First-Year Students

Why did you choose to attend the U of M?
I walked on campus the first time, and I just knew that it was the right fit. After working to justify my choice by applying to four other schools, I ended up going to my first choice: the U of M.

What activities are you involved in on campus?
Marching Band, Concert Bands, Honorary Band Fraternity, Various Music Ensembles

What is your favorite campus/college memory?
One week my second year: On Wednesday, getting called and asked to go to Florida with the pep band. On Thursday, leaving for Florida and spending five days, only performing twice. On Saturday, getting a call announcing that I would be an orientation leader. Early in the next week, I got a call announcing that I was accepted as a student in the school of music, after a two month wait. This was quite the week!

What would you want first-year students to know about coming to the U of M?
Yes, there are a lot of people here. I will not lie about this. The way to make campus comfortable is to become engaged in something that you love. The next four years are a gift given to you, and is your opportunity to find activities and people that make you feel good and feel whole.

What makes you unique?
I designed and drew plans for two homes that were built by the time I was 19 years old. I still love houses, though architecture was my first of 3 majors. I now spend most of my time planning for my semester abroad in Fiji.

Why did you choose to attend the U of M?
I chose to attend the U of M because as a senior in high school, I didn't know exactly what I wanted my college career to be. Luckily, the U offered endless opportunities (large city, diverse student body, variety of majors) for me to make my experience whatever I wanted.

What activities are you involved in on campus?
Greek Life: Fraternity, a few years of Orientation & First-Year Programs leadership positions, Minnesota Programs & Activities Council

What is your favorite campus/college memory?
After my first-year, I moved back to Janesville, WI for the summer. I can't describe how great it was to drive down I-94 and see the Minneapolis skyline in late August to move into my new housing. I was home again.

What would you want first-year students to know about coming to the U of M?
Not all mistakes are bad. Not all challenges and disapointments should be avoided.

What makes you unique?
I have a severe condiment phobia.

Why did you choose to attend the U of M?
As soon as I visited the U of M, I knew that this is where I wanted to be. I valued the huge campus, diverse student population, and big 10 athletics.

What activities are you involved in on campus?
I have been a member of the Orientation & First-Year Programs office since my freshman year. I was a New Student Weekend Leader, an Orientation Leader last summer, and now I am a Student Coordinator! When I am not in OFYP, you can either find me at the rec center playing intramural sports or at my sorority.

What is your favorite campus/college memory?
Tough to pick just one! The one that stands out the most is the first time I went to a Gopher Football game. The swarm of maroon and gold was like nothing I have ever seen before.

What would you want first-year students to know about coming to the U of M?
The sooner you get involved in something you enjoy, the sooner you'll start enjoying your time at the U of M. Explore the 700 student groups we have on campus until you find the perfect match. Look at some that you might be familiar with but take the plunge and explore some extreme options as well. You might surprise yourself!

What makes you unique?
I found a $100 bill in a puddle this Spring.

Why did you choose to attend the U of M?
I actually had intended the U of M to be my back-up school, but the second I set foot on campus for a tour I knew it fit. The energy and environment of the campus very much matched my personality and made me excited to attend! There are so many opportunties and experiences available to students which influenced my decision even more. Now that three years have gone by, I could not imagine myself anywhere else.

What activities are you involved in on campus?
Much of my involvement on campus has been through the Orientation and First-Year Programs office. I have been involved in the office's programs since I was a freshmen and now I'm a senior, wow how time flies! I also love to be active and am involved in many different intramural sports.

What is your favorite campus/college memory?
My favorite campus moment happened before I even started classes my first year. I had come to visit my sister, and was still undecisive about attending the U of M and waiting for something to click. I was walking across the Washington Ave. bridge, listening to my ipod, on and absolutely perfect spring day....and click! Students buzzing around me, surrounded by the beautiful campus, I finally knew that I belonged here. I will never forget that moment.

What would you want first-year students to know about coming to the U of M?
It's not as big as it seems. With the number of students attending, the U of M campus can be very intimidating! But you will be amazed at the connections and relationships you will form by getting involved, etc. that make this campus feel less like a large population and more like a small community.

What makes you unique?
I have the travel bug! I have trouble staying in the same city for too long. In the last year I have been to Italy, Peru, and Greece. I love experiencing different cultures and environments!

