BECKY T .
Member since 1971
Why did you come to Hamburg originally ? I got a scholarship to spend a year abroad and was sent to Germany , to Göttingen , in 1961-62 without speaking a word of German . In orientation for that , in an intensive German course in Hamburg , I met my future husband . After teaching German in the US a couple of years , I returned to Hamburg for good in 1964 to be with him .
How did you find out about AWCH ? I was having an identity crisis trying to raise two children according to the expectations of my German friends and neighbors and my Chinese husband ( he died eight years ago ). I called the consulate hoping for the name of a psychologist , but they gave me a club contact , which saved me . Back then , there was only one lunch meeting a month at a restaurant , but it was enough to make me feel normal again .
Over the years , you have been so active with the club — which positions have you held ? President ( 1975 ), newsletter editor , vice-president , Activities chair , Membership chair , FAWCO president ( 1995-97 ), head of FAWCO Citizenship Committee , head of FAWCO Region 5 ( Vienna and Germany ) for four years .
Becky T ., American Day at the airport , ca . 1985
How have you benefited from the club ? It ’ s been great working with smart people , which I think has made me smarter . I ’ ve also loved learning about Hamburg , Germany , and the world by going on wonderful tours , events , and trips organized by the club and flying around the world as far as to Beijing for FAWCO conferences .
Do you have a favorite memory or event ? I have so many — can ’ t think of one event that was more special than others . I loved coordinating the Film Group for 25 years . During that time , we became so professional that now members are accredited as press to attend press showings and film festivals . At one point , we had 45 members writing reviews .
Your advice for new members ? Jump in and participate as much as you can . Interact with other members who are involved and then start offering ideas , time , and work yourself . Don ’ t hesitate to make suggestions .
NANCY B .
Member since 1971
When and how did you first come to Hamburg ? After completing college and pre-med requirements , I participated in an eight-week summer work program in Europe . I didn ’ t speak a word of German but came to Germany with a sorority sister who did . We were assigned hotel housekeeping jobs in the North Sea island town of Wyk auf Föhr . We traveled by train from Paris to Hamburg , where a young German man helped us find a connection to the boat to Föhr . He ended up visiting us there every weekend . He was on the national hockey team and visited me back in the US in three months when there for a game . In 1964 , we were married , and I came to Hamburg .
How did you find out about AWCH ? Actually , I called the consulate shortly after I arrived in 1964 , but they only told me about the German-American Women ’ s Club . We moved to Flottbek , and , in 1971 , a neighbor there told me about
AWCH . I joined and was surprised to discover around 60 Americans living in Hamburg . They were very interesting , but most of them were here temporarily , with husbands working for big companies .
What has the club meant to you over the years ? When I moved to Germany , my pre-med credits were not recognized . I didn ’ t want to go back to square one and so never continued my medical studies . Instead , I worked as an assistant in a doctor ’ s office . Between raising two kids and work , I had little time to be actively involved with the club . My second , very happy marriage brought new obligations , again allowing little time for club activities . But I met lifelong friends through the club .
Has AWCH changed much over the years ? I am thrilled to see how it has developed . I wish I had had the resources the club offers now when I first moved here .
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