# My Journey to Learning German and Securing a College Spot
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Chapter 1: The Beginning of a New Adventure
In 2017, I relocated to Houston, which opened up a lot of free time for me. Eager to utilize this time productively, I resolved to learn a new language. On a sheet of paper, I drafted a list of languages, placing German in the third position. As I explored various languages, I found myself drawn to the unique yet familiar aspects of German.
Self-study became my initial approach, armed with just a book. After completing it, I was determined to master the language. I sought out classes in my vicinity and enrolled in a local school.
To my surprise, I discovered a substantial German community in Houston. Interestingly, there was also a dialect known as Texas German, spoken near Austin, which featured amusing variations and a distinctive twang. This only solidified my belief that the language extended beyond Europe.
Section 1.1: Rekindling a Dream
During my studies, an old aspiration resurfaced. Back in high school, I had read Freud's The Psychopathology of Everyday Life, which mentioned his travels through the Alps. For reasons I couldn’t quite explain, this sparked a desire to live in that region. However, as a self-conscious high school student from humble beginnings, I dismissed this dream as unrealistic.
Subsection 1.1.1: Returning to Mexico
After a year in Houston, I returned to Mexico with an A2 (advanced beginner) certification and was eager to enroll in B1 (intermediate) courses. Unfortunately, my search yielded only B2 (advanced intermediate) options in my city. Choosing to challenge myself rather than take online classes, I signed up for the B2 course—an ill-fated decision, as it was above my current level.
Fortunately, I discovered a teacher offering B1 classes shortly thereafter and enrolled in her course.
Section 1.2: My Strategic Plan
By early 2019, I had graduated from Mexico. The procedure for getting my diploma involved submitting it to the Mexican government, who would process it and eventually send me an official degree. During this time, I planned to travel to Germany, learn the language intensively, and achieve the proficiency needed to work there before returning for my official degree.
Everything began smoothly; I enrolled in B2 classes in Hamburg and Berlin and then advanced to C1 (advanced or fluent) in Frankfurt. After three months, I returned to Mexico.
Chapter 2: The Unexpected Turn of Events
As I anticipated some bureaucratic delays from the Mexican government, I was unprepared for the significant setbacks that followed. Shortly after my return, the new president initiated a government restructuring, which resulted in further delays for my diploma. Once that was resolved, I finally received my degree, only to be met with another hurdle: the onset of COVID-19 halted my plans to travel to Germany.
During the pandemic, I continued my German studies with the same teacher while working in Mexico. The year dragged on slowly, but by 2021, circumstances began to improve. At that point, I considered pursuing another degree and had progressed to C1 and started C2 (highest level, mastery) in German. Although C1 was sufficient for my needs, I aimed for higher proficiency, knowing that all classes would be conducted in German.
Section 2.1: Acceptance and Anticipation
After passing the C1 Goethe test, I applied to a German college with my diploma and was thrilled to receive an acceptance letter. It felt like a stroke of luck; however, the next step was securing my visa. I scheduled an appointment and drove to Los Angeles to submit my documents and get my fingerprints taken.
As the days turned into weeks, I waited anxiously for my visa to arrive. A month passed, then another, and soon the start of school approached with no sign of my passport.
Desperate, I contacted the postal service and discovered that my visa was being held up in a facility, on the verge of being returned that very day!
Section 2.2: The Race Against Time
I rushed to the store and explained my situation to a staff member. Despite her initial reluctance, she searched diligently and finally emerged with my envelope.
“This might look like just an ordinary envelope,” I told her, “but it holds the key to my future!” I opened it to find my visa inside.
Hours later, I boarded a flight to Germany, still in disbelief that this was happening. I hesitated to celebrate until I set foot on German soil.
Chapter 3: The Moment of Truth
As I approached the immigration officer, I nervously handed over my documents, wiping the sweat from my palms. He scrutinized everything before asking, “Are you a student?”
“I’m about to be one,” I replied, and he stamped my passport, allowing me to proceed.
With each step toward the exit, I felt a mix of anticipation and disbelief. Just as I was about to leave the airport, the sight of German signs jolted me back to reality.
The adrenaline surged through me, and a wave of joy washed over me. I realized that all my struggles had been worthwhile. I was finally in Germany, ready to embrace this new chapter in my life.
In that moment, I inhaled the crisp Bavarian air, feeling an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and clarity. This was what I had fought for, what I had dreamed of, and I knew deep down that this was a moment to cherish. I savored it fully, aware that it might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.