Rafaela Boldt -- Foreign exchange student, Anderson High

Rafaela Boldt was raised in Siegburg, Germany by her parents Guenter and Brigitte, along with her older brother Daniel.

In her youth Rafaela developed a close-knit relationship with her friends at ground school, the equivalent to American elementary schools.

With very few extracurricular activities in the German school system, Rafaela stayed active with club sports, particularly tennis.

"Tennis has helped me meet a lot of different people throughout Europe," said Rafaela. "I've met some of my best friends through tennis."

Rafaela dedicated much of her youth to practicing tennis and traveling to tournaments throughout Europe, something that wouldn't have been possible without the support of her parents.

The dedication on the tennis court paid dividends for the 17-year-old, as she eventually earned the No. 4 ranking in her region and became nationally ranked in Germany.

However, in one of the biggest and scariest decisions of her young life, Boldt put her tennis dreams on hold to experience life as a foreign exchange student at Anderson Union High School.

The transition took some getting used to, but Rafaela has grown to appreciate life in America.

As a tennis player for the Cubs this fall, Boldt was crowned as the individual champion of the Northern Section, before teaming with Teri Dibble for the doubles title.

Just as she did back home, Rafaela found comfort and friendship on the tennis court, and before long she was fitting right in with the student body at Anderson high.

"The teachers and students at Anderson have gone out of their way to make me feel welcome," said Rafaela. "The high school experience in America is much different than in Germany. We're more spirited here and it's more fun."

Upon her return to Germany next year, Rafaela has two more years of high school. Although Rafaela loves her life in Germany, along with her family and friends, she admits that the opportunity to attend college and play tennis in America would be very exciting.

"The one thing I've learned by coming to America is that happiness can be found in more than one place," said Rafaela. "When the time comes for me to decide on a college, I'm sure everything will work out."

Name: Rafaela Boldt.

Born where and when: Bonn, Germany on July 26, 1989.

Occupation: Foreign exchange student at Anderson Union High School.

Marital Status: Single.

Family: Parents, Guenter and Brigitte Boldt, brother Daniel.

Pets: My American cat, Mitts.

My first job: Babysitting.

In my spare time I: Play tennis, travel and hang out with friends.

My favorite book: The White Masai.

My favorite movie: Euro Trip.

My dream car: A BMW M-5.

My friends like me because: I'm easy to talk to.

If stranded on a deserted island, I would want: My family, friends and food.

The one thing in life I've learned is: There are wonderful places in the world outside of my homeland.

The best advice my parents gave me: To come to America as a foreign exchange student.

My most embarrassing moment was: Calling a bandaid a bandana.

My most valued material possession: My tennis racket.

My heroes are: My parents.

My pet peeve: People who talk bad about others.

My fantasy is: To get a tennis scholarship in America.

The most enjoyable thing about life is: Meeting new people and experiencing new things.