The Hive Happenings

Read the article that Justus, our foreign exchange student, wrote for a newspaper. To see the actual article in German, click the link below!

"Texas is a whole other world"—Justus had thought this even before his flight, and he was absolutely right! In his blog, he shares his adventure, which includes marching band, high school life, playing football, a new family, friends, and, of course, cowboys in America!

Justus (in the middle) was greeted at the airport by his host father (to his right) and several members of the school marching band.

Howdy! I'm Justus... ...16 years old and from Bramsche, near Osnabrück in Lower Saxony. After almost two months here in the U.S. state of Texas, I’ve almost gotten used to saying that I'm from "Meridian"—the small town I can call "home" for ten months, thanks to the 41st Parliamentary Sponsorship Program!

I had dreamed of doing a year abroad for a long time. One of my favorite activities is traveling around Germany and Europe. But I always wanted to see more than what a short trip can reveal about a culture and way of life. I wanted to experience the real life behind the places and people I enjoy visiting, and the only way to do that is over an extended period, which is why I wanted an "exchange year." My fascination with America began on a trip I took with my family as a young boy, and since then, I’ve only dreamed of spending a year here—which the PPP program has now made possible.

Back in Germany, I’ve been very interested and involved in politics for quite some time. Besides debating, I act in theater and swim, but as a cellist, choir singer, and part of a very musical family, one of my greatest passions is music.

I can continue that passion here: I'm part of my school’s marching band, which has made it to the Texas State Championships several times in recent years. This is thanks largely to my host father, who is the band director at my school. Even though it’s just the two of us living in our house, we’re never really alone, as he’s well-connected in the town as a former mayor and through the band. Thanks to all these connections, I truly feel at "home." I've already experienced so, so, SO much here, and I want to take you along on this journey through my blog posts!

From “Moin” to “Howdy” in no time Wow! I’ve been in Texas for about two months now. Whether I like it or not—time is flying just as fast as the plane did. But in this short time, I’ve managed to experience so much, make new friends, and establish a certain normalcy in the hustle and bustle.

With the soundtrack in my heart Right now, everything revolves around our school’s marching band—everything. Alongside daily rehearsals during and after school hours (yes, the school system is different here!), we’re practicing our halftime show for competitions. It can be exhausting, but playing at the "Meridian Yellow Jackets" football games more than makes up for it. The school spirit, which every exchange student hopes for, is so palpable here that it’s almost unbelievable! The fact that our team has lost every game so far doesn’t even matter.

The marching band is also the perfect place to make friends. My year abroad now truly has its own soundtrack!

Wait a second—I’m Homecoming Prince?! The most important football game of all, however, is the Homecoming Game—a typical American event that brings together the entire school, alumni, and even the whole town. Each grade selects two representatives to represent their class—and somehow, I became Homecoming Prince!

After a parade through town with my princess (now a close friend), we were welcomed by cheering crowds at the field. The highlight: A football game that was so close, it went into triple overtime. I still have no idea what was happening on the field, but thanks to our music, the atmosphere was one of the best I’ve ever experienced. And then: The first win of the season by just one point! A moment I’ll never forget.

Between stress and calm, football field and classroom, America and Germany And there have already been many unforgettable moments like this. From a visit to a college and an iconic football game there, to shopping trips, visiting the Kennedy Museum in Dallas, a typical Texas rodeo and BBQ, to relaxing days in the state park or a quick dinner at a fast-food drive-through (only occasionally, of course!)—I keep checking things off my bucket list!

My "second family" here—my host father’s sister, niece, and parents—and the many new friends from all grades have really welcomed me as one of their own. The "community" of this town has also welcomed me with open arms.

Stepping out of my comfort zone—Cultural surprises Of course, my college-level classes at school sometimes get stressful, but most weekends I still find time to do something with friends or acquaintances. I’m often struck by how different Americans are in so many ways compared to us. From simpler things like their openness, warmth, and even "indirectness"—which I might have expected—to completely different social norms like the respect for elders, which is never questioned here, or the reliance on cars just to get from point A to B. I’m always amazed, and sometimes a bit overwhelmed. Even the way they fold their socks is different! Often, it’s best to just accept these differences without questioning everything, even if it means setting aside my usual way of life, because only then can I truly gain something from this year.

Currently, I’m in a phase of self-discovery—in a completely new environment that definitely requires some adaptation. I still remember leaving my family and friends, and I do miss it all—my "old" life in Germany—quite a lot. But after about two months, I’m truly glad to have taken on this challenge.

Take the step to the right beat There’s a phrase I often hear in band: “Take the step or you’ll be runnin’.”

This phrase doesn’t just apply to rehearsals; it also describes my exchange year. Leaving Germany and everything I knew behind to start a completely new life was a risk. But I now know that taking this step was worth it—instead of just going in circles in familiar surroundings!

Now, I’m looking forward to all the new adventures awaiting me, and I can finally say: I’ve arrived in this new world!

Congratulations to Dr. Lizette Paceley on being selected for the Principal Leadership Institute with Region 12 out of Waco. The institute is paid through a fully funded scholarship. It enables leaders to get aligned, focused, and committed to excellence and continuous improvement with building network opportunities with other leaders throughout Region 12. Only 15 principals were selected as part of this prestigious institute.

Meridian FFA members recently participated in the Lorena Jackpot Show. Here are the results:

Bradly Perry- 1st place both rings! (First steer show)

Alex Rodriguez- our goal was to get his steer to the show with out getting anyone hurt and we accomplished that!

Maryn Roberson- 3rd place both rings and the judge remembered her from the last show and told her how much her showmanship has improved!

Elizabeth Brooks- 2nd ring A, 1st ring B, Champion British, Reserve Overall Heifer!

The Center on Disability and Development at Texas A&M University would like to offer training at no cost to Texas parents and caregivers of children up to age 22 with core features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Parents and caregivers will learn how to improve their child's communication skills. This service is provided by a research grant project entitled Coach to Communicate (C2C), sponsored by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

The training includes a 1-hour self-paced webinar that teaches behavioral strategies to increase communication use in children with ASD. Once complete, parents can choose to be paired with a coach for a more intensive 10-week training specific to their child’s communication needs (again, at no cost to parents). Shorter options of 4-7 coaching sessions are also available for parents, if better suited to their needs. Coaching is offered in English, Spanish and Thai.

We have had great experience in working with service providers and would like to develop a partnership with ISDs, schools, parent support groups, and ASD service providers to reach as many families as possible. Thank you for sharing our recruitment materials with parents, service providers, or teachers in your institution or school district. I have enclosed our recruitment materials in English, Spanish and Thai for your review. If you need hard copies of the recruitment materials or have any questions, please feel free to contact us at TAMUAuParent@tamu.edu.

Thanks so much!

Kim Williams

Coach to Communicate

Texas A&M University

• 11/19 - Girl's JV/Varsity Game vs. Cameron (Away)
• 11/21 - Thanksgiving Meal for Middle School & High School Students
• 11/22 - Fun Friday
• 11/22 - Boy's JV/Varsity Game vs Hico (Away)
• 11/26 - Boy's& Girl's JV/Varsity Game vs Riesel (Home)
• 11/25-11/29 - Thanksgiving Break
• 12/02 - JH Girl's Basketball vs Bosqueville (Home)
• 12/02 - JH Boy's Basketball vs Bosqueville (Away)