Laura’s Farewell Speech

I remember the first two days I arrived here in New Zealand. I was so exciting but at the same time I felt so alone and literally started crying every night, wondering if I really made the right choice by leaving all my family and friends behind. But my orientation week started and that gave me a huge motivation boost because all the people I met were so open and friendly. And I guess we have to admit we all were a bit homesick at the beginning so we were really glad to have each other.

I soon realised that this school had a special atmosphere. It never really felt like “school“, it is more like a place to hangout with your friends and teachers while improving your English. I have to say that I have never experienced such a great teacher-student relationship. I guess the key to your success is that students don’t really have that much pressure as they may have in their home country. For me it was that I respected my teacher in such a positive way that I simply didn’t want to disappoint her in not doing what she asked me to do that’s why I always did my homework which was definitely not the case in Germany. The other thing is: you are here by choice so you want to make the best out of your time. And i suggest that you really do that.

Over the past 3 months I examined the teachers reactions when students were reading out their farewell speeches and it was heartwarming to see that nearly every Friday someone started crying from joy or at least teared up which actually happened to me all the time 😀 At the beginning of my school time I said to myself that I don’t want to hold a speech and that I’m just going to say thanks and that’s it, but that definitely changed over the time. Now I’m of the opinion that this is one of the best ways to honour your teacher and they definitely deserve to hear all of this over and over again so that they never forget why they are here and how much they are being appreciated. With that being said: Liz you are an amazing human being and it was so much fun being in your class. And just keep doing what you do because you really brighten up our days. Same for you, Claire. Although I’ve only been in your class for 2 weeks but you have a great and outstanding personality. So cheers to you guys.

Last but not least I want to say thank you to all the wonderful people I met along the line. Thanks to you I’m able to tell so many awesome stories when I get back to Germany. You were able to always cheer me up and it’s just such a good feeling when you know that you have people around you supporting you in everything you do or want to achieve in the future. Remember when I said I used to cry the first nights because I felt alone? Now I cry in my bed because I will miss all of you so much.

Thank you & see you soon

Laura