In her valedictorian speech to her fellow graduates in June of 2015, Katherine Armstrong’s lasting advice to her peers was: “Do not forget that you are an individual with your own unique potential.”

Armstrong followed her own unique dreams as she decided to defer her acceptance to William & Mary and attend a German high school for a year. As her year is wrapping up, we caught up with Armstrong to learn more about her unique cultural experience in Germany.

Armstrong first heard of the program in Germany through her Dominion German teacher, Frau Eddington. Driven by her passion for traveling and exploring other cultures, Armstrong could not pass up the opportunity to attend the Louise Henriette Gymnasium in Birkenwerder, Germany, a small town on the outskirts of Berlin. Armstrong is a junior at this school and studies all the typical subjects a Dominion student would take, with the addition of politics and educational theory.

Armstrong enrolled as a junior because seniors spend most of their time prepping for exams and the school year is shorter.

“My favorite part about studying abroad has probably been exploring different places, above all Berlin. I think it’s a city with personality, which is why it has had such a draw on me,” said Armstrong.

Armstrong lives with a host family in Berlin with which she spends a lot of her time. On weekends, she enjoys spending time with her friends exploring the city.

Armstrong encouraged students to take part in a study abroad program for the incredible experiences it can offer. “I think it’s important not only to consider beforehand how challenging living abroad may be—because of cultural and linguistic differences, homesickness, etc. — But also to realize that your time will only be that much more rewarding. By pushing yourself to the edges of your comfort zone, you learn to practice tolerance, openness, and understanding,” Armstrong said.

Armstrong will return to the United States in mid–June and will return to William & Mary in August where she plans to major in International Relations.