We are pleased to announce Tjorben (“TJ”) Pioch as the December 2024 Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) German Participant of the Month! TJ, a CBYX High School program participant from Osnabrueck, Lower Saxony and placed by CIEE, is hosted by the Wheeler and Hoelscher Family in Campbell, Texas.

During his exchange year, TJ is introducing his host family to an array of traditional German dishes, such as pretzels, sauerkraut, and his special recipe for Spätzle, an egg noodle dish. TJ’s host family says that “sharing these meals has become a way to bond, not just over food, but over stories about his family’s customs, his hometown’s seasonal festivals, and the comforting routine of a German Sunday dinner.” His host family is also learning a great deal about the German government and civic engagement from TJ, who eagerly shares about Germany’s institutions.

TJ and his host mom are creating a special tradition which they call a “kitchen conversation.” Typically, after dinner when they are doing the dishes together, they talk about anything and everything. TJ says that their conversations about his future career and life plans are helping him to grow and self-reflect on what he wants to accomplish and the importance of prioritizing himself.

As an active member of his local Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter, TJ has undertaken a tractor restoration project and participated in Creed Speaking competitions, recently winning the competition at the district level and beating 15 other school districts! TJ is enjoying his participation in FFA so much that he wrote to the national FFA board to request that they open a chapter in Germany so he can participate back home. Although TJ has always lived in a city, he believes FFA is a great opportunity to learn about the importance of agriculture, and he cannot wait to share his newfound knowledge with his friends back home.

In addition to FFA, TJ is an active student, maintaining excellent grades, joining the choir, and volunteering at school events like the popcorn stand at volleyball games. Recently, he was awarded Student of the Week at his school for the second time. TJ also volunteers in his community through food drives, clean-up efforts, and FFA events. When asked about what has surprised him the most during his exchange, TJ says he did not expect Americans to be so open-minded and friendly, with people recognizing him in the hallways at school and initiating a conversation from a simple hello. However, TJ really enjoys the friendly and welcoming nature of community.

TJ’s host family shares, “Hosting Tjorben has not only enriched our family but has strengthened our community ties, allowing us to share in his cultures and values. Each day, his presence reminds us of the strength in cultural exchange and the lasting impact it has on everyone involved. We feel incredibly grateful to be part of his journey and to witness firsthand the person he’s growing into, shaped by the traditions of his German heritage and his experiences here in Texas.”

Congratulations, TJ!