I passed the civics, reading and writing test as part of the naturalization process yesterday. I’ve rarely if ever had that much fun taking a test.
Especially in light of the fact that just 8 days prior I took – and passed – the National Counseling Exam. That one was decidedly unfun.
This country offers new citizens an opportunity for a name change upon naturalization. I will be changing my last name to Schaefer, my maternal grandfather’s last name.
Wolfgang Schäfer was an endlessly quirky, painfully outspoken, forever young at heart, relentlessly active and knowledge-hungry math professor, story-teller and adventurer.
I wouldn’t be who I am or likely where I am if it wasn’t for him. It’ll forever hurt that he didn’t live long enough to see me find my happy place in life, and that I wasn’t allowed to say goodbye before he passed.
Anyway, when you see my name change on social media, the website, etc, that’s why. I’m excited to trade my A number (alien registration number 
) for an American passport, and I’m so grateful to belong here rather than merely being allowed to stay.
Another thing:
This is a professional platform. I ask that whatever you wouldn’t say to me in person, or whatever you wouldn’t say to your male or female physician, mechanic, or insurance agent, you don’t say on here, to include comments, DMs, replies to stories, texts and emails. Especially if you don’t know me personally.
Not every thought in our head needs to be expressed via our outside voice or busy keyboard fingers. If this German, soon to also be American, can manage to have some kind of a filter, so can you. We’re not known to sugar coat much and I sure don’t.
I want this to be a friendly place, for you all and for me too. Rant over.
Packing picture featuring the Shepherds (fun fact: Schäfer means “shepherd” in German), Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy Ambassador Mustangs Lacy and Tiny, and yours truly from earlier this month.
