Alicia Hermer stands ready to take on America.

Every year, thousands of students travel across the world to study abroad in the United States, each hoping to experience “the American dream.” Omaha South has welcomed one of those students, Alicia Hermer.

“I wanted to experience a new culture, improve my English and see what life was like in America,” Hermer, a senior, said.

Hermer’s hometown is in Bavaria, Germany, which she described as beautiful, with mountains and lakes. Bavaria is a state in southeast Germany with a population of 13.44 million and an area of about 27,200 square miles.

Adjusting to American culture has brought many differences. In Germany, school ends around 1 p.m., students cannot choose their school subjects and public transportation is common. In America, Hermer has noticed that cars are essential for getting around and that sports are a major part of student life. “It feels more relaxed here, and I like that I got to pick out my classes,” she said.

Part of the fun for Hermer has been crossing items off her bucket list, such as trying Raising Cane’s, Crumbl Cookies and Chipotle. She still misses the healthier meals Germany offered and the festivals of her hometown.

As her time at Omaha South continues, Hermer is enjoying spending time with new friends who have invited her to play sand volleyball, attend the homecoming dance and go trick-or-treating. Hermer said the friendships she has made here are what she will miss the most. “Leaving all of this will be the hardest part,” she said.

Hermer came to America hoping to experience “the American dream,” but she has realized she will leave with more than that. This is just one chapter of Hermer’s exchange year, and the rest is yet to come.