Why did you choose to attend the U of M?
I decided to attend the U because they have an excellent Genetics program and a great availability for research. Also because it was close to home.

What activities are you involved in on campus?
Commuter Connection, Greek Life: Sorority

What is your favorite campus/college memory?
Randomly dancing in the elevators.

What would you want first-year students to know about coming to the U of M?
Your experience is what you make it. Make good decisions and it will be a fabulous one.

What makes you unique?
I tell random stories to help loosen the tension of a situation and it usually works.

Why did you choose to attend the U of M?
I chose to attend the U of M because I liked the atmosphere of the campus. It had a real, down-to-earth feel to it. At the U of M, I knew I would have an endless variety and number of opportunities open to me and be able to live up to my potential.

What activities are you involved in on campus?
Pre-physical therapy club, Community Engagement Scholars Program, University of Minnesota-Fairview Hospital Physical Therapy Volunteer

What is your favorite campus/college memory?
My favorite campus memory would probably be Spring Jam my freshman year. We had a Territorial softball team that "rocked it" in the tournament that week. The weather was ideal, and there was tons of free food and activities.

What would you want first-year students to know about coming to the U of M?
I would want first-year students to know that the number of opportunities at the U of M is endless. Do not limit yourself. Become involved and dare to push yourself out of your comfort zone. The end results will be well worth it.

What makes you unique?
My funny "tidbit" would be that I partook in the U of M's beloved homecoming lip-synch competition as a proud member of Territorial Hall's team, and we received a standing ovation for our remarkable performance.

Why did you choose to attend the U of M?
The U has a great child psychology program so that was a big reason. Also, I love the Twin Cities and when I visited campus I loved it!

What activities are you involved in on campus?
New Student Weekend Leader '07, Y-Buddies, Pre-Occupational Therapy Club

What is your favorite campus/college memory?
I love going to Gopher football games!

What would you want first-year students to know about coming to the U of M?
The U is a huge place but if you get involved you will meet lots of people with similar interest and campus will seem a lot smaller. Take advantage of free food on campus.

What makes you unique?
I love corn on the cob mostly because I love shucking corn.

Why did you choose to attend the U of M?
I chose to go to the U of M to experience an entirely new "culture." I grew up in a small town and wanted to see the big city.

What activities are you involved in on campus?
I currently am an active member of Asian Student Union. I also hold a University job.

What is your favorite campus/college memory?
I have more or less a general memory of watching movies in St. Paul Student Center Theater on Wednesdays.

What would you want first-year students to know about coming to the U of M?
The U can be intimidating with numbers but don't worry, the University shrinks within a few weeks of being here.

What makes you unique?
I can wiggle my nose and bend my elbows more than 90 degrees backwards.

Why did you choose to attend the U of M?
When I toured the U of M, I fell in love with all of the resources there are. It's a big campus, but it just opens the door for a plethora of opportunity.

What activities are you involved in on campus?
I'm involved with the Queer Student Cultural Center, the Black Student Union, the Minnesota Student Association, the Saint Paul Alliance, and Orientation & First-Year Programs Office.

What is your favorite campus/college memory?
I have too many to name one as my official "favorite campus/college memory."

What would you want first-year students to know about coming to the U of M?
It appears big at first, but the more you find your niche you will notice how small the VERY BIG University becomes.

What makes you unique?
My individuality and my pride for me makes me unique. I am very confident in who I've become! The older I get, the more I understand me, and thus I grow even prideful.

Why did you choose to attend the U of M?
I chose the U of M for a variety of reasons. First off, the biomedical program here is very competitive. I am also close to home (which has been a life-saver). Finally, as a native Minnesotan, I was essentially raised as a gopher since both my parents went to the U of M at some point in their academic careers.

What activities are you involved in on campus?
On campus, although I enjoy attending random meetings of interest, I am active in the Biomedical Engineering Society and am also the founder and president of the Cribbage Club. I make it a habit to do intramurals every semester, ranging all the way from volleyball to broomball.

What is your favorite campus/college memory?
During my freshman year there was a classic Minnesotan Blizzard. It was a Thursday and classes were cancelled in the afternoon. A large group of students started an epic snowball fight in the super-block. Later, a band of Greek students came and kicked all of our freshman tails.

