Who am I to tell you?
Who am I to tell you?
Who Am I to tell you?
I have integrated twice, once to Miami, Cuba and once to Switzerland. Ok, maybe Miami isn’t geographically located outside the USA, but believe me, it was a whole new culture for me. I was the only Gringo in SIN (Spanish International Network). I like to think of it as my “pre-integration crash course 101”.
My parents taught me if you want things to change you have to get involved, take part, work and lead. If you don’t get up – you have to shut up! Anybody that knows me would agree; I can’t keep my mouth shut so I have to roll up my sleeves and get to work.
I haven’t only failed. I have mastered some of the hills and valleys of integration but boy has it been a bumpy road. It all started with volunteer work:
My experience proves that if you learn the language, make an effort, respect the way things are done where you live, be friendly and take part - you will be accepted. It won’t happen overnight and it takes effort - but it will happen.
Have you heard the saying, “The grass is always greener on the other side?”
Not true.
“It just gets mowed more!” I agree with the proverb. Please take my tip, don’t mow it on Sundays.
I have integrated twice, once to Miami, Cuba and once to Switzerland. Ok, maybe Miami isn’t geographically located outside the USA, but believe me, it was a whole new culture for me. I was the only Gringo in SIN (Spanish International Network). I like to think of it as my “pre-integration crash course 101”.
My parents taught me if you want things to change you have to get involved, take part, work and lead. If you don’t get up – you have to shut up! Anybody that knows me would agree; I can’t keep my mouth shut so I have to roll up my sleeves and get to work.
I haven’t only failed. I have mastered some of the hills and valleys of integration but boy has it been a bumpy road. It all started with volunteer work:
- Elected to the Protestant Church Board and served as Vice-President for 12 years
- Elected to the St. Gallen Protestant Church Parliament – 4 year term
- Served on various political commissions
- President of FDP Political Party - Gams and the American Women’s Club FL
- Developed events, seminars and projects for our local community including the Annual National Holiday Celebration
- Received my Marketing Degree and Coaching Diploma in German
- Hauswirtschafts Diploma
My experience proves that if you learn the language, make an effort, respect the way things are done where you live, be friendly and take part - you will be accepted. It won’t happen overnight and it takes effort - but it will happen.
Have you heard the saying, “The grass is always greener on the other side?”
Not true.
“It just gets mowed more!” I agree with the proverb. Please take my tip, don’t mow it on Sundays.