As I said last time, my interview was in February. The interview was conducted via Google+ which was kinda nice, because I didn't actually have to go anywhere, but it also made me kinda nervous because I am kinda prone to technological difficulties. Hold up just a second. Let's back up. I don't know if I've actually ever described how the CBYX actually works, and if I have... oh well. We're doing it again. The CBYX interview consists of 2 parts: the group interview, and the individual one. In the group interview, you are given a prompt and you and the rest of the group have 15 minutes to come up with ideas and then at the end you present your collective ideas to the committee. The group interview is a little more traditional. The committee asks you various questions and you answer, hopefully honestly. Anyway back to my story. A week before the interview, we started a practice group interview, which was nice. I got to meet some of the other CBYX hopefuls in my area, and got to practice sharing my ideas and working as a team using Google Docs. We just practiced with a Google Doc, whereas in the actual interview, we did a video call as well, so we could communicate by talking and typing. But it was comforting to practice regardless. Anyway the prompt for the practice interview was about why Germans should visit the U.S. and we made a pretty darn thorough outline, if I do say so myself. Later in that week, the chairperson emailed me and asked me to do a test call with him, which I didn't do for some reason or another (I was probably just too busy with school or some other lame excuse). I suggest to everyone that is applying for next year that you check your email regularly, and do EVERYTHING the CBYX people tell you to do, even if you don't see the point. They take every interaction, everything, into account during the selection process. My blatant choice to not do a test call had some effect in what happened later. Aaaaanyway, the morning of the interview finally came!!! I set up a cute little table in my room and positioned my laptop just right. And then... I waited... and waited some more. Finally it came time for my group interview, but the interview before must have been running a little long, because the Google Doc with the prompt became available right on time, but the call didn't come until 15 or 20 minutes later. Those of us who weren't in the late interview started getting our ideas together while we waited. The prompt was about pros and cons of an American High School student's life. The call finally came and we continued organizing our thoughts. After our 15 minutes were up, we did a pretty bomb presentation if I do say so myself. I think we were supposed to have one or two spokespeople to present, but all 6 of us presented a small portion, which I thought was a good idea :). The 6 of us continued chatting for a couple minutes after the interview, which was nice, because those who had already had their interview gave advice to those of us hadn't. Then I had like an hour in between the group interview and my individual, so naturally I watched netflix until the call came. When I answered, I saw a large table full of slightly intimidating adults. After running through some brief instructions, they launched right into the questions. Most of the questions were like what would I do in certain situations, and stuff like that. Here, I'll list the questions I remember and a summary of my answer.
- Q: What if you didn't have access to an LDS church building and you were unable to attend church for the whole year?
- A: In that situation, I would study the scriptures and everything on my own and continue to pray and practice my religion. I actually wouldn't mind this situation too much, because it would give me the chance to explore my own spirituality and my own beliefs, independent from my church.
- Q: What if you were placed with a Muslim host family?
- A: I've had the chance to learn quite a bit about the Islamic religion because I participated in a month long exchange program with Algerians, who are Muslim. We had many discussions about religion and beliefs, and I got the chance to learn about differences and similarities between Islam and Christianity. One of closest friends is also Muslim, and we've had several conversations about religion. I'd definitely be open and even excited to live with a Muslim family so I can not only learn more about German culture, but Islamic culture as well.
- Q: In the previous situation, would you be willing to wear a scarf on you head in the home if your host family asked you to?
- A: Of course!
- Q: Would you describe a non-academic situation in which you failed? **This question was also the topic of one of the essays on the preliminary application**
- A: (I would rather not share this personal story with all of the internet)
- Q: Are you afraid of losing your identity while you are abroad? **This was probably my favorite question, because it was the most thought provoking in my opinion**
- A: No. I don't think it's possible to lose your identity. Your identity is who you are and it's flexible. It changes as you change through your various experiences. Identity can change, and should change, but it can never be lost. I think the point of this program is to have your identity change. If you return from Germany the same as when you left, you missed the whole purpose of the exchange. I hope my eyes are opened through CBYX and I learn a lot. I hope I will have experiences that will change me for the better and make me stronger, and I hope Germany will become a part of my identity. That's called progress.
Anywayyy... moving right along. After about a month of painful waiting, I finally got an email from the ASSE chairman in mid March that said call this number immediately. The chairperson answered and said "I have good news for you!" My stomach fluttered with excitement and anticipation. "You have been chosen as an ALTERNATE for the CBYX scholarship!" My heart dropped and I nearly broke into tears. Not this bull crap again. I had worked way too hard to be told I was just a stinking alternate! I didn't really believe him when he told me it really was good news because there was still a good chance I would get to go. That's what they told me last year too, and I didn't get the scholarship despite their assurance that it was "good news." I was fairly certain that this was just their polite way of telling me I wasn't good enough, and they just told everyone who wasn't good enough for the scholarship that they were alternates. I had given up hope of going to Germany, and was starting to make plans for next school year and such. I was even going to delete this blog, because I couldn't stand the embarrassment of not being chosen for a second year in a row. But... BUT...BUT...then it happened!!! I got a call from CBYX last thursday from CBYX. This time it was Evi Zillmer, the ASSE CBYX Program Director (or something important like that), who called. She opened with the same line "I have good news for you!" Then she had me guess what her good news was. I tentatively said, "Am I a finalist?!" praying it was't too good to be true. And guess what!! IT WASN'T TO GOOD TO BE TRUE!!! I am actually going to Germany!! On a full ride scholarship!!! For a whole year!!! I still can't believe it!! I've wanted this since Freshman year and now I finally get to go as a senior! I even applied for my passport today, so there's no backing out now!! I've been bubbling with excitement since Thursday!! Ahhhhhh!!! I can't wait!!!
I'll update you as soon as I get more information!!
Bis Bald,
Aspen :)
PS: I was also chosen as an alternate for NSLIY but I had to decline my position because the specific dates conflicted with some church stuff. But now I'm not upset because Germany!!