What would you want first-year students to know about coming to the U of M?
College is much more than academics. Mind you, your studies are very important, but this is a time in your life to really define yourself as an individual and be free. Get involved on campus, try new things, step out of your comfort zone, make a ton of new friends, and enjoy the whole experience! Make good decisions, learn from your mistakes early and remember - college is what you make of it.

What makes you unique?
Oooooh, I am very Minnesotan. I did live in Europe for four years, but my heart is (and always will be) with the land of 10,000 lakes. Forget the Vikings/Twins/Wild/T-Wolves seemingly mediocre seasons; we will win it all next year! Call me crazy, but I love the frigid winters and humid summers. Uff dah, an accent you say? Yah, You Betcha!

Why did you choose to attend the U of M?
I LOVE Minneapolis! The arts, vibrancy, and kind of people attracted me initially to this city. Thankfully there was an exciting, academically excellent, and fun University in Minneapolis: The U of M.

What activities are you involved in on campus?
I write and perform music around campus. Also, I enjoy exploring campus, meeting and conversing with people. Life has so much to offer; I try to make the best of those opportunities.

What is your favorite campus/college memory?
Falling off a sheer drop cliff up North and climbing back up again.

What would you want first-year students to know about coming to the U of M?
Stretch your comfort zone to the point of a 10 out of 10 on the "I would be way too embarrassed to do that but I wish I did" odometer. You will grow!

What makes you unique?
I can do a WICKED chicken walk. Although, people typically regret seeing it once they do.

Why did you choose to attend the U of M?
Honestly, my uncle had been "coaching" me to be a gopher since I was a little girl; he loved the sports teams! When I toured the U I fell in love with the campus and I appreciated that it was in such a great city with so many opportunities. When it came time to apply for schools the U of M was the only place I could see myself and therefore the only place I applied.

What activities are you involved in on campus?
I am an actively involved member of my sorority. I also work as a waitress at a place in Dinkytown.

What is your favorite campus/college memory?
Going to the Gopher football games my freshman year. We would round up a bunch of us from our residence hall, all decked out in Gopher gear, load in the busses packed with students, and head to the game. All the energy and Gopher pride inside the dome was unbelievable.

What would you want first-year students to know about coming to the U of M?
The campus might seem very large and somewhat intimidating, but by the end of the second week it will start to feel like home. The best way to connect with campus and make it their own is to get involved with something that interests them.

What makes you unique?
I love ketchup on my Mac and Cheese.

Why did you choose to attend the U of M?
I knew the U would be a great experience for me to grow and get involved.

What activities are you involved in on campus?
Y-buddies, New Student Weekend Leader, Greek life: Fraternity (VP) and OFYP

What is your favorite campus/college memory?
All of it, except for finals :).

What would you want first-year students to know about coming to the U of M?
It seems big and overwhelming at first, but the more people you get to know and more things your become involved with makes the campus that much smaller.

What makes you unique?
I like cheese.

Why did you choose to attend the U of M?
I liked the idea of a big school; opportunities to meet people along with educational opportunities!

What activities are you involved in on campus?
Big Brothers Big Sisters Minneapolis, Crash Dance Productions, University YMCA Immersion Program.

What is your favorite campus/college memory?
Sharing an apartment with my best friend, yet the first night the dishwasher exploded, the fire alarm went off, and the disposal backfired all within one hour! Learning how to live in apartment of my own...yowza!

What would you want first-year students to know about coming to the U of M?
Keeping an open mind towards every person you meet at the University... because you can never know who will teach you something about yourself or the world.

What makes you unique?
I went to Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Tasmania, yet I want to travel the world. A tidbit about me is that I like to eat frozen peas while drinking hot chocolate... jabanero peppers are one of my favorite spices to cook with. I also like to wear colorful colors... even in the winter :).

Why did you choose to attend the U of M?
Because it's a great school with a lot of opportunities. I have never been to Minneapolis and I wanted to try something new.

What activities are you involved in on campus?
Greek Life: Sorority

What is your favorite campus/college memory?
Playing in the fountain by Murphy Hall in my first few weeks of school with my first year roommate. Grabbing coffee with friends and late night trips to the rec.

What would you want first-year students to know about coming to the U of M?
Try new things! There are so many opportunities here at the U. You never even know all the things you will be interested in. This is just the beginning.

What makes you unique?
I am deathly afraid of fish (even goldfish) and I absolutely love photography.

