, and says she misses them dearly.
“It’s really great that I get to travel out of my country and visit new places. I get such a great opportunity to learn about new cultures and new languages when I’m away from my home,” said Kittner.
Mira Costa has a lot to offer Michelle and she’ll take every chance she gets to make her visit memorable. Michelle hopes that her fellow students will help make her as comfortable as possible.
“I really like Costa because the whole atmosphere is amazing. I love the students, and there are many interesting people I meet every day. I also love going to my classes because there’s always something exciting going on. I love the American way of life,” said Kittner.
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