Congratulations Nacel Open Door Star, Mackenzie!

Nacel Open Door (NOD) is excited to introduce one of our amazing Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) students and a Nacel Open Door Star, Mackenzie of Aiken, South Carolina! Mackenzie is one of our CBYX Vocational scholarship winners for the current 2024-2025 year.

As part of the CBYX Vocational Program, students immerse themselves in academics, work experience, and cultural exchange, embracing new perspectives and build meaningful connections. In her own words, Mackenzie reflects on her journey so far and the personal growth that comes with stepping outside her comfort zone.
 

“So far my CBYX journey has been more than just exciting. It has been fulfilling, endearing, and genuinely eye opening. Obviously, as many of us know, there is more to the world than just the one we see outside our bedroom window or the plethora of videos we see on social media. However, it's because of this physical and digital confinement that leads many of us to subconsciously believe that a place elsewhere than where we are currently is just a romanticized ideal far away; somewhere where we may never have the privilege to see or to be, especially because of circumstance. This program has completely deflated this idea many of us have inherited, and I could never be more thankful.

I always knew even as a young child that I want to visit different cultures and environments, and I subjected myself to this in as many different ways as I could as a child that were attainable at the time—books, pictures, and songs from different countries. Throughout high school, I remember always being entertained by the idea of a gap year, or at least doing something worthwhile before settling down with college for the next four years. I was told by multiple different people I looked up to that it was a terrible idea; scholarships would possibly have to be sacrificed, I may not want to come back and begin college, or "worse," what if I end up somewhere where I don't want to leave and it's far away from family? While these were all notable concerns to take into consideration, there was always something that valued the "what if" aspect of this possibility no matter which direction it led. It wasn't until my senior year I was encouraged to apply for this specific Vocational Program through the CBYX. As you may guess, it was my delightful German teacher who insisted I apply and was determined to get any materials I needed gathered for me. In a sense, it was a breath of fresh air to see someone so determined for me to do something so outside of the traditional path of high school graduation. It was a motivating initiative to at least try.

Since being here, I can confidently say I have had the fortune of meeting such genuinely kind people. While we may not always understand one another, that's part of the beauty that comes with embracing a new culture. It's reassuring to know that you're learning something new as this is often what discomfort offers. The month of October has brought along so much possibility. Moving to a new family and learning their region, being exposed to the Alemannisch dialect, and having the opportunity to adopt a "los ghet's" mindset and try a variety of new things. For example, in South Carolina there were never too many places to explore or hike, as anything worthwhile always seemed to either be 3+ hours away or entirely in another state. However, here in Baden-Wurttemberg, it seems I can just step outside and find something interesting to walk to. There's plenty of small gems to uncover, which is what I've found most charming about Germany as a whole. 

There was also the opportunity to help teach English in Freiburg for a week during the "Halloween English Academy" sponsored by the Carl Schurz Haus, which will forever be such a memorable experience. The children there were so unlike pre-teens I had met in the U.S. While they were still definitely within their age range, there was a maturity in them that you typically don't find in students until their sophomore year. And while this was a collection of small things, such as the ability to maintain even the slightest bit of order, it surprised me how shocking this was as a whole. But regardless, these kids were so eager to learn and had an undying willingness to participate. It really highlighted the joys that come with working with children.

In regards to my specific interest, sustainability, I'm thankful to have such a variety of different ways to see how this is portrayed in Germany. My first initial impression was the trash sorting and the ability to recycle, which is something completely new as we have no recycling services in South Carolina. My current host father also has a great interest and experience in regards to sustainability—solar panel technology, a water turbine (which he built himself), and also a small wind turbine (he also made this!). Together, it produces 95% of our electricity organically. I never knew such a combination would be possible, but he's impressed me through and through and has even taken the time to attempt to explain all of its mechanics. At the end of the day, it has been such an astounding opportunity to see inside a real family's everyday life, much less being welcomed with open arms.”

Thank you, Mackenzie, for being a NOD star and standout U.S. Ambassador!

The CBYX Vocational Scholarship offers American high school seniors the chance to spend the year after graduation in Germany. Participants immerse themselves in German language and culture while attending a German high school, gaining hands-on experience through internships, and living with a host family. The 2025-26 CBYX Vocational Scholarship application is open now through December 2, 2024, and all U.S. students are encouraged to apply!