Why did you choose to attend the U of M?
I chose to come to the U of M because I needed to get away from my small town and experience the diversity of a big city campus can offer.

What activities are you involved in on campus?
I am involved in intramural volleyball a lot; the CBS mentor program, and the pre-pharmacy club until recently.

What is your favorite campus/college memory?
My favorite college memory was when I moved in. Just standing on the side of the curb with all of my stuff, waiting to move into my residence hall. I've come so far from the wide-eyed small town girl I was that day.

What would you want first-year students to know about coming to the U of M?
It might seem huge at first but there are so many people that are there to help and really want to. Getting involved is a critical part of your college experience and there are unlimited ways to meet new people and find your place at the University of Minnesota.

What makes you unique?
I love all of my food plain, without condiments or toppings and I read celebrity news like its my job.

Why did you choose to attend the U of M?
I chose the University of Minnesota because I know that having a degree from the U of M, one of the best universities, will open countless doors for me as I grow as a person.

What activities are you involved in on campus?
I am an active member in Deutscher Studenten, the German Club on campus. I was also elected the Student Body President and will run the student government, The Minnesota Student Association, for the 2008-2009 academic year.

What is your favorite campus/college memory?
Last spring hundreds of people stood still on the Northrop Mall for 5 minutes. It was amazing to see that many people come together!

What would you want first-year students to know about coming to the U of M?
There is an opportunity everywhere on campus; you just have to find it. If you join a club or team, make new friends, or become active then these opportunities will find you!

What makes you unique?
You can call me "Marky Mark"...

Why did you choose to attend the U of M?
I knew that I wanted to explore a different area of the United States for college. The U of M offered something new, along with a challenging academic curriculum, an extremely large and diverse student population, and, of course, Gopher Hockey!

What activities are you involved in on campus?
I am involved with Men's Water Polo, Colleges Against Cancer, Relay For Life Committee, and intramural hockey. I also coach one of the Women's Club Hockey teams.

What is your favorite campus/college memory?
My absolute favorite college memory is going to the University of Arizona for water polo nationals. The tournament was played in an outdoor pool and the entire trip was a blast.

What would you want first-year students to know about coming to the U of M?
Invest in a warm winter coat! Sometimes it is chilly getting to class during the winter. You will hear this a lot, but it is so easy to get involved. There are student organizations for everything! Also, an open mind goes a long way. Your life will be changed over and over again! These years will be unforgettable and you will meet so many different people that will significantly impact your life. Your experience here will be difficult to duplicate, so make it one to remember! I have also heard of this thing called "Minnesota nice," yeah it's true!

What makes you unique?
I usually cut my own hair. I have only had a couple professional haircuts since early high school.

Why did you choose to attend the U of M?
I wanted a first class education, which the U of M offers. In addition, I liked the location, the atmosphere, and the great people here.

What activities are you involved in on campus?
Undergraduate Supply Chain and Operations Club (USCOC) and Business Association of Multicultural Students (BAM)

What is your favorite campus/college memory?
My favorite memory on the U of M campus was sledding with my friends the day a blizzard canceled classes.

What would you want first-year students to know about coming to the U of M?
The University is a big place, but there are many areas for you to get involved in and have a good time, meet great people and learning.

What makes you unique?
I like to run, bike, swim, and garden in my free time. I actually potted vegetables in my residence hall last year.

Why did you choose to attend the U of M?
The opportunities on such a large campus are endless. I love being within two large cities. The University of Minnesota is known for their research and its something I wanted to be a part of.

What activities are you involved in on campus?
I'm currently involved in Pre-Dental Club, along with being secretary of Cribbage Club.

What is your favorite campus/college memory?
My favorite memory so far is Biology lab where we went through the entire genetic process of scraping your cheeks cells followed by transfiguration onto a genetic makeup. My saw my gene cell genetic makeup!

What would you want first-year students to know about coming to the U of M?
Don't be scared of a campus this size, it feels more like home each and every day. Never be afraid to ask questions, believe it or not the teachers actually want you to. Make it your own experience; it's your life!

What makes you unique?
I'm a triplet, I'm not afraid the wear Birkenstocks in March, my favorite color is freedom, and I wish Christmas was year round! And yes, the Cubs will win a World Series!

