One student came all the way to Wylie, Texas, with a completely different background, to participate in a foreign exchange program and became a part of the Raider Nation. Junior Gundula Braun, is moving back to Germany at the end of this year.

 When Braun first arrived in America, she was surprised by the mere size of things.

“When I arrived, I noticed that everything here is so huge,” Braun said. “The cars, the schools, even drinks were bigger than what I’m used to seeing.”

French teacher Becky Richards spent a lot of time with Braun as her teacher and friend.

“[Gundula] is willing to try things and adapts easily,” Richards said. “She gives me a glimpse into my daughter Taela’s future. They look a lot alike.”

 When Braun is back in Germany she plans to keep in contact with friends and loved ones through Facebook, Skype and email.

“I will really miss my host family, all my friends and the warm Texas weather, but I’ll also miss how easy school is here compared to German schools,” Braun said

With the end of the year quickly approaching, plans for the last day are already in the works.

“I’m probably going to spend [my last day in America] with my host family and maybe some good friends,” Braun said.

Being away for so long, language barriers may present a problem after she returns home.

 “I already recognized that I forgot some words in German and that it’s hard for me to start a ‘German conversation’ when I’m in an English environment,” Braun said.

After a year in America, Braun will bid farewell to her host family and friends.

“[I’m excited] to see my family and friends. Just being in my normal environment, being familiar with everyone and everything,” Braun said. “And the German food.”

Richards plans to have a small goodbye party for Braun to make some last memories before she returns to Germany.

“[My favorite memory with Gundula was when] We were trying to make fondue with grape juice instead of wine and giving her Vernor’s (a Ginger ale) to drink at the senior Christmas party,” Richards said.