Schmidt, 21, first came to America in 2004 when she attended Port Huron Northern High School as a senior. She noted differences between the schools in Germany and the United States.

Eleventh- and 12th-grade classes in Germany are comparable to freshman and sophomore college level courses in the United States. “There are no multiple choice questions there, either,” she said. “The questions on tests are more theory. It is harder.”

She returned to Germany and earned an associate degree. Schmidt then decided to return to Port Huron.

“After visiting America as an exchange student, I knew I wanted to come back. I had a host familie in Port Huron already (from her first visit), so it was pretty easy to come back.”

Schmidt brought her active school nature to Port Huron. Overseas, she was active in a sport called European handball. She was invited to join the professional handball team in Germany but had to turn it down because of injuries and because she planned to return to America.

At SC4, Schmidt is involved in the Lambda Mu chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. She also works at and performs in theater on campus.

“Enjoy the little things,” Schmidt said, “because someday you may look back and realize those were the big things.”

Schmidt has settled in to SC4. She said the friendly campus atmosphere was helpful. “(I like) the personal connection with the teachers; they are always willing to help you. Also, the campus is small and located close to my house, so I can ride my bike.”

She plans to graduate from SC4 in May and to return to Germany for a visit. She plans to transfer to the University of North Carolina to complete her bachelor’s degree. Her next move would be to attend medical school at the University of Michigan. Schmidt said she wants to either become a pediatrician or an orthopedic surgeon.