by Sarah Frost & Hermine Kaltofen
On 10th of December, we had the special opportunity to welcome Jack Lombardo to our English class. Jack, originally from New York, USA, has been living in Germany for about two years now. His journey to Germany is particularly remarkable: at the age of 16, he participated in a student exchange program in Germany, where he not only fell in love with the German culture but also with the country itself. Today, Jack teaches at a school in Friedrichshain, Berlin, and during his visit, he shared numerous personal experiences with us, offering insights into both American and German perspectives, which expanded our understanding of the differences and similarities between the two countries.
Jack’s Early Years and the American Education System
At the beginning of his talk, Jack shared stories about his youth and school years in the USA. It quickly became clear how different the education system in the USA is compared to Germany. One of the main topics Jack discussed was the university application process. In the USA, getting into university is highly competitive, and it is not just about grades, but also about extracurricular activities, standardized test scores, and personal essays. Jack explained how difficult it was for him to be accepted into a university. The process is not only stressful but can also be financially burdensome for many students. Jack spoke openly about the high costs of a higher education in the USA and how the system often favors students who come from wealthier backgrounds. He emphasized that university tuition in the US can cost tens of thousands of dollars per year, which makes higher education inaccessible for many families. Jack’s own experience was an exception. He was able to attend the University of Alabama only because of a sports scholarship he had earned, which he felt was a significant stroke of luck.
The Pullitag Tradition and College Life in the USA
Jack also introduced us to some unique traditions within the American school system, including the “Pullitag.” This event occurs each year when high school seniors wear sweatshirts or other apparel from the university they will attend after graduation. The Pullitag is a tradition meant to symbolize the next step in the students’ academic journey. For many students, this is a proud and exciting moment as it reflects their acceptance into higher education institutions, something they have worked toward throughout their school years. Jack explained that this event is highly anticipated and marks a major milestone for American students, who often take great pride in being able to show off the school they’ll be attending.
Sports Scholarships and the Demands of College Life
A particularly interesting aspect of Jack’s experience was his journey to earning a sports scholarship. He specialized in a sport called “rowing,” a form of athletic discipline that demands both skill and endurance. To maintain his scholarship and his place at the University of Alabama, Jack had to train intensively every single day. This meant not only having to excel in his studies, but also dedicating many hours to physical training. He explained how demanding it was to balance academics with athletics and how every training session and every match was vital to keeping his scholarship. His story underscored the high level of discipline required to succeed in such a competitive environment. Jack reflected on how the pressure to perform both academically and athletically was immense, but it also taught him valuable life lessons about perseverance and hard work.
The Reality of Gun Violence and School Shootings in the USA
One of the most sobering parts of Jack’s talk was when he addressed the issue of school shootings in the United States. Tragically, shootings in schools have become a disturbingly regular occurrence in the USA, and Jack spoke openly about his personal experiences with this issue. He shared with us that he had narrowly escaped two shootings during his time in school, which deeply affected him. These stories were not just alarming; they were a stark reminder of the reality many American students face. Jack explained that for many in the USA, school shootings have become so common that they no longer shock people in the way they should. He emphasized how schools often practice drills to prepare for such events, something that is part of daily life in many parts of the country. This led to a discussion on gun control in the USA, a topic that remains one of the most divisive and controversial issues in American politics.
The Gun Culture in the USA
Jack’s insights into the American gun culture were equally eye-opening. He told us how, in the United States, it is not uncommon for people to own firearms, even from a young age. Many of his friends had guns, which is a reality that many people outside of the USA may find difficult to understand. The widespread access to firearms, combined with the relative lack of stringent regulations, has led to a dangerous situation in which guns are easily available to those who may not be qualified or responsible enough to own them. For Jack, this was a deeply unsettling aspect of American life. It made him question the safety of public spaces and institutions, including schools. Coming from a country with far stricter gun laws, Jack found the relaxed approach to gun ownership in the USA deeply troubling, and it was something he had to adapt to when he moved back to the States after his time in Germany.
Experiencing Schools in Germany: A Cultural Shock
When Jack moved to Germany, he was struck by how different the school environment was. In the USA, schools are often locked down and have heightened security measures in place. In contrast, Jack was surprised to find that schools in Germany are open and not guarded by security personnel. This was a cultural shock for him, and at first, he felt uneasy about the lack of security. He even mentioned that he sometimes still feels uncomfortable with the lack of visible protection in German schools. This insight provided a compelling contrast between the two countries’ approaches to school safety. While Jack acknowledged the risks present in the USA, he also expressed admiration for the trust that German society places in its education system, as evidenced by the open nature of its schools.
The Political Situation in the USA Under Donald Trump
Finally, Jack spoke about the political situation in the USA, particularly the presidency of Donald Trump. He expressed his concerns about the future of the country under Trump’s leadership and the way certain policies were shaping the national landscape. Jack explained how Trump’s presidency had caused significant division within the country, with many Americans deeply concerned about the direction the country was headed. He also shared his concerns about the people Trump nominated for important government positions, many of whom had troubling backgrounds, including allegations of sexual misconduct and other criminal histories. Jack stressed that these appointments were part of a broader pattern of disregard for ethics and competence in favor of loyalty and ideological alignment. For Jack, this situation was deeply troubling, and he voiced his fears about the long-term impact these developments could have on the country.
Conclusion: A Thought-Provoking and Eye-Opening Visit
In conclusion, Jack Lombardo’s visit was an incredibly enriching and thought-provoking experience. His talk provided us with a deeper understanding of American culture, the education system, the political climate, and the real-world implications of issues like gun violence. Jack’s openness in sharing his personal experiences, including the struggles he faced in the American education system and the impact of gun violence on his life, was both enlightening and emotional. We were able to ask him questions, which allowed for a deeper engagement with the topics he discussed. Through this exchange, we not only learned about the USA from a personal perspective but also gained insights into how different our own lives in Germany are from those in America. Jack’s visit highlighted the complexities of living in the USA, and it encouraged us to reflect on the various issues shaping both countries today. It was an experience that will stay with us for a long time and has left us with much to think about, particularly in terms of cultural differences, politics, and social issues.
