Scheetz Returns from a Year in Berlin

Peyton Robicheau and McKenzie Browne

November 12, 2013

Last year, Gretchen Scheetz, who is now a senior, decided to take a year away from her friends and family here in Coopersburg and spend a year in Berlin, Germany.

“It was an absolutely amazing experience,” Scheetz said. “I think that it is something everyone should do.”

She had fun learning the language and culture, as well as exploring different sights and meeting new people from all over the world.

There were many things that Gretchen had to get used to while living in Germany. For example, the schooling in Germany is different than it is here in America.

“In [a German] school you have 15 subjects,” she said, “and the length of your school day is different every day.”

Gretchen started her school day everyday at 8:00 am, and finished it at 2:30 pm, which is very similar to our schedule here at Southern Lehigh. A big difference in Germany was if the teacher was sick, then there was no class that day.

When she first arrived in Germany, Gretchen was not yet fluent in the language. However, it did not take her long to be fluent. “I was fluent in about six months,” Scheetz said.

To help teach herself some German slang words, Gretchen watched the famous American show “Jersey Shore” in German.

Another big difference between the cultures are the laws in Germany are a lot different than they are here. The age to drive there is 18, so Gretchen was not able to do so. Most of the time, she would take the train to get to where she needed to go.

When asked if she plans to visit Germany again, Scheetz said, “Yes! I’m hoping to go back this summer for at least a month and plan on continuing to go back in the future.”

Gretchen’s parents were happy to let Gretchen go to Germany for a year, after they looked at all the possibilities that it offered.

“I don’t know any parent that would send their child off to another country without some trepidation and worry,” Gretchen’s mother Jill Scheetz said, “and when that child is a 16-year old daughter there’s only that much more worry.”

“We hosted exchange students in the past,” Phil Scheetz, Gretchen’s father, said. “We knew Gretchen would not only learn another language and culture, but that she would mature a lot during the year.”

Both of Gretchen’s parents put their trust in her host parents and her Rotary counselor for this experience. They helped return her home a year later safe and sound, full of once-in-a-lifetime memories and experiences.

About the Contributors

Peyton Robicheau, Staff Reporter

Peyton Robicheau was a reporter for the Spotlight for one year. During high school, she participated in Key Club and was a two-year participant in track and field and girls’ lacrosse.

Outside of school, she enjoys watching Netflix, eating Thai food, and spending time with her friends and boyfriend.

Next year, Peyton will be attending Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) in the fall. She

isn’t exactly sure what she wants to do yet, but is excited to graduate high school and start new things. Peyton hopes to continue working at her job at White Orchid and spending time with her two kittens.

In the future, Peyton hopes to settle down and have a family, but not before she has spent her time enjoying life.

McKenzie Browne, Entertainment Editor

McKenzie Browne was part of the Spotlight Staff for four years and an editor for three. She has made a significant impact on the newspaper as editor of the Entertainment and Features pages. Apart from writing articles and slaving over InDesign, Kenzie boasts an impressive background in the sport of inline speed skating. Since speed skating is not in the Olympics yet, she has to compete to qualify for the USA World Team, which she has done for the past three years. She has traveled the globe while competing in the World Championships where she is ranked as the 12th fastest junior sprinter. Being a world-renowned athlete is no easy task, for McKenzie gets no “off days.” She works out daily and can squat up to 270 pounds. It is rumored that she wrestles bears in her free time and can beat up any boy that is willing to take on the challenge. Excluding writing, editing, and skating, McKenzie takes interest in media and entertainment. She recently read the Divergent series, and it quickly became her favorite. It has inspired McKenzie to become fearless and brave in order to one day become a part of the Dauntless faction. Her favorite television shows include “Boy Meets World,” “Breaking Bad,” “How I Met Your Mother,” and “Dexter.” With television shows come with deep, long analysis sessions with Mrs. Spritzer and Dana during class. Although she may not agree with their opinions, the discussion sessions continue to be something to look forward to. Kenzie also enjoys the city of Philadelphia. Along with being THE number one fan of the Flyers, Eagles, and Phillies, she also enjoys going to concerts. She’s seen a variety of artists in venues across the Philly area. Favorite artists that she’s seen live are Mike Stud, Huey Mack, and Maroon 5. McKenzie Browne’s pure awesomeness and impressive achievements are evident. During the next few years of her life, she will take her talent and completely involve herself in skating. She will take an adventure to Salt Lake City, Utah, to try ice speed skating and hopefully train for the 2018 Winter Olympics. McKenzie’s favorite teachers during her time at Southern Lehigh have been Mrs. Spritzer, Mr. Dow, and Mr. Skrapits. Her favorite memories include the three years she spent with her Chinese class, winning districts in lacrosse junior year, and of course all the time she spent with the Spotlight staff. “Being a part of The Spotlight the past four years has been incredible. Even though the stress of spending four hours after school putting the paper together was awful, I’m going to miss doing it for some strange reason,” she said. “Maybe it’s because I will miss my fellow editors, Dana, Cody, and Kylie, who have been there through everything. Oh, and of course, Spritz!” McKenzie made a huge impact not only in the newspaper, but in our hearts. The Spotlight Staff wishes her the best of luck in her future escapades and hopes to see her doing bigger and better things.