Why did you choose to attend the U of M?
I wanted to go out of state to a big school in a big city. I loved how the U had a college town feel but it was right next to downtown.

What activities are you involved in on campus?
I am in Greek Life: Sorority and Psi Chi Psychology honors. I also am a research assistant in the industrial and organizational department of psychology.

What is your favorite campus/college memory?
My favorite memory of college is the first week of school. It was so exciting to be someplace I had never been before and to meet so many new friends.

What would you want first-year students to know about coming to the U of M?
There are so many great opportunities to get involved and have fun on campus so take advantage of them because it goes by quickly.

What makes you unique?
I love to move around and hate staying in one place too long. By the time I graduate I will have lived in 11 different places including Lost Angeles and Baton Rouge Louisiana for my last semester.

Why did you choose to attend the U of M?
It is a nice location that is close to home in an area I am familiar with and I am also able to get a quality education here.

What activities are you involved in on campus?
Aside from being a program assistant I am involved with Greek Life: Fraternity and was involved in the New Student Weekend.

What is your favorite campus/college memory?
Living in a residence hall and getting to know the others living there was a very memorable experience. I met some people that I am still very close to and was able to expand my social horizon.

What would you want first-year students to know about coming to the U of M?
It seems overwhelming and huge at first, but after going around to class and meeting people for a little while, it gets a lot more comfortable and like a community you can feel at ease in.

What makes you unique?
I'm the only person in the world with my full name.

Why did you choose to attend the U of M?
Awesome academics, big city feel, close enough to home.

What activities are you involved in on campus?
Greek life: fraternity, intramurals, clubs for my major.

What is your favorite campus/college memory?
Homecoming/Spring Jam, New Student Weekend, Coming to a new place and becoming successful.

What would you want first-year students to know about coming to the U of M?
Every resource is wide-open for your use. Definitely involve yourself as much as you can.

What makes you unique?
I always have fun with everything I do and always have a smile on my face. Love the life you live!

Why did you choose to attend the U of M?
I chose the U of M because I want a full college experience. I am confident in everything the U has to offer me.

What activities are you involved in on campus?
I am involved in Greek Life; Sorority and the U of M basketball cheer team.

What is your favorite campus/college memory?
My favorite campus memory was when I "froze" in Northrop Mall. It was amazing to be a part of something bigger than myself.

What would you want first-year students to know about coming to the U of M?
Always be friendly, it makes your experience fulfilling in any situation.

What makes you unique?
I have never eaten a salad (basically most fruits and vegetables).

Why did you choose to attend the U of M?
Well first off, Goldy is the best mascot in the Big 10! Also, coming in as an undecided first-year student I knew the University had a variety of majors and opportunities for me to explore.

What activities are you involved in on campus?
Greek Life: Sorority, Community Engagement Scholars, University Mothers Against Drunk Driving (UMADD), University of MN Mentor Program, Campus Crusade

What is your favorite campus/college memory?
My favorite college memory is Spring Jam. I love the springtime and all the outdoor festivities!

What would you want first-year students to know about coming to the U of M?
Find a balance between academics and your social life. You will learn just as much from your peers as you will from your professors especially given the diverse atmosphere the U of M provides.

What makes you unique?
I've played in four Minnesota State Golf Tournaments, one of which we were champions.

Why did you choose to attend the U of M?
I was enrolled as a student at the U during my senior year of high school through PSEO and was able to make a lot of friends, interact with professors, and observe and be a part of the greater University experience. I knew that because I had such a positive experience at the U (even as a part time student), I wanted to spend all four years of college here. It was also a definite plus being close to home and having the U be in such a diverse community and city, especially for my major and what I would like to do after graduation.

What activities are you involved in on campus?
Campus Crusade for Christ, Student Advisory Board for Welcome Week 2008

What is your favorite campus/college memory?
Homecoming, Spring Jam, and I will never forget my Orientation and New Student Weekend experience, because that's where I met some of my closest friends.

What would you want first-year students to know about coming to the U of M?
You definitely have to take advantage of every unique resource that is offered here. As intimidating as it may be at first, don't be afraid to ask for help! The challenges you choose and the goals you set for yourself will be so worth all of the time and effort you put into them; the benefits will amaze you.

What makes you unique?
I've held a baby alligator, eaten half of a scorpion on a stick, and attended three different Universities in China.

