On Thursday morning, we all met at 11.30 a.m. at the train station Zofingen. Some of us went there by bicycle, others were driven or took the bus. It was the first time that none of us came late.

When we arrived in Bern most of us immediately looked for a McDonald’s, Subway or Burger King because everyone just wanted to eat. No wonder, it was 12 o’clock – lunchtime. After eating, we walked around the city and some of us went shopping.

At 1.30 p.m. we went together to the U.S. Embassy. When we arrived, we first had to show our passports to a policeman. After he confirmed our identity and let us into the Embassy everyone had to pass security checks like at the airport. It was amusing that a few of us had scissors or even pocket knives in their bags and the policemen looked at them with an inquiring look.

In the Embassy two American and one Swiss employee told us, what their jobs are and how exhausting but also exciting the constant travelling from one country to another is. They told us that they receive a list of different countries and they can choose which country they would like to be sent to. Switzerland, for example, is a country where many want to go because it’s so clean and peaceful. Because many choose the peaceful countries, they have to write a kind of candidature where they advertise themselves and say why they would be the best choice.

They told us about the jobs someone can have at the U.S. Embassy and that you don’t have to have a specific degree to work at the Embassy. You can choose between five careers there:

• Consular Officer: strategic thinker and crisis manager who protects U.S. citizens and interests abroad.
• Economic Officer: negotiator who builds and maintains positive economic and trade relations between the U.S. and Switzerland.
• Management Officer: creative, fast-thinking problem-solver who handles diverse challenges.
• Political Officer: informed negotiator who interprets situations and advises on international issues.

• Public Diplomacy Officer: expert in cross-cultural relations and communications who builds public awareness and promotes U.S. interests abroad.

The three women where very nice and at the end we could ask them some questions.

Then the violinist and singer Gaelynn Lea came and performed some songs for us. The most beautiful and touching song was a love song called “Someday We’ll Linger in the Sun”. She also told us her life story and how she never gave up. That was very inspiring.

After spending a few minutes with her, we realized how much it means to her that all people are treated the same. She said that everyone should try to make the world a little bit better for people with a disability. Of course, we share her opinion. At the end, we even sang with her; that was really cool.

This afternoon at the U.S. Embassy was very interesting and the whole class shares the opinion that we’re very happy and grateful that Ms Pallini shared this experience with us.

Michelle Edison & Vanessa Santos, class Bez 3b