As the number of immigrants let into the United States decreases, the amount of German-born American citizens is becoming more of an oddity.

Born in the United States, Lisa Richman moved to Germany  teaches Grosse Pointe South students the unique language of her native land.

“My life played out in Alt Perlach, Munich,” Richman said. “Exploring and adventuring new parts of the land was one of my favorite parts, and it’s definitely stuck with me to this day.”

Richman’s vast knowledge on German history and culture is even showing to be rubbing off on her students.

“Coming into German class as a Freshman, I had little to no perspective on the great culture that exists on the other side of the world,” said Logan Bauer ’19. “After only two years of [Richman’s] class, I’m happy to say that my view on Germany as a whole has been positively changed.”

Even after working together for 9 years, Richman is always able to keep her classroom neighbor, Ryan Wheaton entertained with fascinating stories of her life in a foreign land.

“We’ve passed stories between each other, as I’ve spent time in France,” said Wheaton. “It’s always fun hearing what [Richman] has to say about Germany and Europe as a whole.”

According to Richman, her time spent in Germany was one of the leading factors that resulted in her becoming a teacher. Learning the European lifestyle at an early age allowed for an easy transition into the job world.

“After deliberation with my parents, I decided to go to college and the first step in the teaching profession,” said Richman. “My first day in the classroom marked the beginning of a great career and a bright future.”