Why did you choose to attend the U of M?
Because there are so many opportunities on and off campus to explore.

What activities are you involved in on campus?
Campus Crusade for Christ

What is your favorite campus/college memory?
I enjoy running around campus with my friends. The scenery around campus is beautiful and there are plenty of events going on.

What would you want first-year students to know about coming to the U of M?
It might seem really big and overwhelming at first, but soon you will feel completely at home.

What makes you unique?
I really don't like eating broken cheerios. I have to pull the bad ones out before I can eat my cereal.

Why did you choose to attend the U of M?
When I came or my very first visit to the U of M, I fell in love with the campus and the city. I wanted to move somewhat far away from home, and the U seemed like the perfect place for me. I loved the atmosphere of the city as well as all the great opportunities it has to offer.

What activities are you involved in on campus?
I am involved in gymnastics club here on campus and we practice three days a week. I am also involved with the Carlson Study Abroad Program, as I will be studying for a semester in Hong Kong for the Spring 2009 semester.

What is your favorite campus/college memory?
My favorite college memory so far has been competing in a dodge ball tournament for Business Week 2008. It was a double-elimination bracket and we lost the very first game. Determine to not get out of the tournament right away, we went on to win 7 more games all the way up to the championship round. We took 2nd place but it was the greatest day ever (even though my entire body was super sore for 3 days after).

What would you want first-year students to know about coming to the U of M?
I would want to stress the importance of putting yourself out there and getting involved to meet people. But finding the balance of social events and schoolwork and your health is the most important thing. Having this new sense of independence can be really exciting, but being responsible and managing your time well will keep you happy, healthy, and successful in college.

What makes you unique?
I know how to line dance from working at a restaurant called Texas Roadhouse where we danced to different songs every hour.

Why did you choose to attend the U of M?
As soon as I toured campus I knew it was for me. I love Minneapolis and the community available on, as well as off, campus. The Twin Cities have something for everyone!

What activities are you involved in on campus?
I really enjoy following the local music scene and going to shows. I don't align with any specific group but I love attending events that my friends participate and are involved with. They are often unique and allow me to learn about things I didn't know existed before. I also love softball, volleyball, and golf on or near campus.

What is your favorite campus/college memory?
It's tough to say what the best memory has been in the past three years. I road-tripped with a band (The Abdomen) to Summerfest (If you don't know what it is you should check it out!) last summer and it was sweet. We got back at like 3am on July 4th, slept for a few hours and then got up and built a stage for a performance later that day.

What would you want first-year students to know about coming to the U of M?
The U is a big school but once you get used to it you will see it can be small. Be yourself and get involved with activities that interest you. Try something new and get outside your comfort zone - it's so worth it! (Office hours are critical!)

What makes you unique?
I used to be able to solve a rubix cube in less than 4 minutes. Yes, I am 6'7'' and no, I don't play basketball. I always ask about food, I love to eat.

Why did you choose to attend the U of M?
Minneapolis is sweet and has so many fun things to do (Uptown, Downtown, Campus, etc.) The people here are way nice and fun, good ol' Midwesterners! Plus I like winter...seriously.

What activities are you involved in on campus?
Besides being a OFYP Program Assistant, I am currently a coordinator at the University YMCA for the Y-Buddies Program. I am also doing a research project for a History Professor, and whenever I have free time I am involved with hanging out with other gophers (as in students, not the animals...)

What is your favorite campus/college memory?
I really like road trips. I traveled to Pennsylvania with two other U of M students to visit our friends from when we studied abroad in Berlin, Germany. It was snowing in Minnesota (of course!) when we left, but we didn't let that stop us. It was about 34 hours round trip...pretty crazy, but hey, you're only young once!

What would you want first-year students to know about coming to the U of M?
Sleeping in public (i.e. Coffman) is not only accepted but I recommend it! Be open-minded about the people you meet; really get to know them before you make any judgments. When/if you move off campus, nobody cooks for you...just sayin'./i>

What makes you unique?
Sometimes I conveniently "misplace" my cell phone, so that I don't have to talk on the phone. It's like a mini vacation. I try to be original in my comedy, but in reality, it's so much more fun to quote movies. Since studying abroad, I've realized that a majority of the "time wasters" have been spent on travel websites looking for deals... I think I have a problem. I speak German, not fluently, but if you want to talk about the weather, I'm your guy!